Downstage Monitor Rental

Rent professional downstage monitors for live events, keynotes, concerts, and corporate productions, so your presenters can see exactly what they need without breaking eye contact with the audience.

Downstage monitors (also known as confidence monitors or DSMs) allow speakers, performers, and hosts to view scripts, slides, lyrics, or cues while staying fully engaged with the room. Positioned at the front edge of the stage, these low-profile screens are the industry standard for conferences, live broadcasts, concerts, and high-impact corporate presentations.

We offer turnkey downstage monitor rentals, including delivery, setup, and on-site support, ensuring your show runs seamlessly from rehearsal to final cue.

What Is a Downstage Monitor?

A downstage monitor is a flat screen placed on the floor at the front edge of the stage, angled upward toward the presenter. It displays exactly what they need in real time: slides, notes, lyrics, teleprompter feeds, timers, or show cues.

You may also hear these referred to as:

  • Confidence monitors

  • DSMs (downstage monitors)

  • Rock ’n’ roll monitors

No matter the name, the purpose is the same: a stage-facing screen that gives your talent confidence and clarity, without distracting the audience.

$1,295 per 10-hour day, including one downstage monitor with a professional operator.

Additional monitors are available for $195 each.

Downstage Monitor

They’re ideal when:

  • Speakers need to view slides or notes while moving freely on stage

  • Performers require lyrics or music cues during concerts or live recordings

  • Panelists need access to questions, names, or timing cues

  • Presenters want a reliable safety net for complex or high-stakes presentations

When to Use a Downstage Monitor

Downstage monitors are the perfect solution when presenters need information at a glance, without losing connection with the audience.

Downstage Monitor vs. Presidential Teleprompter

Not sure which option is right for your event?

Choose a downstage monitor if your presenter wants to reference slides, bullet points, or lyrics, or prefers a more natural, conversational delivery.

Choose a presidential teleprompter if the speaker needs to follow a script word-for-word while maintaining direct eye contact with the audience.

In many productions, the best solution is using both presidential teleprompters for keynote speeches and downstage monitors for panels, introductions, transitions, and more flexible segments.

Downstage Monitor - FAQs

1. Are “downstage monitors” and “confidence monitors” the same thing?

Yes. In most event and AV settings, “downstage monitor,” “confidence monitor,” and “DSM” all refer to stage-facing screens that display content for the presenter, not the audience.

2. Will the audience see the monitors?

Downstage monitors are positioned low and angled upward toward the presenter. When properly placed, they are minimally visible or not noticeable at all, especially in larger venues.

3. What can you display on a downstage monitor?

We can display slides (presenter view or mirrored), notes, lyrics, timers, teleprompter text, or custom video feeds, tailored to your show’s needs and setup.

4. Do I need an operator?

For simple slide mirroring, your existing show computer operator may be enough. For teleprompter content, multiple feeds, or complex cueing, we recommend a dedicated operator to ensure everything stays perfectly in sync.

5. Which sizes are available?

We offer a range of screen sizes to match your stage depth and viewing distance. Share your venue details with us, and we’ll recommend the right sizes and quantities for your setup.