Frequently asked questions
What is a stage plot and why do I need one?
A stage plot is a scaled overhead diagram of who and what goes where on stage: backline, the drum riser, monitor wedges, DJ booth, amp racks, and the PA. It lets your sound crew pre-plan the monitor mix, cabling and input list before load-in, so changeovers run faster and nothing is forgotten. For multi-act shows it's the single sheet that tells the production team how the stage is built and reset between bands.
How big a stage do I need for my band or event?
As a rough guide, a small acoustic or DJ set fits on roughly a 4 x 3 m deck, a typical four or five-piece band wants around 6 x 4 m, and a larger band with keys, horns and a big drum kit is more comfortable on 8 x 6 m or above. Always add space in front of the backline so performers and monitor wedges aren't crammed against the edge. The planner's grid is set to 1 m, so you can scale your stage and gear to real-world sizes before you commit.
How many monitor wedges and mixes should I plan for?
A simple guide is one wedge per performer who needs to hear themselves, with the drummer and lead vocalist usually getting their own mix. A four-piece band commonly runs three to four wedges across two to four separate mixes, while in-ear monitoring can replace some or all wedges. Marking each wedge and its mix number on the plot tells the monitor engineer exactly what to patch.
What does a drum riser do and how big should it be?
A riser lifts the drum kit so it's visible to the audience and gives the kit its own defined footprint on stage. A standard riser is around 2 x 2 m for a compact kit and 2.4 x 3 m or larger for a full kit with room for the throne and hardware. Risers also help acoustically isolate the kit and keep cabling tidy underneath, so it's worth placing one to scale on your plot early.
How much power and how many circuits will my stage need?
Plan power by grouping loads: audio (PA, amps, monitors) should sit on separate circuits from lighting and from any catering or other equipment, so a dimmer or a kettle never dumps noise or trips the desk. A standard Australian 10 A general outlet supplies roughly 2,300 W at 230 V, so add up your gear's wattage and leave headroom rather than running a circuit near its limit. For bigger rigs you'll want proper power distribution and possibly a generator, both of which you can place on the plot so the crew knows where the supply lands.