Designing a custom built stage to hire

Designing a stage to specification requires a keen eye for detail, a good understanding of your floor plan and an organised event manager who can ensure the smooth running of where the custom stage will be set-up, packed down and how the general logistics f your stage hire fits into the overall event plan.

When designing a custom built stage to hire, the first items is to determine exactly what your custom stage is to be used for. The most popular types of stage uses include,

• Concerts and performances
• Catwalks and fashion shows
• Ceremonies and award presentations
• Conferences and corporate events
• Promotion events
• Bridal tables and special occasions
• Podiums and risers
• Children’s events including performances and special occasions

Each of these stage types may vary slightly in their requirements of size, arrangement and placement, however the method to designing these to brief follow the same steps.

These are the main and important steps to designing for a custom stage:

1. Start with confirming what your stage will be used for
   This might seem like the obvious place to start, but what’s also important is the details and specification of it’s use. For example, you might be planning stage hire for a music concert; What size band will be playing? What instruments will be used? How many performers will be on stage? Do they need any special effects? All of this is part of the brief for what type of stage you’ll need and the requirements to be considered and included in the scope.
2. Draw a floor plan that includes the area required for your stage placement
   Drawing an accurate floor plan, to scale, is crucial to your stage design process. You’ll need to consider where your stage is placed relative to the rest of the event space, audience visibility, audio and logistics like thoroughfare. Think of your Gold Coast floor plan literally like your event map that tells you where things go and gives you sense of direction for the overall layout!
3. Create another floor plan, specifically for your stage
   Your actual stage itself will also need a clear floor plan. This must be drawn to scale to ensure your stage is built exactly to the required specification. This includes mapping out where props will be placed, any microphone, speakers or equipment to be present, and ensuring anyone who will be on stage or is an event stakeholder agrees to the final stage floor plan.
4. Create a run sheet that includes the set-up and pack down of your stage
   Operations is a big part of event planning and ensuring there is enough time to properly set-up and pack down your stage will be an important factor to your logistics. At Hire a Stage, we provide professional service to assist with the setup and pack down of all custom built stages. For safety reasons it’s best to let our trained team set up and dismantle stages. The staff at Hire a Stage will be able to help you with planning times to allow for this.
5. Plan a stage rehearsal before the live event
   Practice makes perfect! If possible, having a rehearsal on your stage is a great way to ensure everything is set up exactly as you want it. When organising your stage rehearsal, it’s best if you can have the set-up as close as possible to what it will be on event day. This includes sound, props, equipment, lighting and of course, your people! Even if your stage is not being used for a performance but for example, an awards ceremony, having someone mimic coming up from the crowd to walk across and accept their award will ensure your set-up is accessible and comfortable.

For more information on custom stage design, build and hire, contact Hire a Stage to speak with a friendly expert on the team.