Actor entrance and exit cue

Definition

An actor entrance and exit cue refers to the specific signals or prompts that indicate when an actor should enter or leave the stage during a performance. These cues are essential for maintaining the flow of the show and ensuring that timing aligns with the dialogue, action, and overall pacing. They are usually called by a stage manager and can be verbal or visual, helping to coordinate multiple elements such as lighting, sound, and set changes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Entrance and exit cues are vital for maintaining the rhythm of the performance, ensuring that actors are in the right place at the right time.
2. Cues can be based on specific lines from other actors or marked by visual signals like lights or hand gestures.
3. Effective use of entrance and exit cues helps to create seamless transitions between scenes, enhancing the audience's experience.
4. Actors must be attentive to their cues, as missing an entrance or exit can disrupt the flow of the show and affect other performers.
5. Cues may change during rehearsals based on director feedback or adjustments in staging, requiring actors to stay flexible and adaptable.

Review Questions

• How do actor entrance and exit cues contribute to the overall timing and pacing of a performance?
  • Actor entrance and exit cues are crucial for maintaining timing and pacing in a performance by ensuring that actors are positioned correctly when their moment comes. When cues are followed accurately, they help create a rhythm that aligns with dialogue and action, enhancing the storytelling experience. A well-timed entrance can add dramatic impact, while a smooth exit can prevent awkward pauses or interruptions in the flow of the show.
• Discuss how a stage manager utilizes actor entrance and exit cues to coordinate various production elements during a show.
  • A stage manager plays a pivotal role in coordinating actor entrance and exit cues, using them to synchronize various production elements such as lighting, sound effects, and set changes. By calling these cues at precise moments, they ensure that all aspects of the production come together seamlessly. This coordination helps to create an engaging atmosphere for the audience while allowing actors to perform with confidence, knowing that their timing is supported by backstage operations.
• Evaluate the impact of missing an actor's entrance or exit cue on a live performance and its potential consequences.
  • Missing an actor's entrance or exit cue can significantly disrupt a live performance, leading to confusion among cast members and potentially breaking the audience's immersion. Such mistakes can cause delays in dialogue delivery or result in actors being out of position for critical scenes. The ripple effects can compromise the entire pacing of the show, necessitating quick adjustments from both actors and stage management. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of clear communication and rehearsal to ensure that all performers are synchronized during each performance.

Related terms

Stage Manager: The individual responsible for overseeing all aspects of a production, including calling cues and ensuring that the performance runs smoothly.

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in a performance to facilitate the telling of the story, which includes their movements on and off stage.

Cue Sheet: A document used by stage managers that outlines all cues for lighting, sound, and actor entrances/exits, serving as a guide for running the show.