Set design requirements
If you’re having your stage custom designed from scratch, there are certain staging requirements for events that must be considered before setup and installation. Bespoke or innovative stage design will require you to consider the following points.
Type of event stage design
When considering the type of stage you need, think about who will be hosting the event and their intended use of the stage. Will they be using it to introduce a new product, present a business conference, or deliver an award? How about a wedding or a festival? Alongside this, consider the specifications of the event: is it indoors or outdoors? How many people will be onstage and how much weight load must it bear? Does it require a ramp?
There are many types of stage options to choose from, including: modular, mobile, and scaffold. Modular staging is manufactured with the intention of being constructed easily onsite. Mobile staging is designed to be moved around as the event moves from one location to another. Scaffold staging uses steel or aluminium framing for reinforced strength and stability.
Whatever type you choose, event staging must have a structure that is fit for purpose and be properly set-up to allow the speaker or performer to deliver with ease.
Size of the event stage
To calculate the size of the stage you require (including height, width, and depth), consider what will be happening on stage – how much space is needed? Take into account space for props, a screen, truss equipment and rigging for audio and lighting. This should be considered in conjunction with the size of the room.
This is largely influenced by the event's theme and the type being held.
Location of your event
Where the stage will be located within the venue not only dictates the size of the stage, but the type and shape of the stage.
Although it is typical for a stage to be constructed at the front of a venue, this is not a hard and fast rule. Feel free to get creative – place the stage in the centre of the room, for example. However, also consider this within the context of best serving your event; for instance, if you’re hosting a product release, and a 360° view of the product will be more engaging for attendees, place your stage where 360° access is viable.
A proximity of around 1.5 metres from the stage to the first row of attendees is also recommended, to ensure that attendees are engaged within the event and activities on stage.
Moreover, don’t forget to consider where the power sources for your stage are located, as well as obstructions such as pillars, as this may dictate where the stage can be placed.
Event accessibility requirements
When designing the perfect stage, you should include safe disability access onto and off the stage. You should also consider if sight lines or the visibility of the stage are affected from where any disabled attendees may be seated.
Marking stage entry and exit points
For both indoor events and outdoor venues, it is crucial to keep all fire exits clear, meaning the location, size, and type of your stage should not block fire exits. The same applies with entry and exit points in general – there should be enough entry and exit points so as to disperse dense crowds safely. These points must also be clearly marked, even in the dark.
Incorporate safety into your set-up
Safety is a huge requirement when considering the staging requirements for events. The responsibility of the health and safety of attendees, speakers and presenters, falls with the event organiser. Therefore, it is important that you don't overlook any of the safety considerations that events require.
The safety of the stage will of course be considered by the event construction company selected to design, manufacture, and construct the stage if this is applicable.
Despite this, as an event organiser, you are required to complete a written risk assessment, which clearly identifies potential hazards and the measures which will be taken to control or eliminate the risks associated. A stage design, for example, should be designed in a way that prevents tripping on-stage.
Stage construction services
Some of the safety risks associated with event staging include construction and set up. The stage must remain stable and be self-supporting, even during load-in when a large weight is placed on it. The maximum load a stage platform can withstand should also be outlined and adhered to, to ensure it does not break or become damaged during the event, which could injure attendees.
Additionally, any coverings on the stage should be sufficiently secured to prevent an accident such as tripping. The steps or ramps up to the stage must also be non-slip and stable to prevent accidents occurring.
You may need to consider stage barriers if you anticipate a large crowd density; stage barriers are designed to retain audience pressure and can prevent people climbing onto the stage, but should only be used where appropriate.
Stage lighting and audio hire
Once finished, the hired stage should communicate the brand and vision of your client, perhaps through a banner or an immersive stage layout. To achieve this, you might choose to utilise event staging technology alongside our staging hire services.
This technology used in conjunction with staging can potentially cause hazards and should be considered whilst undertaking risk assessments.
Part of your risk assessment includes a fire risk assessment. One of the greatest safety concerns surrounding technology on stage is a fire outbreak. To prevent this, the technician should keep soft goods away from the lighting and non-flammable goods should be used where possible in staging.
Supporting cables must also be sufficient to support overhead lighting and equipment so that they don’t break and fall.
There are many staging requirements for events to consider – and even more so if you’re looking for a custom stage for your event. However, by having a clear idea of the necessary specifications for your stage, and considering these alongside health and safety concerns, you should be able to produce an expansive and informative brief from which an event production company can design and construct your perfect stage.
You can approach the IMA professional team with a simple photograph of your stage concept and we will handle your event production. By utilising reverse engineering methods, the IMA staging services design team will convert your concept into a CAD file in-house and will include all considerations such as stage type and size. Following the design phase, our construction team will build your event stage. All you have to do is contact us, and the rest will be handled by us, allowing you to concentrate your energy and attention on other aspects of your event while remaining confident that we will deliver an impressive full service for your stage design and build outcome.
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