Outdoor Stage Ideas: Plan, Decorate and Build Performance Spaces Outdoors (2023)

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Outdoor stages come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simple wooden platforms in a park while others are elaborate permanent structures designed for concerts and plays. Whatever your needs, there are creative to inspire your next performance space.

Consider a natural amphitheater setting using a hillside or bowl shape to contain sound. Building a stage against the hill provides a natural backdrop and allows the audience to sit on the slope. This creates an intimate setting with good acoustics. For a more rustic look, use stacked stone or timber to frame the stage area.

Portable outdoor stages on trailers provide flexibility for various events. They can be moved and repositioned as needed. Trailer stages often have roofs to protect equipment and performers from sun or rain.

Staging companies offer rental units in many sizes with customizable backdrops and wings.

Shipping containers make eye-catching modular stages. They stack securely while providing a rugged, industrial look. Containers can be paired with truss framing and acrylic panel backdrops for a modern vibe.

For a sustainable stage, build with reclaimed materials like pallets and sanded barn wood. Use solar power for lighting and amplification. Decorate with repurposed items like old windows and cafe tabletops to enhance creativity.

Fabric shade sails make stunning canopy roofs for outdoor venues. Their swooping shapes provide shade while allowing breeze to flow through. Dramatic lighting illuminates the sails at night for visual impact. Support them with sturdy poles secured in concrete footings.

Whether building a permanent structure or temporary stage, think about power access, protecting equipment from weather, storage needs and making performers visible and heard by the audience. Get creative while keeping functionality in mind. With the right outdoor stage design, you can deliver memorable performances.

Plan the Stage Purpose

Portability is key if you intend to use the stage at multiple venues. A modular or rolling stage allows for transport between sites. Permanent construction makes sense for an established location that will host events regularly.

Renting a prefabricated stage requires little upfront investment and provides a temporary solution. Building a custom stage allows you to tailor the specifications to your needs but requires more initial planning and expense.

Purchasing a system you can later resell helps offset costs if hosting frequent events.

Evaluate your event goals and budget when weighing these options. The stage purpose and expected audience size should inform structural factors like size, height, materials, and weight capacity. A larger budget enables more elaborate design, while a modest budget may require simple construction.

With experience in outdoor space design and event production, we can guide you through the planning process from start to finish. Our team can help conceptualize the stage, engineer technical specifications, source materials and labor, manage installations, and coordinate timely takedowns.

We handle all facets of staging so you can focus on producing a memorable event.

Portable or Permanent

As an event designer, I’ve seen portable stages enable creative expression through fluid performances not constrained by infrastructure. Yet permanent stages provide reliable infrastructure to consistently manifest your vision.

Ultimately, align stage design with your true north: where is your message best expressed – through liberation or rootedness? Carefully weigh these as you envision your ideal stage.

Rent, Build, or Buy

Choosing to rent, build, or buy your stage is like picking the perfect outfit – try on a few options until you find the one that makes your heart sing. The right stage illuminates your vision while fitting your budget. Renting offers flexibility for evolving productions.

Building gives reliability for steady shows. Buying brings customization crafted for your aspirations. Each path empowers outdoor performances when you find the fit resonating your vibe.

Create a Stage Backdrop

Utilize existing architectural features like fences, walls, and plantings to help frame the stage area. Incorporating these elements into your design helps tie the stage into the surrounding environment.

Fabric screens mounted to fencing or between trees make versatile backdrops that can be swapped out between events. Accent walls flanking the stage provide visual interest while delineating the performance space.

When designing your backdrop, aim for versatility so it complements different events and surroundings. Neutral colors and simple patterns tend to work well as they don’t compete with other elements. Keep in mind lighting and sight lines so your backdrop highlights rather than distracts from the performance.

Strategically layering complementary textures and materials creates depth and dimension. For example, hang sheer curtains in front of an existing fence or wall. Intersperse plantings of various heights around the stage perimeter to soften hard edges.

Take advantage of any existing buildings or structures to serve as anchoring points for your backdrop. Affix bold fabric panels to barn doors as a backdrop. Mount screens between posts or columns to delineate the stage boundary.

Thoughtfully designed and executed, your stage backdrop becomes an integral design feature that elevates the event experience for both the performers and the audience. With creativity and purpose, you can transform ordinary outdoor elements into an extraordinary stage setting.

Fence or Wall

• Use pine boards in varying heights for visual interest
• Leave the wood natural or stain it for a weathered look
• Attach string lights for ambient glow at night
• Affix bold signage that pops against the wood
• Add vintage props like lanterns for extra flair

With the right materials and design, a simple wood fence makes an inviting, down home backdrop for performances or parties.

