Imagine the extra impact of seeing images of Christ's passion and crucifixion appearing in light on your auditorium walls as someone reads or sings about the events leading up to the crucifixion at your midweek communion service prior to Easter. Help build anticipation of the coming Resurrection Day celebration with luminous green palm branches adorning the walls on either side of your stage for Palm Sunday. Bright images of angels, an empty tomb, Jesus ascending, even words like 'Alleluia' and 'Rejoice' can heighten the sense of joy and celebration for Easter/Resurrection Day services! How can you achieve this?

Here is a simple lighting idea that can add a dramatic effect to your Easter services or programs for very little cost. Using a pattern gobo in your ellipsoidal light you can project thought/mood-provoking images or patterns onto a wall, screen, or other surface that is visible to your audience. In addition to the colored lighting you use in your sanctuary, these images add more emphasis to a theme or mood you are trying to create.

The sharp pattern projected by an ellipsoidal light will stand out against most background washes of colored light. But remember that white and light colors win out over darker colors when you shine more than one light on the same surface. A bright yellow or white 'Alleluia' or an image of an angel will work nicely over a rich purple or magenta wash on the same surface. Bright yellow will be swallowed up if you are also using white fill lights on the same surface. If you are using fabric scrims or shapes as part of your stage setup, you can back light the fabric in a rich color and shine a bright pattern or logo onto the front to create a strong visual contrast.

There are various types of patterns you can use ranging from simple stencil-type metal pattern gobos to multi-colored slide-style glass patterns, to special glass lens patters that diffuse light into angles, waves, stars, etc.

The metal patterns are cut into a small disc of thin metal that can be placed in a pattern holder and slid into to an ellipsoidal light fixture. Good ellipsoidals like an ETC Source 4 can be focused to attain the sharpest edges on the image. These patterns can be combined with gels to project them in any color you like. You can even make your own simple patterns if you have a way of cutting sheet metal or a heavy tin can lid to fit the opening in a pattern holder. Just punch holes, lines or other shapes through the metal to create the desired pattern.

We have assembled a series of standard metal pattern gobos with Easter themes that you can use with most ellipsoidal lights Click here to see. They are inexpensive and readily available, but don't wait 'till the last minute to order so you can ensure that you get the ones you want and have a chance to experiment with them before services. We can also get custom patterns for you, but the cost is more significant and there is a longer lead time. Give us a call if you need patterns, ellipsoidal lights, or would like to discuss any other lighting solutions.