How do you manage to put a big stage in a small space - or at least ensure that it does not seem small? Think of the sets in TV studios. On TV they look a lot bigger than they actually are.
Here are 5 valuable tips:
1. A large or smaller audience
Consider the size of your audience. If you have a large audience, then plan for large and striking stage elements. If your audience is rather limited, make sure that the details are much more pronounced and stand out.
2. Let the space work for you
Place the stage against a wall or in the corner of the room. In reality this will limit the space used, but will still make the stage seem big. Choose a nice background - possibly place your stage in front of a video wall if one has already been provided. If the room has a low ceiling, then work on the width of your stage. You can make the stage appear bigger by adding sections on the sides. By repeating decorative elements of the stage in the rest of the room, it will also go a long way to making the overall effect seem larger.
3. Use the floor
If you rent a stage, the floor usually looks quite worn. Cover the floor with event-quality carpeting. Choose a color and style that complements the theme of your event, or reflects the space where the stage is located. This will also immediately make the platform seem a lot bigger.
4. Choose 'lightweight' lighting
Use 'lightweight' lighting instead of the usual heavy lighting elements on a truss. Use small LED fixtures that can be attached to walls or ceilings. They create beautiful abstract effects.
5. Put your sound system out of the way
Raise the stage and put the loudspeakers in the free space below the stage. However, note that this will not always deliver the best acoustics possible. Another option is to use a smaller sound system that you can arrange at the edge of the stage or on the floor.
