Guide to Concert Stage Design Services

Event planners will tell you that the most difficult task they face is lining up an original concert location that won't be a prohibitive logistical challenge. While outdoor concerts are popular, Mother Nature can surprise even the most prepared event coordinator.

Hire a concert stage designer to mitigate those challenges before they dampen your event. Professional stage set design is worth the investment. Most companies offer simple consultation. Or, sign up for complete consulting and concert design services, equipment rental, setup, sound and light production and tear-down. Before you hire a company, you'll need to consider three points:

1. Terrain that might affect stage design and sound.

2. Season, weather and forecast during the event.

3. Available resources, seating, staff and equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Define your concert design, determine your stage set design

Concert stage designs vary according to the type of event, size of the stage and onstage equipment needs. If you're planning a rock concert for a full band, you'll have considerably more equipment onstage than if you're planning a karaoke contest or a classical guitar recital. Electrical equipment's extra weight and footprint will require a larger stage with more weight-bearing reinforcements. If your venue offers a stage, most likely it will also offer concert stage design services. In some cases, however, you'll need a stage design consultant.

I recommend: Creative Stage Design offers concert stage designer consulting services, but can also handle full-scale event production.

Put a lid on your concert stage designs

If the outdoor stage design you've chosen doesn't provide for wet weather, you'll need to plan ahead. Even if your performers don't mind getting wet, they'll most likely balk at drenched electrical equipment and the possibility of electric shock as they perform.

I recommend: Brown United offers complete roofing solutions for custom event stage designs.

Choose light and sound providers to complete your concert stage set design

Concert stage design services often include lighting and sound options, but in some cases you'll need to find an outside lighting and sound company. Outdoor stage designs present their own challenges. When planning adequate and even dramatic lighting, consider what time of day you'll be hosting your event, during which season, and in what part of the world. Visit your location in advance, preferably with your consultant or light and sound designer, and ask your venue's special events coordinator for company referrals. It's best to work with a company that is already familiar with your location.

I recommend: Search for credentialed professionals through the Entertainment Services and Technology Association.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you'll be adding pyrotechnics to your show, bring your fireworks experts into the stage planning from the very beginning.
• Review your entertainer's contract as you begin stage layout and design. You may find specific requirements regarding stage area, electrical needs, weight-bearing requirements, roofing, lighting and sound.

The official source of Concert Stage Design Services is
the Concert Stage Design Services page at Business.com