Stage Plot
A diagram showing the layout of equipment, performers, and elements on stage.
Definition
A stage plot is a technical diagram showing the arrangement of people, instruments, equipment, monitors, microphones, and other elements on stage. It guides setup crews, allows advance planning, and ensures performers have what they need where they need it.
Stage plots typically include position markers, equipment lists, input requirements, and monitor preferences. They're essential for efficient load-in, proper equipment placement, and smooth performances. Complex productions may have plots that change between segments.
Why It Matters
Accurate stage plots enable efficient setup and prevent day-of confusion that wastes time and causes problems. They ensure technical crews can prepare appropriate equipment and plan cable runs, monitor positions, and sight lines.
For touring artists and speakers, stage plots communicate requirements consistently across venues, ensuring similar setups despite varying spaces.
Examples in Practice
A band's detailed stage plot enables a 30-minute changeover that would otherwise take an hour, keeping the festival on schedule.
A conference's stage plots for each session type allow production crew to pre-plan and execute quick resets between speakers.
A corporate presenter's stage plot ensures teleprompters, confidence monitors, and microphones are positioned exactly as practiced.