Stage Design

[ignitedstudents]

Hey guys, I need help with ideas for a stage design. We are fixing to build the stage for our new sanctuary and are looking for the best design. We love to do big Easter dramas & human videos. We have a band that consists of 6 inst. (keybd, 3 gtr types, drums w/ cage, percussion) 6 vocalists. We also have a choir of about 40 members. We need a flexible design that can allow us to do a lot. We are looking at using portable risers for the choir that are wide enough to set chairs on. Forgive the rough picture of the wall scheme. There is a baptistery with 1 big video screen that will go above it. There are 2 door ways, 1 on each side. Center depth can only be about 18'. So give me your ideas on shape, multi-level, stair locations, etc... If you can't see the dimensions, the side walls are about 6' then you have two 10' walls with an 18' center wall.

[Esoteric]

My recommendation on this one is to hire a professional.

Mike

[Gracetech]

Got any pictures?

crt

[ignitedstudents]

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[ignitedstudents]

Ok, the embed feature didn't work like I hoped. So here's an attachment.

[ignitedstudents]

You can go to: www.medartag.wordpress.com to see other general construction pictures.

[prochlea]

if you're looking for flexibility, I'd put a bunch of floor boxes around with lots of mic, speaker, and Cat5 connections that go back to a patch point somewhere

[ignitedstudents]

Floor boxes we're on, I haven't thought about the Cat5. Hopefully we'll be going to in-ear monitors very soon. It would be nice to pre-plan for that. Thanks. We've got a great A/V team that's coming in to do our sound, video and lighting. I'm mainly wanting to get some ideas on the shape of the stage.

[prochlea]

for stage layout - I would try to tape everything off on the floor. It will probably seem smaller once you start taping it off. Then tape off spots for each group/instrument. You'll be able to get more of a real feel for the stage when you can actually place people and see the space between them. Personally - I think a single level stage is better. It's definitely more flexible.

[churchtech007]

I attended a church for a while that had a stage about this size. It had a rounded front instead of the cutout edges. It gives you a little more space and is really flexable.

Jonathan

[Gracetech]

All i can say is Keep it Low. I always here that complaint every where i go, "i wish the stage was lower". Remember you can always add to but it's a pain to remove from. I would say that a stage around 18" to 26" high is about the right height. As for the lay out of the stage i say take as much space as you can and leave it all at one height(remember you can always add in risers).

This late in the game there isn't much more you can do.

crt

[theatre4jc]

I agree keep it all one height. I use to travel with a professional theatre group that performed in churches and we do...well they do a lot of human videos or mimes. Always had issues with places that had built in risers and steps. Also I come from a secular theatre background. IMO the more flat stage space you can get the better. Having a thrust or rounded down stage (front area near audience) can give you what feels like more space and can give you a nice look. If you are taking the stage wall to wall (full width of the room) then I would go with a thrust stage so that the Center Stage area is the obvious focal point. With a wide room and a straight stage it often feels and looks to big. If the stage is not going to be wall to wall I would go with a straight front at that 18' from the back wall to give you as much room as possible to work with.

Highlights:
Keep it one level
Thrust for a stage that is full width of room
Straight front for a stage that is not the full width of room

Just my thoughts. Oh and get as many dedicated 20 amp outlets as possible. If you plan on brining in out side events often may want to think about adding in some cam lock tie ins or bare wire lugs at the stage. From someone who did that it would make your life easier and their lives easier on those show days.