Cue-to-cue

Definition

Cue-to-cue is a specific type of rehearsal that focuses primarily on the transitions between cues in a production, such as lighting, sound, and scene changes. This rehearsal allows the technical crew and actors to practice these critical moments without performing the entire play, ensuring that all elements come together smoothly. It's a vital step in the rehearsal process, allowing for adjustments and fine-tuning before the full run-throughs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cue-to-cue rehearsals help identify potential issues with transitions before they occur in front of an audience, allowing for smoother performances.
2. During cue-to-cue, only the specific moments marked by cues are rehearsed, meaning dialogue may not be performed continuously.
3. This type of rehearsal is crucial for the technical crew to practice their timing and coordination with the actors' movements.
4. Typically, cue-to-cue happens after blocking rehearsals and before full tech rehearsals, serving as a bridge between the two.
5. It's common for directors to make quick adjustments during cue-to-cue, optimizing each cue's timing based on how it interacts with the overall flow of the production.

Review Questions

• How does cue-to-cue rehearsal enhance the overall effectiveness of a theater production?
  • Cue-to-cue rehearsal enhances a theater production's effectiveness by allowing all technical elements to be synchronized with the actors' movements. This focused practice on cue transitions helps identify any issues that may disrupt the flow during actual performances. By addressing these transitions without running the full script, directors and technical crews can ensure a smoother final product that engages the audience more effectively.
• What role does cue-to-cue play in the larger context of the rehearsal process leading up to a performance?
  • Cue-to-cue plays a critical role in the larger rehearsal process by serving as a dedicated time for integrating technical elements with acting performances. It comes after blocking rehearsals where actors learn their movements but precedes dress rehearsals where everything is run as it will be in front of an audience. This step allows for specific adjustments to be made before more comprehensive rehearsals occur, ensuring that both technical and performance aspects are cohesive.
• Evaluate how the cue-to-cue rehearsal method influences the collaborative dynamic between actors and technical crews in theater productions.
  • The cue-to-cue rehearsal method significantly influences collaboration between actors and technical crews by fostering communication and understanding of each other's roles. During this focused practice, both groups must coordinate closely to ensure that lighting changes and sound cues align perfectly with performances. This interaction builds trust and teamwork as they work toward a shared goal—creating a seamless experience for the audience—while also providing opportunities to address any technical challenges before opening night.

Related terms

Tech Rehearsal: A rehearsal that focuses on integrating all technical elements, including lights, sound, and set changes, into the performance.

Blocking: The precise staging of actors to facilitate the performance of a play, including movements and positions on stage.

Dress Rehearsal: A full rehearsal where actors wear their costumes and all technical elements are executed as they would be in a performance.