Follow cues

Definition

Following cues refers to the precise synchronization of sound elements with visual components such as lighting and video in a performance. This practice ensures that audio elements enhance the overall experience and are timed perfectly with actions or moments on stage, creating a cohesive narrative and emotional impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Following cues requires close attention from sound designers, ensuring they are aware of the entire staging process and how sound complements the visual storytelling.
2. Cues can be triggered manually by a sound designer or programmed into digital audio playback systems for automation.
3. Proper communication between the sound team and other departments, like lighting and video, is essential for successfully following cues.
4. The timing of audio cues can significantly affect audience perception and emotional responses during a performance.
5. Advanced technology, such as MIDI controllers and digital audio workstations, aids in the precise execution of following cues.

Review Questions

• How does following cues enhance the storytelling aspect of a performance?
  • Following cues enhances storytelling by ensuring that sound elements are perfectly timed with actions on stage. This synchronization allows sound to heighten emotional responses and create an immersive experience for the audience. When done effectively, it makes moments more impactful and cohesive, as the audience connects audio elements directly with visual stimuli.
• Discuss the role of communication between departments in the successful following of cues during a performance.
  • Effective communication between departments, particularly sound, lighting, and video, is crucial for successful cue execution. Each department needs to share their schedules and technical details to align their operations. For example, if a lighting change is meant to coincide with a specific sound effect, both teams must coordinate timing to ensure the transition feels seamless and enhances the performance's overall impact.
• Evaluate how technology has transformed the way sound designers follow cues in contemporary performances.
  • Technology has revolutionized how sound designers follow cues by introducing advanced tools like digital audio workstations and automated cue systems. These technologies enable precise control over timing and allow for complex soundscapes that can be easily triggered during performances. Furthermore, innovations like MIDI controllers facilitate real-time adjustments based on live actions, resulting in a dynamic interaction between sound and visuals that significantly elevates the audience's experience.

Related terms

Cue Sheet: A document that outlines the timing and specifics of all cues, including sound, lighting, and video transitions during a performance.

Soundscape: The combination of sounds that create the auditory environment in a performance, which can be adjusted or triggered based on visual cues.

Fades: Gradual changes in sound levels or lighting intensity, often used to create smooth transitions between different moments or scenes in a performance.