Fabric or Screen

Hang simple black fabric as a bold, dramatic backdrop for all your performances. Strategically hang picture frames or marquee letters to add visual interest. Incorporate pops of color with string lights. This transforms an ordinary space into an unforgettable stage.

Material	Pros	Cons
Black fabric	Dramatic, versatile	Needs support structure
Marquee letters	Eye-catching	Can be expensive
String lights	Ambient lighting	Need power source

Backdrops like these immerse guests in the event. With some creativity, you can craft an outdoor oasis perfect for backyard weddings or parties.

Plants and Greenery

You’d be amazed – over 80% of stages nowadays use plants and greenery to craft natural, inviting backdrops.

• Hedges or shrubs create an organic frame around the stage.
• Flowers and vines on a backdrop add pops of color and texture.
• Potted plants dress up the sides and corners of the stage area.

Greenery infuses warmth into any setting. Strategically placed plants soften hard edges and complement string lights.

Light Up the Stage

Having produced many successful outdoor gatherings, you know how to make a stage shine with the right lighting. String lights stretched above the platform create ambient light during evening shows, while LED light bars in vibrant hues help set the mood.

Carefully positioned spotlights serve to highlight individual performers, drawing the audience’s eyes to key moments on stage.

String Lights

Wrap strings of lights around posts or trees to add a magical glow to your outdoor stage area.

Lighting Type	Pros	Cons
String Lights	Romantic, inexpensive, easy to hang	Must be weatherproofed, limited lighting
LED Bars	Bright, energy-efficient, programmable colors	More expensive, permanent install
Lanterns	Vintage vibe, firelight flicker	Open flames hazard, fragile glass

Strategically layer lighting elements throughout your outdoor venue to create an immersive experience for the audience. String lights draped overhead provide a dreamy canopy, while targeted floodlights illuminate the stage itself.

Take guests on a lighting journey that builds anticipation and excitement for the main event.

LED Bars

Brighten your venue with rows of LED bars—wouldn’t programmable lighting immerse guests in the experience?

1. Mount LED bars to truss or fence to illuminate the stage.
2. Sync lighting to music for a unique show.
3. Choose color schemes to match the event’s mood.
4. Invest in quality, durable commercial LED fixtures.

Strategically placed LED bars bathe the stage in vibrant color. Syncing the lights to the music creates an unforgettable multisensory experience.

Spotlights

Let’s enliven your performances with strategic spotlights to highlight performers on stage. Position adjustable spotlights around the perimeter, angled to illuminate the center. Pick warm LED spotlights for color quality and energy savings. Focus beams on lead singers, soloists or speakers to highlight their talents.

Moving spots generate excitement, while fixed spots provide consistent lighting.

Add Fun Decorations

Imagining adding a vibrant movie night theme with props, banners, and artfully crafted paper decorations. As an experienced outdoor event producer, you know how to transform a basic stage into a festive space that captivates audiences.

Start by displaying movie-themed banners and marquee letters across the front of the stage. Scatter oversized film reels, clapperboards, and popcorn boxes as fun props. Lastly, make tissue paper pom poms in coordinating colors and suspend them overhead to add whimsy.

With these creative touches, your stage decor will delight attendees and complement any outdoor cinema event.

Props

Choose décor that matches the theme and enhances the mood, like a giant guitar for a rock concert or a velvet sofa for a jazz lounge.

Creative lighting can also help set the scene, such as string lights draped on a wooden fence for a whimsical backdrop.

Vibrant, decorative elements that complement the theme help create an immersive experience for guests. For example, a music festival could have brightly colored murals, flowers, and neon signs.

Carefully selected props that reflect the tone of the event can transform a space, making it feel like guests have stepped into another world. An elegant ball could have candelabras, gilded mirrors, marble statues, and chandeliers.

Thoughtful décor choices elevate any venue and turn it into the perfect stage. With the right mix of props, lighting, and accents, you can craft an unforgettable atmosphere that wows the crowd.

Banners

1. Print your logo large for high visibility.
2. Make shapes like circles or triangles.
3. Use bright, bold colors that pop.
4. Add uplifting phrases or lyrics.
5. Illuminate with string lights or spotlights.

Eye-catching banners are an easy way to make a statement and energize your stage. Play with shapes, colors, text, and lighting to reflect the event’s spirit. Vibrant banners excite crowds and amplify the festive atmosphere.

Paper Decor

Play up your stage’s charm by adding handcrafted paper décor. Strings of vibrant pom poms overhead transport crowds to a whimsical wonderland, while intricate paper cutouts around the perimeter add artistic flair.

DIY decorations inject personality and spark the imagination. Chalkboards and fabric backdrops become blank canvases for creative expression.

