In simple terms, a stage plot designer basically creates a plan that is drawn on paper. It shows the band members and other people involved in carrying out the concert what the band needs and where the various instruments and band members will be placed. It’s basically a little map of what your stage will look like and how the band will be set up. Stage plots make life easy not only for the band, but also for the tech crew, the organizers and other people.
The stage plan helps the band’s crew know where to place equipment when they are at the venue. It helps to avoid time as much of it is already planned and memorized by the band members. A stage plan is usually created before a venue for the concert is selected. The stage plan is often sent to the venue owner so that the initial staging is in place by the time the equipment arrives. The stage plan also gives a good idea of the types of instruments and equipment you will need.
How do I create a stage plot?
The first thing you need to do is create legends. Legends are small icons that indicate the type of instrument that will be placed in a particular area. For example, the drums can be symbolized with a circle or the first alphabet of the letter drum, which is “D”. You can symbolize the guitar by drawing a miniature guitar or just writing “G”. What suits you and is easy for you. There is no hard and fast rule for precedents. Just make sure to remember them so as not to confuse them.
Draw the stations where each band member will be placed. Be sure to draw the stations from the audience’s point of view, not the band’s point of view. After all, it is the audience for whom the concert is being arranged.
As you draw the stations and give the band members their position, start writing on the stage plan what each band member’s job is. One can be a singer, the other guitarist, the other pianist. Make sure you specify. Repeat the process for each band member.
When you are done with the above steps write down the type of equipment you will need and count the number of instruments you will need. Write down the number of microphones, soundboards, monitor mixes, guitars, etc. you need.
Drawing stage plots is a traditional way of doing this. However, as technology and ideas advance, bands need to know that they can easily create a stage plan online! It’s a lot easier than drawing. Tech Rider’s online stage plot drawing gives you an accurate drawing of the legends on a wide screen where you can accurately place these symbols. Every type of symbol a band member needs will be available.
What do I include?
Representation of where each member is positioned on point.
Each member’s tracks and what instruments they play.
How many microphones, DIs, monitors, and cables (XLRs or 1/4 inch) you want to provide.
What audio equipment, if any, will you provide.
Whether bass and keyboard amplifiers have outputs. Will they work right away or would it be a microphone?
Where the amps are related.
How can I create a stage plot?
Check out Stage Plot Designer if you need something simple and free. It doesn’t have to be nice and neat, it has to be precise. I encourage you to add logistical or technical details.
What can I use if I am in a rush?
If you end up in a situation where you need to draw your point plot at the last minute and NOT on a napkin, you can use these icons to get things clear.
Use a collection of circles to hold out for the set.
An X inside a circle denotes microphones.
Amps are rectangles.
Stage wedges are triangles.
Keyboards, guitars, basses, DJ channels, … you may need to use some of your scribble skills in elementary school.
At least send an input list to the place if you can’t make a scatter plot.
For example:
Dave Standard Kit. Microphone for the kick. Microphone for snare / hat. 1 overhead. Vocal microphone on boom stand. Monitor on his left.
Janet – electric guitar and acoustics. Stand in the focus. Vocal microphone on boom stand. Guitar amplifier to the left of the screen. Additionally DI for acoustic guitar.
Peter bass. is the stage on the left. Boom microphone for vocals. Bass rig sits on stage balanced.
Alice – two keyboards, both go into the keyboard amplifier without going out. In addition, a microphone on a boom stand, which also serves as a trumpet microphone.
What do I do with my scatter chart?
Email the booker or talent buyer at the moment. Ask them if you can find the contact information for the technician and send them. You can also receive an email or a contract with further information about the gig from the booker. The person’s contact details can be included there. Make sure you check it out.