10/06/2026
On September 24, tens of thousands filled the Dome at America's Center in St. Louis for the beatification of Fulton Sheen, one of only a handful ever held on American soil and one step from sainthood. UVLD's David Seitz was invited to design the lighting.
The brief: make a stadium feel like a cathedral. A deep blue envelope across the house and ceiling, warm light reserved for the altar, and thousands of clergy in white left to glow on the floor.
Those in the room needed the solemnity of a Mass. Those watching at home needed a broadcast worthy of Sheen, one of television's first great communicators and an Emmy winner. Every cue had to work for both, with nothing sacrificed either way.
The altar was only part of it. To one side sat a recreation of Sheen's television study, chalkboard and all, lit warm and intimate like a 1950s broadcast. On the other, a stage for music performances. Upstage, a full orchestra and choir, all lit for camera. Four distinct spaces, one cohesive room.
Congratulations to the whole team: Production by Reaction AV, Account Executive Patrick Johnson, Producer Mark Frederick, Production Electrician David Parmenter, Assistant Electricians Andy Curdo, Chadbourne Berry, and Rodney Berry, lighting gear from PRG, Account Manager Ryan Keller.
