A Production Rider is a document (usually in pdf format) that a band will email to a venue well before the date of the performance. It is an informative document prepared by the band (or the band’s sound engineer) that gives the production manager and sound/lighting engineers at the venue an idea of what the band requires to have a successful show. 

Sometimes the venue may not have all the equipment required (such as the right microphones, enough guitar stands, an in-house drum kit, etc) and this document allows for any issues to be sorted out well before the date of the gig. 

When a production rider is emailed through, usually a venue will email back their own venue production details (Production Spec) and flag any concerns they have about the band’s requirements. At this point it is up to the band (or the band’s sound engineer) to cross check the venue’s equipment with their requirements. 

A Production Tech Rider should contain the following information:

• Contact details such as the band’s sound engineer, manager, a day of show contact, etc.
  
  
• A brief description of the type of music/show the band put on
  
  
• The on-stage monitor requirements for the band. How many foldback speakers are required? Are the band bringing IEMs (in-ear monitors) that require a feed from the sound engineer?
  
  
• Rough monitor mix levels for each band member on stage
  
  
• How many mic stands/keyboard stands/guitar stands the band will need
  
  
• What backline equipment is required - some venues do provide drums and amps, some do not, and some may have the option to hire gear in at a cost
  
  
• An input list of all the channels the band expects to put through the PA. It is helpful to put on this list in DIs or mics are required for certain inputs (see example)
  
  
• A Stage Plot with the names of the performers (this can really help the sound engineer during sound check). Canva can create great stage plots.

A stage plot is crucial for live music because it provides a visual map of a band's setup (instrument placement, mics, DI boxes, and power needs) to venue staff, ensuring a quick, efficient, and stress-free soundcheck. It prevents last-minute, hectic, or incorrect setups, demonstrating professionalism while allowing engineers to prepare for the show beforehand.

Download our template below and make a copy to make it your own, complete with Tech Rider, Input List and Stage Plot.