Run Order
Sequential list of acts and segments with exact start and end times for each performance element, including encores and breaks.
A well-prepared runsheet reduces on-site confusion, shortens changeover times, and improves safety by documenting responsibilities and precise cue timing. It creates a single source of truth for technical crews and stakeholders, supports compliance with venue and permit requirements, and preserves an audit trail for post-event reviews.
Typical roles that create or use the runsheet before and during the event.
The runsheet is a shared operational tool; distributing a single, confirmed version reduces mistakes and improves show reliability.
Sequential list of acts and segments with exact start and end times for each performance element, including encores and breaks.
Numbered audio, lighting and video cues with trigger times, responsible crew, and cross-references to channel or console assignments.
Key contacts with roles, mobile numbers, radio channels and on-site locations for rapid escalation during technical or safety incidents.
Detailed arrival, unloading, parking, and strike instructions including truck sizes, dock access, and door schedule constraints.
Equipment lists, stage plot references, microphone and DI assignments, generator or power limitations, and any special setup instructions.
Fallback procedures for delays, weather, power issues or artist changes, with designated decision-makers and timeline adjustments.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Template | Create reusable runsheet template per venue |
| Auto-fill Fields | Use automatic detection for date, venue and contact fields |
| Conditional Fields | Show audio cues only when act type requires them |
| Notifications | Email or SMS alerts for version updates |
Choose tools that support common file formats, mobile access and timely notifications so crews can access the runsheet on any device.
3 business days before the event for internal review
24–48 hours before show to test cues
Day-of arrival window established by venue
Typically 60–120 minutes before show time
Confirmed start time with strict adherence
Confirm acts, riders, and initial cue estimates
Run full cues with audio and lighting operators
Stage, soundcheck and monitor tests completed
Execute show and rapid post-show load-out
A festival production compiles a master runsheet aligning three stages and shared tech resources.
A touring artist provides a standardized runsheet template to venue staff and local crew.
| Criteria | Runsheet | Stage Plot |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | operational schedule | physical layout |
| Primary User | stage/production crew | technical designers |
| Timing | event timeline | pre-production reference |
| Typical Contents | cues, contacts, timing | rigging, mic placements |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |