Stage hire gives performers, speakers and the bridal party a raised platform that everybody can see. A hire company brings modular decks, steps, skirting and, for bigger shows, a roof and truss, then builds it to the height and size you need and strikes it afterwards. Tell us the date, the type of event, the number of performers and the ground, and stage companies in your area send quotes for the stage, the roof and the crew.
Stage sizes and heights
Stage decks are built from modular panels, often 2 x 1 m or 1 x 1 m, on adjustable legs. Common choices:
- 0.4 to 0.6 m high: a low platform for speeches, a band at a wedding or a school choir.
- 0.8 to 1 m high: the usual height for live bands and keynote speakers in a hall.
- 1.2 to 1.5 m or higher: concerts and festivals, where the crowd is large and sightlines matter. Higher stages need handrails, steps and a safety plan.
Size the stage by what goes on it. A DJ needs about 3 x 2 m, a five-piece band 6 x 4 m, and a drum kit alone takes about 2 x 2 m. Give the supplier the list of equipment and the number of people who will stand or dance on it. Pair it with sound hire and lighting.
Roofs, truss and weather
An outdoor stage without a roof is at the mercy of sun and rain, and electrical gear must be kept dry. A stage roof is a ground-supported aluminium truss frame with a weatherproof cover, built to carry lights, speakers and a backdrop. Roofs are rated for a maximum wind speed, and the crew must be able to lower or strike it if a storm is forecast. Ask for the rating and the wind plan in writing. For small events, a stretch tent or tent over the stage can be cheaper. Ask what weight the truss is rated to hang, so lighting and LED screens fit within it. See lighting and LED screen hire.
Ramps, skirting and certification
A safe stage is more than a flat deck. Check that the quote covers:
- Steps and ramps for performers and equipment, plus a wheelchair ramp where the public may need access.
- Handrails and edge protection on any stage over about 1 m.
- Skirting on the front and sides, which hides the legs and cables.
- Load rating: the number of people and kilograms per square metre the deck is certified for.
- Engineer's certificate or load test for large stages and roofs, which municipalities and venues often ask for.
Public events may also need a permit; check with your municipality early.
What affects the price
Stage hire is quoted per project, based on the size, the height, whether there is a roof, the number of crew, the number of days and the distance from the depot. A simple deck may cost a few thousand rand, while a roofed concert stage with truss is many times that. Setup can take half a day for a deck and one to two days for a roof. Compare quotes on the same basis: dimensions, height, steps, skirting, roof and rating, crew, insurance and strike time. For all-in budgets, see event hire prices.
What to include in your request
- Date, venue and the ground type
- Stage size and height, or the equipment going on it
- Roof, truss or backdrop needed
- Ramp, steps and wheelchair access
- Audience size and whether it is a public event
Stage Hire for different events
- Weddings and traditional ceremonies: a low platform for the band, the speeches and the bridal table
- Corporate functions and year-end parties: a branded stage for awards, product launches and keynote addresses
- Conferences, launches and expos: a plenary stage with a podium, screens and ramps for speakers
- Birthdays and private parties: a small deck for a live band or a DJ at a big party
- Kids' parties and baby showers: a low platform for entertainers, a puppet show or a talent contest
- School events and matric dances: a stage for prize-givings, concerts and matric dance performances
- Funerals, church and cultural gatherings: a platform with a roof for church services, rallies and cultural events
- Festivals, markets and sports days: a main stage with a truss roof, ramps and crowd barriers for concerts
Frequently asked questions
How much does stage hire cost in South Africa?
How high should my stage be?
Does a stage need a certificate?
Can a stage go up on a lawn or slope?
Stage Hire by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg