StagePlayer or Stage Studio: which do I need?
Short answer: Use StagePlayer (free) to run a prepared Broadway Media show with plug-and-play controls. Use Stage Studio (Pro) if you need mapping, warping, edge blending, more than one active production, full acts/scenes/sets, your own sets and media, or watermark-free output from the advanced tools. They're separate apps; from StagePlayer 3.0 (beta) you can open a production in Stage Studio with Edit in Stage Studio.
| StagePlayer (Free/Core) | Stage Studio (Pro) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for | Teachers, students and entry-level volunteers | Advanced show creation and editing |
| Productions | 1 active production | Unlimited productions |
| Creative tools | Plug-and-play | Advanced mapping, warping, edge blending |
| Backdrop library | Full access to view and purchase | Included as a standard feature |
| Output | Watermarked when you use the studio tools | No watermarks |
| Cue structure | Simplified playback | Full acts, scenes and sets |
Common questions
- Do I need both? No. StagePlayer covers standard playback. Stage Studio is for custom mapping across outputs, advanced cue structure and building sets.
- Are they separate downloads? Yes. StagePlayer users install Stage Studio separately to upgrade.
- Can I move a production from StagePlayer to Stage Studio? Yes, from StagePlayer 3.0 choose Edit in Stage Studio; edits show up in StagePlayer.
- My show is in StagePlayer 2.0. Must I migrate? No. 2.0 productions stay supported. 3.0 isn't backwards compatible, so start new productions in the new version.
- Do I need a Professional License or Pro to use Stage Studio? Not for 9 to 5: its license includes audio access and the editing features you need. For other uses, the Stage Studio beta is free to download; Pro pricing and how to buy it haven't been published.
Related articles
Still stuck?
Show Goods product help is self-service, with no live chat or phone support. Try these next:
- Work through Stage Studio troubleshooting: start here.
- For display, projector or cable problems, see Computer & projector setup.
- Found a bug in the beta? Report it with the Stage Studio feedback form.