Stage Plot & Tech Rider Tutorials
3 min read · Updated July 7, 2026 · bands, engineers, PMs, TMs
Step-by-step tutorials for making a stage plot, building an input list, configuring monitor mixes, mic'ing a drum kit, and sharing a rider — for bands, engineers, and PMs.
TL;DR — This is the how-to hub. Once you understand the basics, these step-by-step tutorials show you how to actually build the documents: make a stage plot, write a tech rider, build an input list, configure monitor mixes, mic a drum kit, and share or co-edit a rider. Pick the one that matches your job.
New here?
If you've never made a stage plot, start here and you'll have a venue-ready result in minutes:
- How to Make a Stage Plot for Your Band (5-minute guide) — set dimensions, place performers, add gear, label, export.
- Download a Free Stage Plot Template — skip the blank page; start from a template that matches your lineup.
All tutorials, by who you are
For new bands & artists
- How to Make a Stage Plot for Your Band (5-minute guide) — the fastest path from blank canvas to a labeled, exportable plot.
- Free Stage Plot Template (Download + How to Use) — four ready-made templates (rock band, acoustic duo, jazz trio, IEM rig) and how to adapt them.
- How to Write Your First Tech Rider — every section of a rider, written out step by step, so you end with a complete document.
For engineers
- How to Build an Input List / Patch Sheet — channel-by-channel: number, name, instrument, mic/DI, stand, phantom, patch.
- Configuring Monitor Mixes & IEMs on Your Stage Plot — plan wedges and in-ears, keep the mix list linked to the input list.
- Drum Kit Stage Plot & Channel Setup — place the kit, lay out the channels (kick, snare, toms, overheads), and keep plot and list in sync.
For PMs, TMs & touring bands
- Sharing & Collaborating on a Rider: Link, PDF, Feedback — when to use a view-only link vs a link with feedback vs edit access vs a PDF.
- Reusing One Rider Across Multiple Shows — stop re-dating a file per gig; reuse one rider across a tour.
- Collaborating on a Rider: Invite Your Engineer or TM — invite up to three editors by email to co-edit one rider asynchronously (real-time is on the roadmap).
A note on collaboration
Several of these tutorials cover multi-editor collaboration — letting your engineer, TM, or bandmates edit the same rider rather than emailing copies around. Techrider.live ships this as asynchronous co-editing today (the owner invites up to three collaborators by email; each can open, edit, save, export, and inspect history). Real-time simultaneous editing and live presence are on the roadmap. See Why Your Tech Rider Should Be a Living Document for the why behind this workflow.
Where to go next
- 📚 New to the vocabulary? The basics hub explains stage plots, tech riders, input lists, monitor mixes, and stage directions.
- ⚖️ Choosing a tool? The Best Stage Plot & Tech Rider Software (2026) pillar compares eight tools across five fixed criteria.
Further reading
- Stage Plot For Bands, with Examples — DIY Musician (CD Baby)
- The technical rider: 6 tips and a template — IMG STAGELINE
- List of Apps and Software for Designing Stage Plots — SoundGirls.org
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by the Techrider.live team · Workflows tested against real festival, club, and touring productions.
Related guides
How to Make a Stage Plot for Your Band (5-Minute Guide)
A 5-step walkthrough to make a clean, engineer-readable stage plot for your band — set the stage, place performers, add gear and mics, then export a PDF and share link.
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