Plot BS DetectorEasyStagecraft Course · Tier 1B · Module 4 (Reading a Lighting Plot) · v1.0 · the 6 common over-spec patterns on a lighting plot, and the question for each

Why this matters. Over-spec on a plot isn't always wrong — sometimes the design genuinely needs the kit. But often it's a default to "more is safer" or "industry standard scope". This sheet lists the 6 patterns to watch for. When you spot one, ask the question. Half the time the LD will defend it; half the time you save A$1,500-3,000.
1

Excessive mover count for a play / small musical

The pattern 6+ moving heads on a plot for a play, small musical, or single-set show. Movers are A$150-280/day per unit; 6 movers × 8 days = A$7,200+ just for movers.
Why it might be legitimate Big dance numbers + multiple scene changes + concert-scale ambition genuinely need movers. Mamma Mia at full scale = 6+ movers reasonable.
Why it might be over-spec Cost-padded design — movers look impressive on a plot. Or supplier defaulting to touring-style rig.
Ask "Could 3-4 movers + additional conventionals achieve the same effect? Which cues specifically need movers vs which could substitute?"
Saving: 2 movers × 8 days × A$180/day = A$2,880.
2

Top + bottom + ground row cyc (3-element cyc wash)

The pattern Cyc lit from above (top), from below (bottom), AND from the floor (ground row). Total 11-15 cyc lights.
Why it might be legitimate Touring + concert scale. Allows steep colour gradients sunset → night seamlessly.
Why it might be over-spec School-musical audiences see 4 cyc lights at top + nothing else and don't notice. Ground row often unnecessary.
Ask "Do we need ground row + bottom + top? Could 4 top + 4 bottom (8 total) achieve the effect?"
Saving: 4-7 cyc lights × 8 days × A$90/day = A$2,880-5,040.
3

Too many specials

The pattern 15+ specials on a plot. Each special is a single fixture dedicated to one moment (a chair, a doorway, a follow-spot pickup).
Why it might be legitimate Heavy specific staging — multiple isolated scenes with unique moments.
Why it might be over-spec Plot is treating every momentary illumination as a fixture rather than re-purposing wash units to do double duty.
Ask "Could some of these specials be served by re-purposing wash fixtures? Particularly the upstage specials that overlap with existing key positions?"
Saving: 4-6 specials × 8 days × A$45/day = A$1,440-2,160.
4

Dimmer-rack count too high for fixture count

The pattern 48-channel dimmer rack on a plot with only 12 conventional fixtures (most of the rig is LED).
Why it might be legitimate Future-proofing — venue may run other shows with bigger conventional rigs.
Why it might be over-spec Dimmer racks are A$100-180/day. If you only have 12 conventional fixtures, you need 12 dimmer channels — 24-channel rack at A$100/day is sufficient.
Ask "How many conventional fixtures need dimmers? If it's 12, do we need the 48-channel rack or could we run a 24-channel rack?"
Saving: ~A$80/day × 8 days = A$640.
5

Premium console for a school-scale plot

The pattern MA Lighting grandMA3 (A$560/day) or Avolites Quartz (A$420/day) on a school musical plot with under 100 cues + under 60 fixtures.
Why it might be legitimate Operator preference + familiarity. Some LDs only program on one console.
Why it might be over-spec ETC Ion XE (A$240/day) handles the entire scope cleanly. Save A$2,500+ across 8 days.
Ask "Could we run on ETC Ion XE instead? What features of [premium console] are we using that Ion doesn't support?"
Saving: A$220/day × 8 days = A$1,760.
6

Excessive gel codes (over-saturated palette)

The pattern Plot specifies 25+ different gel codes (Lee + Rosco mixed) for a 50-fixture rig.
Why it might be legitimate Very particular design — period musical with specific colour-temperature shifts per scene.
Why it might be over-spec A typical school musical needs 8-12 distinct gel codes. 25+ = LD has overpopulated the palette.
Ask "Could we consolidate to 10-12 distinct codes? Many of the cool gels (L132, L181, L183, R381) are interchangeable to the audience eye."
Saving: A$50-150 in gel costs + 1-2 hours of focus crew time during gel installation.

The 30-second BS scan

  1. Total fixtures: under 50 for play / under 70 for musical?
  2. Mover count: under 6?
  3. Cyc lights: under 8 total (no ground row)?
  4. Specials: under 12?
  5. Dimmer rack: sized to conventional count (not future-proofed)?
  6. Console: school-tier (Ion XE / QL1 / SQ-6)?
  7. Gel codes: under 14 distinct codes?

5+ "yes" answers = plot is right-sized. 3-4 "yes" = some over-spec questions to ask. Under 3 "yes" = significant over-spec, expect to negotiate down by 20-30%.

Closing thought

Over-spec is not the LD trying to scam you. Most LDs default to a "more is safer" approach because they don't know your budget constraints + they want the design to work. Your job is to bring the budget constraint into the conversation. The 6 patterns above are the levers. Use them collaboratively, not adversarially.