Label the stage from the performer’s perspective
Write “audience” along the downstage edge and explicitly label stage left and stage right. From the performer’s viewpoint, stage right is the performer’s right while facing the audience; it appears on the left side of the overhead diagram used here. Avoid a diagram that forces the crew to infer orientation from instrument pictures.
This example assumes four performers: drummer, guitarist with backing vocal, bassist and lead singer. Three front wedges are requests, not proof that three independent monitor mixes are available. Ask about the drummer’s monitoring separately. Record amplifier and power placement when you adapt the layout.
Match every channel to a real source
| Channel | Source | Capture / connection | Stand | Stage zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kick | Microphone, XLR | Short boom | Upstage center |
| 2 | Snare | Microphone, XLR | Short boom | Upstage center |
| 3 | Rack tom | Microphone, XLR | Clip / confirm | Upstage center |
| 4 | Floor tom | Microphone, XLR | Clip / confirm | Upstage center |
| 5 | Overhead mono | Microphone, XLR | Tall boom | Upstage center |
| 6 | Bass | DI, XLR to desk | None | Stage left |
| 7 | Guitar amp | Microphone, XLR | Short boom | Stage right |
| 8 | Lead vocal | Microphone, XLR | Tall boom | Downstage center |
| 9 | Guitar backing vocal | Microphone, XLR | Tall boom | Stage right |
The bass DI assumes a suitable source and connection that must be agreed with the engineer. An instrument icon does not imply a channel: an acoustic instrument may need a microphone, a pickup and DI, or no amplification. Conversely, a keyboard can require two channels for stereo. Enter the actual source and capture method.
Prefer to keep this workflow on your iPhone? PlotCue offers a dedicated way to organize the task. Read the feature and plan notes below.
View PlotCue on the App StoreAsk the venue the questions that change the plan
- Who is the technical contact, and which revision did they receive?
- Are all requested inputs and monitor mixes available?
- Who provides microphones, DIs, stands, wedges and backline?
- What stage dimensions, power locations and access constraints apply?
- What are the confirmed load-in, soundcheck and performance times?
Do not silently remove a source to fit a smaller desk. Agree the change and revise both the diagram and input list. Name the file with the act, venue, date and revision. Keep the original touring setup separate from the venue variant so a compromise for one room does not overwrite your master.
Check the packet before sending
Read the plot and list together. Each numbered input should appear once in the list and have a clear location or performer context. Confirm who supplies each requested item. Count stands and DIs from the capture plan, not from the number of musicians. A diagram can look tidy while still asking for equipment nobody has agreed to provide.
If your drummer is working on consistency before rehearsal, the short rudiment routine provides a separate practice plan. For mileage to work engagements, keep a dated trip record rather than trying to reconstruct travel from a rider months later.
How PlotCue fits the advance workflow
PlotCue’s current listing describes a master stage setup, venue variants, source-derived patch and packing lists, open questions and an exported advance packet. Its readiness percentage describes completed planning facts; it is not a promise that the show will run without problems.
The current listing offers the first standard PDF export free, with Pro subscriptions for additional saved plots and clean exports. Check the actual offer in the app. Use the example here to prepare your sources and questions first; software cannot confirm venue facts on the crew’s behalf.
Your free starting template
Download the CSV for Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets. It includes starter fields and illustrative examples for this task. It is a separate worksheet, not an app-import format. No account or email is required.
The CSV is the nine-channel input list. To keep the matching stage diagram, print this guide. Confirm sources, capture methods and venue equipment before sending.
Questions answered
Is a stage plot the same as an input list?
No. The plot explains physical placement; the list explains audio sources and patch details. They should agree.
Which side is stage right?
The performer’s right when facing the audience. Label the perspective explicitly on the drawing.
Should I specify microphone models?
State required needs and discuss availability with the engineer. Do not mark a preferred model as confirmed supplied equipment.
Use PlotCue on iOS
Create master and venue-specific stage setups, source-derived patch lists, packing counts and technical advance PDFs.
The live listing includes a first standard PDF export free; Pro adds saved plots and export options. Venue capacity and equipment availability still need confirmation.
Download PlotCue for iOSThe App Store shows current compatibility and available plans. A free download can include paid features.
Sources and product details
- Music Will stage plot exampleA music-education reference for stage-plot format. Our diagram and nine-channel example are original.
- PlotCue on the App StoreSource for the product features and limits described here. Checked October 5, 2026.
Editorial method: original examples and worksheets, public source checks, and an independent agent critique for clarity and unsupported claims. No download or search-ranking results are claimed.