Cue Number

Definition

A cue number is a specific identifier assigned to a particular moment in a performance where a sound effect, music, or lighting change is set to occur. This number helps sound designers, stage managers, and performers coordinate the timing of these changes during a show. The cue number is critical for ensuring that all elements of the production come together smoothly and enhances the overall audience experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cue numbers are typically assigned sequentially, making it easy to reference them quickly during performances.
2. They are often printed on cue sheets that are distributed to the entire production team, allowing everyone to stay on the same page.
3. In complex productions, multiple cue numbers can be triggered simultaneously or in rapid succession, so precise timing is essential.
4. Cue numbers serve not just as markers for sound but can also relate to lighting changes and other stage effects, enhancing the overall production.
5. Sound designers often use digital mixing consoles that allow for visual representation of cue numbers, facilitating easier execution during live performances.

Review Questions

• How do cue numbers enhance communication among the production team during a performance?
  • Cue numbers provide a clear and concise way for the production team to communicate specific moments when sound or lighting changes should happen. By assigning unique identifiers to each cue, team members can quickly reference these numbers during rehearsals and performances. This system reduces confusion and allows for precise coordination between the sound designer, stage manager, and performers.
• Discuss how cue sheets utilize cue numbers to organize audio elements in a theatrical production.
  • Cue sheets rely on cue numbers to systematically list audio elements that will be incorporated into a theatrical performance. Each entry includes the cue number alongside descriptions of the sound effects or music required at specific moments. This organization ensures that everyone involved knows when to execute their roles, allowing for smooth transitions between scenes and enhancing the audience's immersion in the story.
• Evaluate the impact of digital technology on the use of cue numbers in modern theatrical productions compared to traditional methods.
  • The introduction of digital technology has significantly transformed how cue numbers are managed in modern theatrical productions. With digital mixing consoles and software, sound designers can visually map out cues in real-time, improving accuracy and timing. This advancement contrasts with traditional methods where cues were noted manually and executed without visual support. Digital systems enhance flexibility and allow for more complex audio layering, ultimately enriching the overall production quality.

Related terms

Cue Sheet: A document that lists all the cues in a performance, detailing their cue numbers, descriptions, timing, and any specific notes regarding execution.

Sound Designer: A professional responsible for creating the audio environment of a performance, including the selection and implementation of sound effects and music.

Technical Rehearsal: A rehearsal focused on integrating all technical elements of a performance, including sound, lighting, and set design, to ensure everything works in sync.