Stage Plot Explained: Creating Clear Technical Documentation

A stage plot communicates band positioning and equipment needs to venues and engineers. This visual document shows where each performer stands, what equipment occupies the stage, and where monitors, power, and other technical elements belong. Clear stage plots speed load-in and ensure appropriate preparation.

Purpose and Benefits

Stage plots prepare venues for band arrivals. House engineers study the plot before load-in, anticipating equipment needs, positioning speakers, and planning cable runs. Prepared venues provide faster, smoother setup experiences.

The document serves as a communication tool preventing misunderstandings. A venue expecting an acoustic duo cannot accommodate a seven-piece band with full backline discovered only upon arrival. The stage plot sets accurate expectations.

Stage plots also help bands themselves maintain consistent setup across different venues. The document serves as a checklist ensuring nothing is forgotten and positioning remains standard from show to show.

Essential Elements

Performer positions show where each band member stands during the performance. Use icons or shapes with clear labels—drums, bass, guitar, keys, vocals. The plot represents the stage as viewed from the audience perspective.

Instrument amplifiers and equipment indicate what occupies stage space. Note amp sizes, keyboard stands, and any significant equipment the venue needs to accommodate.

Monitor positions show where wedge monitors or other monitoring equipment should go. Each monitor position relates to specific performer positions. Note if different mixes are needed for different positions.

Power drop locations indicate where the band needs electrical service. Drums, keyboards, and amplifier areas typically need power. Specifying locations prevents long, dangerous cable runs across performance areas.

Stage dimensions or general size requirements help venues assess fit. A band requiring 30 feet of width cannot perform effectively on a 15-foot stage. Including dimensions prevents impossible situations.

Creating Effective Plots

Keep the drawing simple and clear. Cluttered diagrams with excessive detail confuse rather than communicate. Use standard shapes: rectangles for amps, circles for performers, wedge shapes for monitors.

Label everything clearly. “Guitar” suffices for single-guitarist bands; “Stage Left Guitar” and “Stage Right Guitar” clarify multi-guitarist situations. Abbreviations work if universally understood: VOX for vocals, KEYS for keyboards.

Include a legend if symbols might be ambiguous. Define what each shape and symbol represents. This prevents misinterpretation by engineers unfamiliar with the band.

Orientation follows standard stage plot convention: audience at the bottom, stage rear at the top. This perspective matches how engineers view the stage from FOH position.

Software and Tools

Basic drawing software produces adequate stage plots. Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple Keynote offer shape tools sufficient for simple layouts.

Dedicated applications like StagePlot Pro, Stage Plot Designer, and Tecrider create professional-looking plots with preset elements. These tools streamline the process for users creating plots frequently.

Online stage plot generators allow web-based creation without software installation. These tools typically offer standard shapes and export to PDF or image formats suitable for emailing to venues.

Even hand-drawn plots work if they communicate clearly. A neat, legible drawing beats a confusing computer-generated diagram.

Accompanying Information

Stage plots often accompany input lists detailing channel requirements. Together, these documents provide comprehensive technical information venues need.

Contact information should appear on the document. An email address and phone number for the band’s technical contact enables questions before arrival.

Notes section addresses special requirements. “Keyboardist requires table rather than stand” or “Drummer requires carpet” communicates needs that icons cannot convey.

Date and version tracking prevents confusion when plots update. A band’s setup evolves; outdated plots circulating create problems.

Common Mistakes

Overly complex plots obscure rather than clarify. Every line and symbol should serve a purpose. Decorative elements distract from practical information.

Unrealistic space requirements frustrate venues. Requesting 40 feet of stage width for a quartet suggests unfamiliarity with typical venue capabilities.

Missing essential information leaves venues guessing. Forgetting power locations, monitor needs, or performer positions negates the plot’s purpose.

Outdated information from lineup or equipment changes causes confusion. Update plots when changes occur and confirm venues receive current versions.

Assuming venues provide equipment not specified creates problems. If the band needs specific microphones, monitor types, or other gear from the venue, the plot should note these requirements explicitly.

Digital Distribution

Save final plots as PDF files for universal compatibility. PDF format maintains layout integrity regardless of the recipient’s software.

Include plots in press kit materials alongside biography, photos, and input list. Venues expecting one document often need all related materials.

Post plots on band websites where venues can download them directly. Self-service access reduces email exchanges and speeds booking processes.

Email plots to venues well before show dates. Advance notice allows proper preparation. Last-minute plot delivery prevents adequate planning.

Updating and Maintenance

Review plots periodically for accuracy. Equipment changes, personnel changes, and evolved stage configurations warrant updates.

Maintain multiple formats if different venues request different file types. JPG images work for some purposes; PDFs serve others.

Version control prevents old plots from causing confusion. Clear file naming (BandName_StagePlot_2024_v3.pdf) identifies current versions obviously.