Skip to main content
Microsoft 365
Try Microsoft 365 for free
March 31, 2025

How to use AI for stage design

Designing a stage is an exciting process. Whether you’re designing a stage for an event or play, use AI for set design ideas and more.

People watching a man on stage

Space utilization and layout planning

Make the most of your stage space and plan its layout with AI. AI provides advice no matter how small or large your stage is. Before you plan your stage layout, consider these prompts or make your own:

  • I’m hosting a Q and A event on a 30-foot-diameter round stage. The Q and A will consist of three people, and we want them seated. Help me utilize this space as best as possible.
  • Create a simple diagram of how to set up my stage for a live music event creatively. There is one lead singer, a guitarist, and a banjo player.
  • I’m hosting a professional conference, and the stage we rented is a thrust stage. How can I plan the space so that a single speaker on the stage doesn’t look awkward?
  • My school is hosting a musical with multiple scenes and actors. How should I arrange the stage so that it’s easy to make quick scene changes?
Copilot in Microsoft 365 Banner
Microsoft 365 Logo

Achieve the extraordinary with

Copilot in Microsoft 365

Seamlessly tackle your to-dos and track budgets, projects, and calendars with AI-powered features in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more.

Try now for free

Stage design ideas

Captivate your audience with an eye-catching stage design. If you’re low on-stage design ideas, AI brainstorms them with you. Tell AI about a scene in your play or about your event, and it generates suggested stage designs. Consider these example prompts to bring your play or event to life:

  • There’s a scene in a play that I’m working on that takes place in a graveyard, and I’m on a tight budget. Provide five low-budget set design ideas for this scene.
  • I’m hosting a theater performance that takes place on a stage that’s 24 by 32 feet. The second to last scene takes place in a forest. Provide three stage design recommendations, making sure each set element is easy to move for the final scene.
  • Provide ten stage design ideas for a rustic-style wedding ceremony.
  • My company is hosting a conference where industry leaders are speaking. The theme is about sustainability, so the design should incorporate sustainable elements. Provide different sustainable stage design ideas.
“Captivate your audience with an eye-catching stage design. If you’re low on stage design ideas, AI brainstorms them with you.”

Lighting and visual effects

Lighting and visual effects tell your story and make your event moving and memorable. Ask AI for tips on optimizing your stage’s lighting and visual effects with these example prompts:

  • What’s the best type of lighting for a keynote presentation?
  • How many fog machines do I need for an 80-foot-wide stage?
  • What is the best way to set up a rear projector?
  • What stage lighting should I use to mimic a thunderstorm?

Cost estimation and budget management

Depending on the elaborateness of your event or live performance, stage design can be expensive. Plan or keep track of stage design costs so you don’t overspend with AI. Try these or your own example budgeting prompts:

  • I have $5,000 to spend on stage design for a small benefit concert. Explain how I should allocate these funds.
  • How much can I expect to spend on stage design for a middle school play?
  • I’m designing a stage with three other people. How can we collaborate on our spending, so we don’t exceed our budget?
  • I have to build a 10-foot-wide shelf for a play. How much should I expect to spend if I build it myself?

AI makes it easy to design the stage of your dreams. Find more ways to fuel your creativity on our Life Hacks hub, including learning how to paint , sew, and more.

Achieve the extraordinary with Microsoft 365

The powerful productivity apps and creativity tools in Microsoft 365 just got better. Work, play, and create better than ever before with the apps you love and Microsoft Copilot by your side.

Try for free

Topics in this article

Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and Family Safety Apps
Microsoft 365 Logo

Reimagine what's possible with Microsoft 365

Maximize your creativity, productivity, and protection with AI in Microsoft 365.

Try for free

Explore Other Categories