How hard can it be for you to set up a stage for a concert?
If you are setting up the stage for the first time, it can be so challenging to set the stage there might be hundreds of pieces you need to set up accurately. If you have performed for many years, you will find it easy to know which instrument you want and where. Even then, you may still make a few errors when you set up the first time.
Setting up a stage doesn’t have to be a complex affair if you follow the right steps. Check out the steps below:
Make a Plot
A plot is a plan or map of your stage. It shows where items will appear in your stage. Although there are certain conventions such as a dash (-) representing a music stand and an X representing a chair, you can create your plat the way you need. If someone creates the plot for you, however, you need to understand the conventions.
Some of the symbols include:
- Rectangles for raiser with the height shown on the side
- Large circles for tympani
- Small circles for stools to hold upright bass
- Pianos have their curved shape
You need stage plots for all the setups you have including the lighting and the sound. You also need to indicate the number of each of the gear that you have on stage. For instance number of chairs, stands, and percussion among others.
Sound being the most important aspect of the concert should have a plat of its own. The plot should indicate the position of the monitor and the microphones. You can use numbers to indicate the location of the mic and a different chart that shows the models of the mic to be used on each location. Afterwards, make a lighting plot that looks like a sound plot but with lighting specs.
Mark the Floor
Because the plot is on paper, you need to spike (mark) the floor to show where every stage item will stay according to the plot you created earlier. You can make the mark with a gaffer’s tape, paint, or inlaid wood. Some sections only need temporary spikes to show where the piano or the piano or the risers will stay. The mark on the center stage is the one you reference to most when setting everything else.
You might need to use variety of metals when setting the stage especially for stands. You can use store-bought stands or weld some to meet your needs.
Once you are done spiking, sweet the stage as it will be challenging to do so after setup. If the concert goes for many days, you might want to sweep every day after the concert.
Start the Setup
Start by setting the platform and the risers ensuring that that you take care of the heights as you or the artist you are setting for requires. Ensure that the platform is stable at every stage of the setup. If a riser is not sound, keep it out of your stage.
After the risers, set the pianos, the harpsichords, percussion, and any other large instruments needed for the performance. Ensure that the conductor can see each of this from where he or she stays. From there, set up the chairs and stands ensuring that everyone can see the conductor from where they sit. Ensure that every player has enough room by sitting on each seat as you set them. Do not forget the chairs of the pianist page turner and the timpanist. Ensure that the stands are firm.
Once you set the seats, go on and set the sound gear including mic stands, monitors, and mics. Also, go on and set up the lights any effects, and special electronics such as fog machines, projector, screen, laptop, and any others needed during the show. Ensure all cables are covered or taped in place.
If there is gear that comes off the stage during the show, you need to have a room set apart for them. The gear should stay away from the traffic to minimize distractions. If some people are waiting backstage, ensure there is room for them too.
If you follow these steps, you will end with a successful setup.
