Great stage design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about storytelling through space, light, and form. At Smash Design, we’ve created jaw-dropping stage props and scenery for superstars like Katy Perry, Gabriel Iglesias, and even the President of the United States of America. One thing we’ve learned is that the secret to eye-popping stages lies in asking one crucial question: What story are we telling, and how can the stage amplify that narrative? (While looking insanely cool, naturally!)
Whether it’s a pop concert or a church stage set, exceptional stage design can help transform good shows into legendary experiences by creating immersive worlds that evolve throughout the performance. And today, we’re revealing our secrets!
Q: How did foam sculpture revolutionize modern set design?
A: Believe it or not, it’s been a total game-changer! High-density foam sculpture can create stunning visual elements that look like marble, metal, or wood but weigh a fraction of what traditional materials do. At Smash Design, we’ve perfected techniques that allow for:
- Quick scene changes: Lightweight foam sculpture pieces can be moved between songs or scenes for dramatic transformations
- Safety first: Study, yet soft enough to be safe for performers who interact with set pieces during high-energy performances
- Visual authenticity: Camera-ready surfaces that look expensive but can be fabricated and delivered for less under tight timelines
Take our work for Katy Perry: Her stage in Las Vegas demanded big, bold, colorful elements using custom foam sculpture that could move throughout the show, creating a dynamic fantasy world rather than static backdrops.
Q: What unique challenges come with designing for A-list performers?
A: Stage design for top-tier performers requires engineering for the unexpected. When designing for a show like Gabriel Iglesias’s Netflix special, we had to consider spontaneous moments and audience interaction. Our stage design philosophy always includes “what if” scenarios:
- What if the performer wants to climb on this thing?
- What if they bring audience members on stage?
- How do we maintain safety without compromising the visual impact?
- What if the freight elevator is broken?
We engineer every element with NASA-level safety margins while hiding all technical wizardry behind beautiful, camera-ready surfaces. The audience sees magic; we see carefully calculated load distributions and emergency access points.
Q: What makes church stage design different from concert stages?
A: Some of our favorite clients are churches! Church stage design requires a delicate balance, creating visually stunning environments that enhance worship without overwhelming the message. The best church stage design feels both grand and intimate, lifting spirits while keeping focus on the spiritual experience.
Our approach often incorporates natural elements recreated in foam sculpture:
- Flowing water features
- Foam tree props and fake foam rocks
- Heavenly landscapes that create powerful backdrops for worship
These elements must look authentic on camera for broadcast services while remaining lightweight and simple enough for volunteer teams to move and manage.
Q: What’s involved in designing stages for political events?
A: Designing stages for political events, including our work with the President’s Inaugural Ball, taught us that set design at this level combines art, engineering, and security operations. Every element serves multiple purposes:
- Television optimization: Looking presidential on camera with perfect lighting
- Security compliance: Accommodating strict security requirements
- Emotional atmosphere: Creating the right feeling for live audiences
The timelines and technical requirements can be intense, involving detailed specifications for camera angles, lighting considerations, acoustic properties, and even the exact shades of color for optimal television broadcast.
Q: How does psychology influence effective stage design?
A: Great stage design works on a subconscious level through colors, shapes, and spatial relationships that influence audience emotions. At Smash Design, we strategically use:
- Warm colors to create intimacy in acoustic sets
- Dramatic angles to build excitement for rock concerts
- Flowing organic shapes to enhance spiritual experiences in church stage design
- Towering foam sculpture archways to frame performers as larger than life
We study how different design elements affect audiences unconsciously, ensuring every visual choice supports the performance’s emotional goals.
Q: Why is collaboration crucial in stage design?
A: The best stage design emerges from close collaboration between designers, performers, and technical teams. We spend countless hours with artists, understanding their vision, movement patterns, and audience connection.
Each project teaches us something new about the performer-space relationship. Our foam sculpture techniques have evolved through these collaborations, pushing us to develop:
- Job-specific painting and texturing methods
- Innovative lighting integration
- Modular systems that transform throughout shows
Q: What does the future hold for stage design?
A: Technology continues revolutionizing stage design possibilities through LED integration, projection mapping, and interactive elements. However, what never changes is the need for skilled craftspeople who blend artistry with engineering.
At Smash Design, we constantly push boundaries while honoring fundamental design principles that make stages as functional as they are memorable. Whether creating intimate church stage design or massive concert spectacles, our goal remains crafting environments that elevate every performance into something extraordinary.
Q: How can I get my own show-stopping stage design?
A: Ready to transform your vision into reality? Whether you’re planning a concert tour, corporate event, or worship service, Smash Design brings the same attention to detail and creative innovation to every project.
From concept through installation, we use cutting-edge foam sculpture techniques and decades of set design expertise to create stages that aren’t just platforms—they’re where dreams come to life.
Our process includes understanding your unique needs, engineering for safety and functionality, and crafting visually stunning elements that support your performance goals while remaining practical for your team to manage.