Stage Plots

There are a few documents in live production that should always be on hand regardless of the band, venue or size of the stage. I consider stage plots near the top of this list. Of primary importance is accuracy. Your plot should be easy to decipher, providing all the necessary details, nothing more. A busy stage plot attempting to over-inform will cause confusion and defeat the purpose.
The photo above is one example but there are as many stage plots as there are bands. Some times a quick sketch with a Sharpie on a bar napkin will suffice. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll find CAD drawings done to scale, detailing everything from rig points to light fixture addresses.
The person creating the plot will vary too. Some times a band member puts the info together. The tour’s production manager often handles it after a handful of discussions with a band representative, typically the MD. For large productions, the stage plot may come from the lighting or production designer who gathers info from each production department and puts it all together to represent the production as one entity.

When paired with a great input list a stage plot can give the local production team a solid idea of what to expect well before you arrive at a venue. The goal of any stage plot is to be as thorough and efficient as possible, saying the most with the least. Detail where each input is located on the stage, where you need power and wedges if necessary, and any other pertinent information. I recommend putting your input list on the plot if possible, and I typically include patching info next to each input as well.

There are a few important non-production related details you should always include on your stage plot. Primary contact info (typically TM and/ or PM) will ensure you’re easy to reach when questions arise. The band name (and logo if you want to class it up) is important as well. Details inevitably change so always save files as a new version after making revisions. It’s also important to list the date on both the document itself and in the file name (ex. Efficient Hustle Stage Plot V2 2019-03-11) to ensure the most current, up to date information is being referenced.

When carrying all the production you’ll need on a tour the plot is more of a formality, so the locals have an idea of what to expect. However, if you're using house production the detail and accuracy become very important.

If you tour long enough you’ll eventually experience delays and arrive late, it’s just the nature of what we do. But an accurate and detailed stage plot enables the local production crew to place microphones and wire the stage prior to your arrival. This can be crucial when playing a festival or other scenario where the schedule allows little room for error. When everyone in your camp is groggy from flying and a lack of sleep, showing up to find a stage pre-patched according to your stage plot can change the mood of everyone in short order.

There are various software offerings that simplify stage plot creation. I see Stage Plot Pro used from time to time. I came across State Plot Guru this year at NAMM but have no personal experience with it. Personally, I've always used PowerPoint with good results. I’m not here to endorse any one program, everyone has their personal favorites and I suggest trying out a few to see what fits your style and needs.

Remember to keep it simple and efficient!