How to Make a Stage Plot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a stage plot doesn't need to be complicated — but it does need to be accurate. A stage plot that shows the wrong positions or missing information wastes the sound tech's time and yours.

Step 1: Map Out Your Stage Positions

Start with who stands or sits where on stage. Convention is to describe this from the audience's perspective: drummer at the back, bass player stage left, lead guitar stage right, vocalist centre front. Mark each position clearly.

If your setup varies by venue or stage size, note the flexibility. At minimum, show your default setup.

Step 2: Add Equipment Per Person

For each position, list what equipment is in use: the instrument, the amp (model, if relevant), direct box (DI), microphones required and their placement. The more specific you are here, the less you'll have to explain on arrival.

Include monitor requirements per person — whether they use a floor wedge or in-ear monitors, and their preferred mix if they have one.

Step 3: List Your Inputs and Share It

Create a numbered input list that corresponds to your stage plot. Input 1: Kick drum. Input 2: Snare top. Input 3: Snare bottom. This is the information the sound engineer needs to patch the stage. Without it, the stage plot is incomplete.

Once built, get it to the venue before the day — ideally when you confirm the booking. Dashplan's Stage Plot Builder handles all of this visually. Drag your people into position, add notes for each, and share a live link. When your setup changes, update it once and the link stays current.