Cueing

Definition

Cueing refers to the process of programming and executing specific lighting changes at designated moments during a performance. This practice is crucial for creating an engaging atmosphere, as it involves the coordination of various lighting elements, such as intensity, color, and movement, in sync with the action on stage or the rhythm of music. Proper cueing enhances the overall experience by providing visual cues that support storytelling and emotional engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cueing can be executed manually or automatically, depending on the complexity of the performance and the capabilities of the lighting console being used.
2. Different types of cues include 'fade' cues, where lights gradually change intensity, and 'snap' cues, which involve immediate changes in lighting.
3. Cue lists are often created during rehearsals to ensure that all transitions are smooth and effectively timed with other production elements like sound and choreography.
4. The timing of cues is crucial; even a slight delay can disrupt the flow of a performance and affect audience engagement.
5. Professional lighting designers often use a combination of visual cues and auditory signals to synchronize lighting changes with live music or dance movements.

Review Questions

• How does cueing influence the overall atmosphere and storytelling in a performance?
  • Cueing significantly influences a performance's atmosphere by enhancing emotional resonance through timely lighting changes. By coordinating light intensity, color shifts, and movement with key moments on stage, cueing helps convey the narrative's emotional highs and lows. This synchronization not only guides audience attention but also reinforces character dynamics, ultimately creating a richer storytelling experience.
• Discuss how different types of cues can impact a performance's technical execution and audience perception.
  • Different types of cues, such as 'fade' versus 'snap,' can dramatically impact both technical execution and audience perception. Fade cues provide a smooth transition that can enhance dramatic tension or mood, while snap cues create an immediate visual impact that captures attention. The choice between these types influences how effectively the performance communicates its intended emotion and engages the audience’s senses.
• Evaluate the importance of rehearsal in establishing effective cueing for synchronized performances with music and choreography.
  • Rehearsal is essential for establishing effective cueing because it allows the lighting designer to fine-tune timing and transitions in coordination with live music and choreography. During rehearsals, designers can assess how well cues align with performers’ movements and adjust accordingly to enhance the overall production quality. This practice not only ensures that all elements work harmoniously but also helps identify potential issues that could disrupt the flow during a live performance, ultimately leading to a more polished presentation.

Related terms

Lighting Console: A device used by lighting designers to control and program various lighting fixtures, allowing for precise management of lighting cues during performances.

DMX Protocol: A communication protocol used in lighting control systems that enables the transmission of control signals from the lighting console to the fixtures, ensuring accurate execution of lighting cues.

Choreography: The art of designing dance sequences and movements for performances, which often requires precise synchronization with lighting cues to enhance the visual impact.