Concert & Festival Staging Handbook
Technical specifications and best practices for live music staging
Stage Type Selection
Stage selection depends on audience size, venue type, weather exposure, and production requirements. Understanding the trade-offs between mobile, modular, and custom stages is essential for optimal event execution.
Stage Type Comparison
Self-contained, rapid deployment, 500-15,000 capacity
Scalable, customizable, 5,000-50,000 capacity
Unlimited design, maximum impact, 10,000+ capacity
Freestanding truss, no venue rigging required
Stage Sizing Calculations
Stage size must accommodate performance requirements, backline, monitors, and safe egress. Undersized stages create safety hazards and limit production value.
Checklist
- Performance area: minimum 40' x 32' for full band
- Drum riser: typically 8' x 8' or 12' x 8'
- Monitor world: 6-8' depth behind main PA
- Wing space: minimum 8' each side for egress
- Backline depth: 8-12' behind performance area
- Front-of-stage barricade: 6-8' from stage edge
- Load capacity: 150-250 PSF for heavy production
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Our team can guide you through these considerations for your specific event.
Structural Requirements
Festival stages must withstand wind loads, equipment weight, and dynamic forces from performers. Engineering documentation is required for most jurisdictions.
Checklist
- PE-stamped structural calculations
- Wind load ratings (typically 70-90 MPH)
- Point load capacity for rigging
- Distributed load capacity for equipment
- Seismic considerations where applicable
- Ground conditions and anchoring
- Weather monitoring protocols
Multi-Stage Festival Considerations
Festivals with multiple stages require coordinated scheduling, shared infrastructure, and clear sight lines between stages to manage audience flow.
Checklist
- Stage orientation to minimize sound bleed
- Power distribution across stages
- Shared backline and changeover protocols
- Artist hospitality and green room placement
- Production office and communication hub
- Weather shelter and contingency stages
- Load-in/strike sequencing across stages
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Our production team has the experience to help you execute these best practices for your next event.
