Production

Stage Plot

A stage plot is a technical diagram showing the layout of a performance area including positions of all equipment, performers, and technical elements. For LED wall installations, stage plots indicate screen dimensions, placement, rigging points, power locations, and sightlines.

Understanding Stage Plots

Stage plots are essential planning documents that communicate the physical arrangement of a production. For LED wall installations, accurate stage plots prevent costly surprises during load-in.

Stage Plot Components

**Basic Elements:**

  • Stage dimensions and shape
  • Front of house orientation
  • Scale indicator
  • Date and version

**LED Wall Information:**

  • Screen dimensions (H x W)
  • Exact placement position
  • Mounting method
  • Trim height if flown
  • Pixel pitch (affects weight/power)

Creating Effective Plots

**LED Wall Documentation:**

**Dimensions:**

  • Overall width and height
  • Individual panel size
  • Total panel count

**Position:**

  • Distance from downstage edge
  • Centerline reference
  • Relationship to other elements

**Technical:**

  • Power location and requirements
  • Processor position
  • Cable runs
  • Signal path

Standard Drawing Views

**Plan View (Top-Down):**

  • Most common format
  • Shows floor layout
  • Indicates widths and depths
  • Equipment footprints

**Section View (Side):**

  • Shows heights
  • Trim levels
  • Sightlines
  • Clearances

**Front Elevation:**

  • Audience perspective
  • Screen proportions
  • Vertical relationships

Common Stage Plot Tools

**Software Options:**

  • Vectorworks (industry standard)
  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp
  • Visio/Draw.io (basic)
  • Even PowerPoint (simple plots)

**Standard Symbols:** Use recognized symbols for:

  • Power outlets
  • Truss sections
  • Speakers
  • Lighting positions
  • Video displays

Information Hierarchy

**Essential (Always Include):**

  • Screen dimensions and position
  • Power requirements and location
  • Basic sightlines
  • Mounting method

**Recommended:**

  • Processor/control location
  • Cable routing
  • Crew access paths
  • Rigging points

**Detailed:**

  • Individual panel layout
  • Every cable run
  • Detailed weights
  • Hardware specifications

Version Control

Stage plots evolve during production:

  • Date all versions
  • Number revisions
  • Note changes
  • Distribute updates to all parties

Review Checklist

Before finalizing, verify:

  • Dimensions to scale
  • Power adequate and located
  • Sightlines checked
  • Rigging points confirmed
  • Loading path clear
  • All elements shown
  • Contact information included

Distribution

Share plots with:

  • Venue technical staff
  • Production crew
  • Equipment vendors
  • Client (simplified version)
  • Safety personnel

File Formats

  • PDF: Universal distribution
  • DWG/DXF: CAD editing
  • VWX: Vectorworks native
  • PNG/JPG: Quick reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What LED wall information should be on a stage plot?

Include: screen dimensions and position, mounting method (flown/ground), sightline clearances, power drop locations and requirements, data/signal routing path, processor placement, and any trim heights for flown systems. Also note viewing distances.

Who creates the stage plot for an LED wall event?

Stage plots are typically created by the production manager or technical director in collaboration with the video provider. For touring shows, the LD or video designer provides plots. For corporate events, the AV company often drafts based on client requirements.

What scale should a stage plot use?

Standard scales are 1/4 inch = 1 foot for medium stages or 1/2 inch = 1 foot for detailed work. Always include a scale bar and north arrow (or front-of-house indication). CAD drawings may use metric scales where appropriate.

Related Terms

Load-In / Load-Out

Production

Load-in and load-out refer to the setup and teardown phases of event production when equipment arriv...

Truss

Rigging

Truss is aluminum or steel structural framework used to support, hang, or ground-mount LED video wal...

Ground Support

Rigging

Ground support refers to LED wall installations supported from the floor rather than hung from overh...

Flying

Rigging

Flying refers to LED walls suspended from overhead rigging points using chain hoists, motors, and ri...

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