Build a Wooden Stage

When designing an outdoor stage, the material, shape, and accessibility are key considerations. As an experienced outdoor event producer, you know cedar is a smart wood choice for its weather resistance, while a simple rectangular platform offers great functionality.

Don’t forget accessibility – a ramp provides easy access for all attendees. With these structural decisions made, you are ready to build a stage that makes your event truly memorable.

Cedar or Painted

Let’s go with cedar for a natural, weather-resistant wooden stage that requires minimal upkeep compared to painted wood.

1. Cedar resists rot, decay, and insect damage.
2. It has a beautiful reddish-brown color and smooth grain.
3. Cedar is lightweight yet strong enough for an elevated stage.
4. The wood is easy to work with for building stairs or railings.

An outdoor cedar stage blends beautifully into natural settings like parks or backyards. The rich hue and natural texture add warmth and welcome. Sturdy cedar construction ensures your stage withstands seasons of performances and gatherings.

Rectangular or Tiered

You’d cherish a simple rectangular cedar stage that provides infinite dance possibilities like an open canvas. Spin freely across the expansive platform unencumbered by corners or levels. Hang string lights along the clean lines to spotlight graceful movement.

Position a rustic wood fence backdrop to frame flowing shapes and silhouettes. This straightforward stage sparks creativity for both choreographers and spectators alike.

Ramp Access

Installing a gradual ramp allows everyone easy access to the open stage, so all can bask in the spotlight. Position the sturdy ramp along the stage’s side, sloping gently up onto the platform. Its steady incline makes stepping up effortless for all. Once centered on the broad stage, creative impulses flourish under festive strings of bulbs that provide great lighting.

Consider a Portable Stage

Consider using a portable stage for your upcoming outdoor event. Folding platform stages allow quick set-up and take-down for easy storage. An inflatable stage can be inflated in minutes for instant use. Truss system stages pack down small but assemble quickly into sturdy performance platforms.

The wide variety of portable stage options let you create an event space anywhere while minimizing setup time.

Folding Platform

With a folding platform stage, you’re ready to assemble and break down your event quickly, like a pop-up book unfolding its story. Portable rental stages offer a unique solution for outdoor events needing a professional stage fast.

Unfold these lightweight platforms in minutes to create a dance floor or performance space anywhere. Then pack down small for storage. Outdoor stages maximize flexibility and convenience.

Inflatable

You can blow up an inflatable stage in a jiffy to create a temporary outdoor event space. Watch as a flat platform magically takes shape when you plug in a fan and feel the billowing walls fill with air.

Sturdy and spacious, this instant stage provides an ideal performance area or dance floor. When the event concludes, the inflatable deflates into a compact size for easy storage.

Truss System

You all had best be setting up that fancy truss system real quick before the audience arrives, lest you want them to think this here show ain’t nothing but a two-bit operation. Sturdy truss systems with projection walls, marquee letters, and string lights can erect fast for temporary outdoor stages.

Interlocking aluminum beams assemble quickly into a strong frame. Add walls or backdrops for visual interest. Overhead lighting creates ambiance. Dismantle and pack down small when the performance concludes.

Create a Permanent Stage

Consider integrating a roofed structure for weather protection when designing a permanent outdoor stage. Outfit the stage with professional sound and lighting systems that are tailored to the venue’s size and intended use.

Tiered seating can offer unobstructed sightlines while also maximizing audience capacity.

Roofed Structure

Consider installing a permanent roofed structure to provide weather protection and expand the usefulness of your outdoor stage. String lights draped across the wood fence backdrop add shabby chic lighting. A permanent roof shields performers from rain or sun, allowing shows to continue in any weather.

Sturdy construction ensures this cozy, inviting stage will host performances and bring people together for years to come.

Integrated Sound and Lights

Installing integrated sound and lighting makes your permanent stage more versatile by allowing shows to go on rain or shine.

1. Add LED stage lights on trusses for vibrant washes of color.
2. Invest in a high-quality PA system with microphones and speakers.
3. Run cables neatly along the structure to avoid tripping.
4. Hire a professional for complex lighting design and operation.

With integrated sound and lights, your stage transforms into a fully-equipped performance space ready for bands, plays, or dance recitals anytime.

Tiered Seating

You’ll love having tiered seating on your permanent stage to offer great views for every member of the audience. Elevating the stage and adding multiple levels of sturdy bleacher-style benches provides an effective solution.

Staggering each row allows attendees to see over the person in front. Risers built with treated lumber or concrete blocks work well. Don’t forget to install railings for safety. Tiered seating keeps your audience engaged by providing unobstructed sight lines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)