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Stage Plot Designer Print/PDF Screenshot Mode Band Name Venue Date / Time. Instrument Rotation Controls: Show Hide. Gear Shelf (show/hide) Click or tap an item to add it to the stage. Guitar Rotate Reset Remove Bass Rotate Reset Remove. Developing perfect stage plan (aka stage plot) for the show Many clubs in our area are requesting band rider and band stage plan. I recently had to provide a detailed plan for a show, and it was a pain to come up with the good stage plan. BandHelper: Set Lists and More – More for bands, but has ability to design stage plots and input lists. No free ones here, but Stage Plot Pro seems to be the most regarded, most full-featured, and with the fanciest and broadest selection of elements.
If it is your first foray into arranging a concert for your brand, you are probably thinking how the stage will look. A stage plot for a concert is quite important. It is not just the random arrangement of stuff and making space for the band members to perform. It is properly strategized. It is a complete graphical representation of the band’s setup. It must be able to accommodate the optimum use of the band’s gear, sound system, and other technical aspects.
Basics of a Stage Plot
When you first begin to create a stage plot, you must be careful about including the following:
- A visual of each member’s position on the stage
- Name of each member and their respective instruments
- Number of technical equipment the venue needs to provide. This includes mics, monitors, cables, etc.
- Number of technical; equipment you will be bringing on your own
- Determining if bass and keyboard amplifiers will have balanced outputs; if they will be run on mic or direct
- Position of amplifiers relative to the players
Creating a Stage Plot
Most bands use a professional service to create a stage plot. There different websites that can help with creating a stage plot as well. However, it is also possible to create basic working one on your own. It is a good skill to have if you work with a band. It comes in handy when you don’t have much time on your hands before the concert goes live.
Here is how you can begin:
- Use circles to represent the drums set
- Use X inside a circle for microphones
- Rectangles are used for amplifiers
- Triangles are used for stage wedges
- Doodle for representing the keyboards, bases, DJ stations, guitars, etc.
Once you know what symbol is to be used for varying stuff, you can create a stage plot. It is kind of like creating a map. You should have some basic visual in your mind that you have to transfer onto the paper. If you have enough time, then you can first create a rough draft and finalize it over time.
Why Use a Professional Service for Creating a Stage Plot?
When you think about developing a stage plot, you might think it is so easy. Some people may actually good at making one too. However, most will face difficulty when they really sit down to make one. Some have trouble drawing while others can’t round off the map effectively. A stage plot website will provide you with easy to use tools. For example, all you need is to drag and drop instruments on a virtual stage.
These websites also make it easier to share the plot with other band members for approval. In case you have to make changes, you don’t have to start from scratch. You can simply edit the existing one.
Free Stage Plots For Bands 2000s
A proper stage plot can make the arrangement of your concert smooth and efficient. Also, it reduces the risk of disruption during the concert.
How to make a Stage Plot (Stage Plan) for a Band
One day or other every band is asked to provide a STAGE PLOT / STAGE PLAN / INPUT LIST. Stage plot is an illustration of the band’s set up, location on stage or appliances you use. A stage plot is planned to help a sound engineer get an idea about your necessities. For instance, where on the stage all the instruments will be situated, how many microphones or what kinds of instruments will be used etc.
What should be mentioned in a stage plot:
- a primary visual that demonstrates where every member of the band is located;
- names of all band members and kind of instrument everyone plays;
- whether case keyboard and bass amplifiers be direct run or mic’d;
- number of monitors, DIs, microphones, and cables needed;
- type of sound gear (mics, DIs, etc.), if some, you will be providing;
- where the amplifiers will be located in relation to the players.
With the help of a stage plot, you will make your setup and sound check more effective and well-organized.
Create your own stage plot
If you need to create your first stage plot / stage plan, check out these two websites - Tecrider.com and Bosstweedbackline.com/stage-designer
If you like to play around, just check out the examples of stage plots below the article and try to build your personal design. You can use the next icons:
- use some circles to stand for the drum kit;
- mics are symbolized as X inside the circle;
- amplifiers are rectangular;
- stage wedges are triangles;
You can use your grade-school skills to draw keyboard, guitar, bass, DJ station etc. But remember that your tech team knows what a guitar looks like and they don't need a picture of it, they just need to know where they should put the DI box for it.
If you can’t create a stage plot, just try to do the following:
Simply write the number of people in your band and how many amplifiers, instruments, microphones you have got and how they are connected. That will be enough for most of your small gigs.
For example:
Rachel - drum set, microphones for kick and snare. Vocal microphone on boom stand....
Phoebe - acoustic guitar, stands front center stage. Vocal microphone on boom stand, DI…
Chandler - electric bass, stands stage right. Boom microphones for vocals, bass rig sits rear stage right…etc
So what should I do with my stage plot?
Free Stage Plots For Bands Names
Send it to the agent, promoter, or someone else at the time your performance is confirmed. In addition, ask how you can get in contact with the live-sound engineer and send him some information. The booker or agent can also send you additional information about the concert. Don’t forget to check it.
So, think of the details, perform a great show, and sell some music :)
Some examples of stage plots stage plans input lists: