Cue number

Definition

A cue number is a specific identifier assigned to a cue in a production, which helps stage managers and crew to clearly communicate and track the timing of cues during a performance. This numerical system enhances organization and ensures that everyone involved in the production is on the same page when it comes to executing lighting, sound, or scene changes. By using cue numbers, the stage management team can efficiently reference and call cues without confusion, leading to smoother transitions and overall production flow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cue numbers are usually assigned sequentially and correspond to specific actions or events in the script.
2. They are essential for maintaining clear communication among the stage management team, lighting designers, sound engineers, and performers.
3. The use of cue numbers minimizes the chance of mistakes by providing a quick reference that everyone can follow.
4. Cue numbers can also be used in rehearsal scripts to mark where each cue is located for easy reference during practice.
5. Understanding cue numbers is crucial for effective timing in live performances, ensuring that all elements are synchronized perfectly.

Review Questions

• How do cue numbers facilitate better communication among the production team during a performance?
  • Cue numbers serve as a common language for the production team, allowing them to reference specific moments in the performance with clarity. When stage managers call cues using these numbers, everyone from lighting technicians to sound engineers knows exactly what action is needed at that moment. This reduces miscommunication and enhances coordination, ensuring that every aspect of the production happens seamlessly and on time.
• In what ways can cue numbers impact the overall efficiency of rehearsals and performances?
  • By providing a structured way to organize and track cues, cue numbers streamline the rehearsal process. They allow stage managers to quickly reference any specific action without having to describe it verbally, saving time and keeping focus. During performances, this efficiency translates into smoother transitions between scenes or changes, as everyone involved can react promptly based on the predetermined cue numbers.
• Evaluate how the implementation of cue numbers can enhance a stage manager's ability to handle unexpected challenges during a live performance.
  • Implementing cue numbers allows stage managers to remain calm and organized in the face of unexpected challenges. For example, if an actor misses their line or a technical issue arises, the stage manager can quickly refer to cue numbers to adjust other elements without losing track of timing. This system creates a structured environment where changes can be made on-the-fly while keeping all team members informed about what actions are being taken, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsive production.

Related terms

cue: A prompt for actors or crew members to perform a specific action at a designated moment during a performance.

call sheet: A document that outlines the schedule, including cue numbers, for the day's rehearsals or performances.

timeline: A chronological sequence of events in a production that includes when each cue is to be executed.