(last update: 21 August 2011)
A computer and a web browser.
Drag and position targets and props on the "stage". Objects may overlap; click an object to bring it forward.
TIP: build your stage from BACK TO FRONT, that way the items will overlap as you place them. Refresh the page (F5) to start over
When you're finished placing your targets and props, fill in the Stage Procedure form. You can print the page to your desktop printer, but the easiest way to save, share, and print the design later is to do a screen capture. There are many free screen capture utilities available for Windows (sorry, don't know about Mac), Greenshot works particularly well for this, or you could try PicPick, which is a bit more polished. You could even use the Windows7 Snipping Tool.
Download and install or extract Greenshot or PicPick and set the program Preferences to open your capture to Editor. Build your stage and do a "Region" screen capture. Drag around the stage and form, and when you release the mouse button, the Editor will open. Use the Text tool to number your targets and add any notes, then drag the text boxes to the targets.
Save the picture as a PNG file. Now you can print it to paper or email it around.
If you want a PDF, that's free and easy too. Just download the free CutePDF Writer and install (you also need the Free Converter which you should install first). This will give you a new virtual PDF printer which works just like a desktop printer, only it prints a PDF file. This option works MUCH better with PicPick.
StageBuilder is just a webpage, so you can save it and run it on any computer with a web browser, internet connection or not. Open the StageBuilder page online, and from the main menu select File>Save As... and pick "Web Page, complete" from the "Save as type" drop down list. Save to a folder on your hard drive or a thumbdrive. There will be an HTML file and a folder of images.
I wouldn't depend on this, but it appears modern browsers will save the last state of the page, ie: your stage design will be intact, as you left it. The downside is the same as a real life stage: you have to clean up all the props manually, so be sure to save an empty stage if you want to work offline!
Please let us know what you think of StageBuilder. Email us with changes or additions you'd like to see or to report problems, incompatibilities, or bugs.
And of course, Paypal donations of any amount are always appreciated!