A Stage Plot is practically as it sounds, a plot of the stage. This is where you use a diagram to reflect where the band and equipment will be during your performance, and how the stage should be set up to reflect this. You should always have one prepared for every venue.
What to include on a Stage Plot?
If that sounds too much, find a free Stage Plot Designer online and create something clear and neat. Do not go overboard and make it complicated, but do have a look at other examples. Also remember to include your input list to show how many outputs you need and the specifics, that way the venue knows the ins and outs of the set up.
As much as possible but keep it relevant. On your diagram you need to mark out the following
- Show where each member of the band will be positioned on stage
- Where each instrument will need to be positioned and what direction they need to be facing. It won’t be enough for you to just literally put that the drums are ‘here’, you need to show the direction of each of the band members in your Stage Plot. Otherwise their sets up won’t be right and instead of doing sound check, you’ll be scrambling around altering that instead.
- You also need to include the locations of the mics, amplifiers, monitors and possibly the cable positions. They also need to be shown where in relation to the band members.
- You can also include notes about the set up if there are specifics for the members. For example how many pieces are in the drummers kit etc. Or that you need a big banner placed strategically behind the drummer or any special effects etc.
- YOUR NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS. Do not forget this on your Stage Plot. Preferably you want to have someone as your technical contact, it can be any members of the band who have the best knowledge and set up experience.
How do you create a Stage Plot?
It doesn’t have to be a drawing Monet will be proud of, it just has to be specific and clear. There are various software’s that can help you creating a Stage-Plot out but after you have done it a couple of times you will get the swing of it. You can just pop onto your computer and use a basic graphics package to create your Stage Plot. Remember drums are typically marked as circles, Mics are X’s and amps are rectangles. If that sounds too much, find a free Stage Plot Designer online and create something clear and neat. Do not go overboard and make it complicated, but do have a look at other examples.
Also remember to include your input list to show how many outputs you need and the specifics, that way the venue knows the ins and outs of the set up. They can also advise you, remember the sound person knows their venue very well so their opinion is worth considering.
The key is to create a clear but specific Stage Plot so everything is set up accordingly and everything is prepared for you, get it right and you will find your checks will go smoothly with very little hassle. It will save you a lot of stress in the long run.