A venue tech pack, sometimes called a tech spec or production pack, is the document that tells visiting productions what the venue has and how it works. A good one answers most of your advance questions before you ask them. A missing or outdated one means you'll need to ask. This guide explains what's usually in a tech pack, what to look for, and what to ask when the venue doesn't have one.
What a tech pack usually contains
Tech packs vary a lot, but most cover some of these:
- Contacts: production manager, technical staff, and building management
- Address and access: the loading dock or stage door, directions, and parking
- Stage: dimensions, height, trim heights, and a stage plan drawing
- Rigging: points, weight limits, and any restrictions
- Power: what's available for production and where
- Sound: the PA, mixing consoles, monitors, microphones, and stands
- Lighting: the house rig and control
- Video: screens, projection, and connections
- Backline: any instruments or amps the venue provides
- Dressing rooms and facilities
- Policies: curfew, noise limits, labor rules, smoke and haze, insurance requirements
Read it with your show in mind
Don't read the tech pack front to back once and file it. Read it against your show's needs:
- Does the stage fit the stage plot? Compare the dimensions with the band's layout, including space for the drum riser, keyboards, and cases.
- Is the power enough, and in the right place? Keyboards, amps, and pedalboards all need outlets.
- What sound equipment is included? Check that the venue's microphones, stands, and DI boxes cover the input list, or whether you need to bring or rent more.
- What backline is included? Note models and quantities, and whether they're actually available for visiting acts.
- When can you get in? Load-in times and dock access shape your whole day.
- What are the rules? Curfews, noise limits, and labor rules affect the schedule and the budget.
Mark anything that doesn't match your needs or isn't clear. Those are your advance questions.
House backline: trust, but confirm
Many venues list house backline in the tech pack, such as a drum kit, a bass rig, or a piano. Before relying on it:
- Confirm it's available for your show and not reserved for another act
- Confirm the exact model and condition, because tech packs aren't always updated when gear is replaced or retired
- Confirm what's included: a house kit without cymbals, or a bass amp without a cabinet, is a common surprise
- Check whether there's a charge for using it
If the house gear doesn't suit the artist, rent what's needed; in Los Angeles you can browse backline rental companies by equipment.
Check the date
Tech packs go out of date. Look for a revision date, and if it's old or missing, confirm the important details with the venue's production contact. Equipment gets replaced, policies change, and stages get renovated.
When there's no tech pack
Smaller venues, private event spaces, hotels, and non-traditional venues often don't have a tech pack. That's normal. Ask the venue directly, starting with the questions that affect your show most:
Access and schedule
- Where do we load in, and when can we arrive?
- Is there parking for a van or truck, and for how long?
- Are there stairs, elevators, or narrow doors between the dock and the stage?
- What time do we need to be out?
Stage and power
- How big is the performance area, and is there a stage or riser?
- How many power outlets are near the stage, and are they on separate circuits?
Sound
- Is there a sound system, and who runs it?
- What microphones, stands, and monitors are available?
- Is there a mixing console, and where is it?
Rules
- Are there noise limits or a curfew?
- Do vendors need to provide insurance certificates?
- Are there any restrictions on equipment or how it's moved?
Write the answers down and share them with your vendors. A backline company planning a delivery to a hotel ballroom needs to know about the service elevator and the loading time slot. Our guide on delivery, pickup, and load-in lists what vendors need.
Turn the tech pack into your plan
Once you've read the tech pack and asked your questions:
- Add the venue's answers to your advance sheet
- Pass access and schedule details to every vendor
- Send your stage plot and input list to the venue's audio contact
- Flag any gaps that need renting or bringing
The show advance checklist lists everything to confirm with the venue, and how to advance a show covers the overall process.
Reading the stage plan drawing
Many tech packs include a drawing of the stage. It's worth more time than the text:
- Check the scale. Measure where your drum riser, keyboard positions, and amp line would go.
- Find the fixed obstacles. Columns, stairs, fill speakers, and lighting positions all take space.
- Locate the power. Drawings often show where the stage outlets are, which tells you how far cables need to run.
- Look at the wings. Where will cases, spare instruments, and the next act's gear sit during the show?
- Find the route from the dock. A drawing that shows doors and ramps tells you how gear will get to the stage.
If the drawing is missing or unclear, ask the venue for a photo of the stage from the back of the room and from the wings. Photos often answer questions a drawing can't.
Questions to ask even when the tech pack looks complete
A thorough tech pack still leaves some questions only the venue can answer for your date:
- Is anything in the tech pack out of service or changed recently?
- Are other events happening in the building on the same day?
- Who will be our contact on the day, and how do we reach them?
- Is the house engineer available, and at what cost?
- Are there any changes to the curfew or noise rules for this date?
These take one short email and can save hours on show day.
Common tech pack pitfalls
- Stage dimensions that include unusable space, such as areas taken by permanent equipment or blocked by sightlines
- House backline that's listed but not available, or that's in poor condition
- Power that's listed but not near the stage
- Load-in times that conflict with other events in the same building
- Policies hidden near the end, like curfews or noise limits that change the running order
Read to the last page. The most important rules are often buried there.
Keep a file for repeat venues
If you play the same rooms regularly, keep each venue's tech pack with your notes from the last show: what was different from the document, who your contact was, and anything you'd do differently. Next time, start from those notes and ask the venue only what might have changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a venue tech pack?
A document from the venue describing its stage, power, sound, lighting, backline, access, and policies, so visiting productions can plan their show.
Can I rely on the house backline listed in a tech pack?
Confirm it first. Check that it's available for your show, that the models and condition match the tech pack, and what's included, such as cymbals or cabinets.
What should I ask a venue that doesn't have a tech pack?
Ask about load-in access and times, stage size, power near the stage, the sound system and who runs it, curfew and noise limits, and any rules for vendors.