Time cues

Definition

Time cues are specific signals or indicators used during a performance to guide the timing of actions, transitions, or events. These cues are essential for maintaining the rhythm and flow of a production, ensuring that all elements come together cohesively at the right moment. They can be auditory, visual, or even tactile, and are crucial for the effective calling of a show.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Time cues can vary based on the production style, from precise timing in musicals to more fluid timing in experimental theater.
2. Effective use of time cues requires strong communication skills between the stage manager and the cast/crew to ensure everyone is synchronized.
3. Timing and pacing play a critical role in maintaining audience engagement, making time cues vital for creating tension or comedic timing.
4. Time cues can be marked in the script or score to help guide all team members throughout rehearsals and performances.
5. Improvisation may affect time cues, so flexibility is important for stage managers to adapt quickly to any changes during a live performance.

Review Questions

• How do time cues enhance the coordination among cast and crew during a performance?
  • Time cues serve as critical communication tools that synchronize the actions of the cast and crew. They help everyone understand when specific actions should take place, such as scene changes or sound effects, allowing for seamless transitions that keep the show flowing smoothly. Without well-defined time cues, performances could feel disjointed, leading to confusion both on stage and for the audience.
• Discuss the different types of time cues and their impact on pacing in a theatrical production.
  • There are various types of time cues including call cues, light cues, and sound cues. Each type plays a distinct role in shaping the pacing of a performance. For instance, light cues can create dramatic shifts in mood while sound cues enhance emotional responses. By using these cues effectively, a stage manager can manipulate the pace of the show to build tension, create anticipation, or provide comic relief.
• Evaluate how flexibility in responding to time cue changes can impact the overall success of a live performance.
  • Flexibility is essential for stage managers when it comes to managing time cues during live performances. Unexpected events may require quick adjustments to ensure everything runs smoothly without losing audience engagement. A stage manager's ability to adapt time cues in real-time allows for better control over pacing and maintains the show's integrity. This adaptability is crucial for overcoming challenges that may arise during performances and ensures that all elements come together cohesively.

Related terms

call cues: Instructions given by the stage manager to inform crew members when to execute their responsibilities during a performance.

light cues: Signals that indicate when to change lighting states or effects, usually timed to coincide with specific moments in the performance.

sound cues:

Auditory signals that prompt sound effects or music to start or stop during a show, coordinating with the overall pacing of the production.