What Is a Stage Plot?
A stage plot is a visual, top-down diagram of a performance stage. It shows the position of every musician and piece of equipment, plus the technical requirements a venue needs to set up before a show: monitor placement, microphone and DI requirements, AC power, and stagebox locations. A good stage plot is paired with an input list and often forms part of a complete tech rider.
Sound engineers, production managers, and stage crews rely on your stage plot to set the stage correctly and quickly — especially during tight festival changeovers. The clearer your plot, the smoother your soundcheck.
Make a Stage Plot in 6 Steps
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Set your stage size
Begin with the stage dimensions in feet. Drawing to scale keeps everything in proportion and helps the venue match your layout to the real stage.
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Place performers and instruments
Drag drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, and vocal positions onto the canvas. Put each musician where they actually stand so the crew understands sightlines and spacing.
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Add monitors
Add wedge monitors, side fills, or in-ear monitor (IEM) systems for each performer and label the mix numbers. Monitor placement is the detail engineers most often wish was on the plot.
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Add microphones and DI boxes
Place the mics and DIs each source needs. Note stand types (boom, short, round-base) and flag anything that needs phantom power.
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Generate the input list
List every channel: channel number, source name, mic or DI type, stand, phantom power, and notes. A clear input list lets the engineer patch your show in minutes.
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Brand and export
Add your band name, logo, and contact info, then export a print-ready PDF or PNG and email it to the venue ahead of the show.
Stage Plot Best Practices
- Keep it readable. Use clear labels and consistent icons; the crew should understand it at a glance.
- Face the audience down. Draw the plot from the audience's perspective so "stage left" and "stage right" are unambiguous.
- Include power needs. Mark where you need AC power — it is the most commonly forgotten requirement.
- Match the plot to the input list. Every channel on the list should have a position on the plot, and vice versa.
- Add contact info. Put a name and phone number on the plot so the venue can reach you with questions.
Ready to start? Open a stage plot template to skip the blank page, or jump straight into the free stage plot maker.