Illumination Station VBS
Designed, built, and programmed a full lighting rig as the stage design for a lighting-themed VBS, then timecoded it to run automatically throughout the week.
Design & Build
With lighting as the theme, the production called for fixtures to be the stage design rather than a painted or styled set, which was a new approach for a VBS at Station Hill.
I planned the entire rig in Vectorworks, working out the patch, universe allocation, and stage footprint before presenting the mockup to leadership.
From there I led the team through load-in, distributing tasks as we built truss, ran cable, and brought the design to life.
Programming & Handoff
I programmed the rig to sync tightly with the band's tracks, building the high-energy, over-the-top looks the room needed to make lighting the centerpiece of the stage.
Because I couldn't be on site during the week of VBS, I timecoded the show to run automatically alongside the band's playback.
I then handed it off to a volunteer, setting them up with simple presets they could jump into for other service elements during the week.
This project was a full-circle moment for me. I spent many years learning on the lighting system in that room, and designed much of the permanently installed system, so getting to load a massive, high-impact rig into that same space meant a lot.
With a uniquely lighting-themed VBS, it was a rare chance to go all out — and being able to serve the team by making the lights the stage design itself was especially meaningful.
Projects
