What is a Riser on Stage?

A riser is a raised platform placed on a stage to lift a drum kit, keyboards, performers or equipment higher, so they are more visible and easier to set up. The most common is the drum riser, which lifts the drummer so the audience can see them and the band can see each other. Risers also help with sightlines and make a stage look more dynamic.

How risers are used

Risers are planned and set in five steps:

  1. Request: the act lists risers, sizes and heights on its stage plot and rider.
  2. Confirm: the venue or festival confirms what it can supply during the advance.
  3. Build: crew assemble the staging decks and legs at the right height.
  4. Finish: risers are skirted and edges are marked, often with white tape.
  5. Set and move: equipment is placed on the riser, which may roll on and off for each set.

Riser requests are part of every act's stage plot, which venues and festivals collect through advancing in Crescat.

Fixed riser vs rolling riser

A fixed riser is built in place and stays there. A rolling riser has wheels, so an act's drum kit can be set up off stage and rolled into position during a changeover. Festivals rely on rolling risers to keep changeovers short.

Common riser uses and sizes

  • Drum riser, often 8 by 8 feet or 2 by 2 metres
  • Keyboard and percussion risers
  • Backing vocalist and brass risers
  • DJ risers
  • Choir and orchestra risers in tiers
  • Heights usually from 20 to 60 cm

Frequently asked questions

What is a staging deck?

A standard flat platform, often 2 by 1 metres or 8 by 4 feet, used to build risers and stages. Decks connect together and sit on legs of different heights.

Why do festivals use rolling risers?

So the next act can set up on a riser while the current act plays, then roll it into place in minutes. It can cut a changeover from 30 minutes to 15 or less.

Are risers safe?

When built to the manufacturer's guidance, with secure legs, marked edges and handrails where needed. Higher risers may need steps and guard rails, and should be checked before each show.

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