Backdrops, or backgrounds as they are sometimes known, are large images that go on the stage to provide visual interest. The speaker or presenter usually stands in front of the backdrop when speaking to the audience. Backgrounds can be detailed, such as would be seen in a dramatic performance or can simply be a patterned fabric or in the case of a commercial presentation, a company logo. Backdrops can be made out of fabric, canvas, wood or practically any material. Sometimes backgrounds provide visual clues to help orient the audience about what is happening in a scene or during a speech or to add dramatic effect. For instance, a speaker could be talking about a poor little girl in a third world country who does not have proper food, water or shelter. The audience could visualize what they thought the girl looked like, but if the speaker was standing in front of a large picture of the little girl, the audience could actually see what the girl really looked like.
Props can do more than provide visual interest to a stage. Props can help enhance the performance of the speaker. Props can be any visual placed on stage to enhance the topic or to add appropriate visual interest. A comedian may use a prop in his act, but the prop serves the dual purpose of bring visual interest to the stage. Someone presenting a new product can put the product on the stage so the audience can see first hand what the speaker is talking about. Props are used in dramatic performances as well. If a skit or play calls for a woman to be cooking, having a mixing bowl and wood spoon available to her will do more to tell the story than if she just pretends to stir with an imaginary bowl and spoon.
Stage decorations can include floral arrangements. Floral arrangements are often used to decorate stages at weddings. Large arrangements in wedding colors typically fill the front of the church. Other floral arrangements might be added to a unity candle holder or perhaps on top of a piano. Floral arrangements can also decorate a stage during a church service or for a special speaker. Floral arrangements can be used at award ceremonies and other events where there will be multiple people speaking.
There are many ways to decorate a stage for events. Simple lighting techniques can create interesting effects and add visual interest to a stage. An attractive lectern is also a way to quickly and easily decorate a stage. The lectern also provides a place for a speaker to keep his papers organized. Also consider a balloon arch, which is appropriate for happy events, such as graduation.