What Is a Stage Plot? (With Free Template + Examples)
The RoadCase crew · Updated 24 Sept 2026 · 6 min read
A stage plot is a simple drawing of your band's stage, seen from above. It shows where each player stands, what gear they use, and where the mics, monitors and power need to go.
The crew uses it to set the stage before you arrive. A good plot means a faster, calmer load in and fewer surprises at soundcheck.
Why a stage plot matters
Most venues see a lot of bands. The sound tech might be setting up for several acts in one night, with little time between them. They can't read your mind, and they can't ask every question in person.
A stage plot answers the big questions at a glance:
- Who stands where
- What each person plays
- Where the amps, drum kit and keys go
- How many mics, DIs and wedges you need
- Where you need power
It works alongside your input list, which lists every channel in order. The plot shows where things go. The input list shows what each channel is. Together they form the core of your tech rider.
What goes on a stage plot
Keep it to the things the crew needs to set up. Here is what to include.
Positions
Draw each player as a simple circle or box with their name and role. "Alex – lead vocals" is more useful than just "Alex". If someone moves around a lot, mark their main spot.
Instruments and amps
Show the drum kit, bass rig, guitar amps, keyboards and anything else that takes up floor space. Mark which way the amps face. If you share backline with other bands, note what you bring and what you need from the venue.
DIs
A DI box turns an instrument signal into a signal the mixing desk can use. Mark where each DI goes, such as by the bass rig, the keys or a laptop. If you bring your own DIs, say so.
Microphones and stands
Show each vocal mic and each instrument mic. Note the stand type if it matters, like a short boom for a kick drum or a tall boom for a singer. Keep the detail light here. Full mic choices belong on the input list.
Monitors and wedges
Wedges are floor monitors that point back at the players. Draw each wedge where it should sit and give it a mix number, such as "Mix 1" for lead vocals. The engineer uses these numbers to send each person what they want to hear.
Personal monitors
If some or all of the band use IEMs, mark who uses them and whether you bring your own packs. Note if anyone needs a wedge as well. A mix of in-ears and wedges is common, so be clear about who has what.
Power
Mark each spot where you need power, such as at the pedalboard, the keys and the bass rig. A small lightning bolt or the word "power" works fine. Don't guess about outlet types or loads. Ask the venue what they have.
Risers
A riser is a raised platform, often used for drums or keys. If you'd like one, draw it and write "riser if available". Many small rooms don't have risers, so treat this as a request, not a must.
Stage left and stage right
This is the most common mix-up on plots. Stage left and stage right are always from the performer's view, standing on stage and facing the crowd.
So stage left is the audience's right. Stage right is the audience's left.
To keep things clear:
- Draw the audience at the bottom of the page and label it "Audience" or "Front of stage"
- Draw the back wall at the top
- Add "stage left" and "stage right" labels at the sides
That way, anyone reading it can turn the page in their head and still get it right.
How to draw a clear stage plot
You don't need design skills. You need a clean page and a few rules.
- Keep it to one page. The crew should get it in one look.
- Use simple shapes. Circles for people, boxes for amps, a big circle for the kit. Label everything in words.
- Use big, plain text. It will often be read on a phone in a dark room.
- Put the band name and date at the top. Add a contact name and phone number too.
- Leave out what doesn't matter. Pedal names and guitar models don't help the crew set the stage.
Let's use The Night Shift as an example. They are a four-piece: vocals, guitar, bass and drums. Their plot shows:
- Drums at the back, centre, on a riser if available
- Bass rig stage right of the kit, with a DI
- Guitar amp stage left of the kit, with one mic
- Lead vocals at the front, centre, with one mic on a tall boom stand
- A backing vocal mic for the guitarist
- Wedges across the front for vocals, guitar and bass
- One wedge for the drummer, on the hi-hat side
- Power at the bass rig, the guitar pedalboard and the vocal spot
That's it. Nothing fancy. The crew can set that stage without a single phone call.
If you'd rather not draw it by hand, the RoadCase stage plot builder lets you drag gear onto a stage and export a clean PDF.
Common mistakes
These are the things that slow down a load in.
Stage left and right the wrong way round. Always check from the performer's view.
Too much detail. A plot packed with pedal names, cable types and set notes is hard to read. Keep it to layout. Put the rest in the rider.
Out of date. A new keys player, a dropped guitar, a different drum set-up. If the plot doesn't match the band on the night, the crew has to reset. Date every version.
No mix numbers. "Monitor" on its own doesn't tell the engineer which mix goes where. Number them.
Asking for gear as if it's a sure thing. Many rooms can't give you a riser, extra wedges or a drum kit. Write "if available" on requests, and ask the venue what they have.
No contact. If the crew has a question, they need someone to call. Put a name and number on the page.
How to send your stage plot
Send your plot early, as part of the advance. The crew needs time to read it and plan.
- Send a PDF. It looks the same on any device.
- Name the file clearly. "The Night Shift – Stage Plot – Sept 2026.pdf" beats "plot final v3.pdf".
- Send it with your input list and rider. Keep them together so nothing gets lost.
- Send it to the right person. That's often the production manager or the house sound tech. If you're not sure, check with the promoter.
- Bring printed copies. One for FOH, one for the monitor desk if there is one, and a spare.
Keep it simple
A stage plot is not art. It's a map. If a tired sound tech can glance at it and know where everything goes, it has done its job.
Draw it once, keep it up to date, and send it early. It's one of the easiest ways to make every show run a bit smoother.
Questions bands ask
Do I need a stage plot for a small pub show?
It helps even at small shows. A one-page plot tells the sound tech where to run lines before you arrive, so the changeover is quicker. If the room has a house tech, send it to them with your input list.
Is stage left the same as the audience's left?
No. Stage left and stage right are from the performer's view, looking out at the crowd. So stage left is the audience's right. Adding an 'Audience' label at the bottom of your plot clears up any doubt.
What file format should I send my stage plot in?
A PDF is the safest choice because it looks the same on every device. Some crews also like an image they can open on a phone. Ask the venue if they have a preference.
How often should I update my stage plot?
Update it any time your line-up, gear or layout changes. Put the date on it so the crew knows they have the latest version. An old plot can cause more trouble than no plot at all.