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If you’re planning a concert or performance event, you’ll definitely need to look into staging and possibly stage hire. There are various options with setting up a stage for performances, and most decision points depend on the type of performance, size of the venue and atmosphere that you are aiming to create. For example, if you want the show to feel more intimate and personal, lower level staging is better and allowing the first row or audience to start sitting closer than usual. If you’re creating a bigger, louder event to a crowd of hundreds or thousands, you’ll need a larger, fully set stage with enough space to be able to project to the crowd without bursting any ear drums!
Here are the most common types of concert performances we see stages hired for, with more information about the types of stage hired for each.
Whether it’s an acoustic, intimate show, an open mic or stand-up set such as comedy, poetry or storytelling, in most cases these show types either will not make use of a stage at all, or will hire a small low key stage (between 1 to 4 blocks). This is to preserve the intimate feeling of the event which can only be done if the audience feels close to the performance, almost like they are part of it.
These low key stages usually consist of 1 to 4 stage blocks and are very easy to set-up. You’ll need to consider whether there are any props to be on the stage or not, such as a chair or microphone stand, and ensure these can be set up too.
This could be a small band or play with anything up to 5 artists. These stages are usually 6 by 4 metres. For performances with a lot of movement or equipment, a larger stage is recommended around the 6 by 5 metre mark. These stages also don’t take long to set-up, but depending on the equipment that will be accompanying, you may need to allow for extra time.
If there are several acts with different stage set-ups, you should also have a plan for how the transitions will be managed between each performance and the set-up and pack-down of the stages. If you’re moving equipment, you’ll need somewhere to store it in between acts. This can also be factored into your run sheet and the order of acts to be decided based on logistics.
Bands or concerts with upwards of 12 musicians or artists on stage usually are more comfortable on a 6 by 5 metre minimum stage size. Performers can also fit on this stage of up to around 32 to 36 performers at a time. Depending on the size of your audience, the stage height will vary. The minimum height can be 30cm, and up to 100cm in 10cm increments. The type of performance will also affect this choice, i.e. whether or not the performers are sitting down or standing, whether the audience is sitting or standing and the size of the room.
If you’re planning a larger performance with a band with 14 or more performers or upwards of 28 performers, an 8 x 4m stage is more suitable. Each stage comes in pieces that are assembled to size together, so if you think you’ll need more area than this, our friendly team at Hire a Stage can easily do this for you. For bigger event stage hire, you’ll need to also factor in lighting and audio to ensure the stage is appropriately set up. Naturally with larger scale events, there’s also more logistics to factor including safety with access to power and more people present.
At Hire a Stage, all stages can be custom built to the dimensions and specifications of your choosing. Simply contact our friendly team to discuss your stage requirements, and they’ll be happy to assist you with a custom design specifically to meet your requirements. You can view our staging pricing costs and sizes.
