Cues

Definition

Cues are signals or prompts that guide performers in a theatrical production, indicating when to speak, move, or react. They can be verbal, visual, or auditory and are essential for maintaining the flow of a performance. Cues help actors synchronize their actions and responses with each other, ensuring that the timing is right for delivering lines and executing stage directions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cues can come from various sources, including other actors, stage management, sound effects, or lighting changes.
2. Effective communication of cues is vital for creating a seamless performance where actors respond naturally to each other.
3. Cues must be rehearsed thoroughly so that all performers understand their timing and placement during the show.
4. Improvisation may occur if an actor misses their cue, but it is crucial to recover quickly to maintain the integrity of the performance.
5. Actors often rely on cues to keep track of their emotional states and character development throughout a scene.

Review Questions

• How do cues enhance the overall effectiveness of a theatrical performance?
  • Cues enhance the overall effectiveness of a theatrical performance by providing essential signals that guide actors in their timing and delivery. This synchronization ensures that dialogue flows naturally and that movements are coordinated, creating a cohesive experience for the audience. Without clear cues, performances can become disjointed and confusing, leading to a breakdown in communication among actors and disrupting the narrative flow.
• In what ways can different types of cues impact an actor's performance during a scene?
  • Different types of cues can significantly impact an actor's performance by influencing their timing, delivery, and emotional responses. For instance, a visual cue from another actor may prompt a physical reaction or change in posture, while an auditory cue from sound effects might set the mood for a dramatic moment. The ability to interpret and react to various cues allows actors to stay engaged in their roles and effectively convey the story to the audience.
• Evaluate the role of cues in facilitating effective communication among cast members during a live performance.
  • Cues play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication among cast members during a live performance by providing clear signals for action and reaction. This communication ensures that all performers are on the same page regarding timing and emotional delivery, creating a unified performance. When cues are well-practiced and understood, they foster trust among actors, allowing them to respond dynamically to one another while maintaining the integrity of their roles. This interplay is vital in live theater, where every moment counts and spontaneity is essential.

Related terms

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in a performance to facilitate the movement and flow of the production.

Pacing: The speed at which a scene unfolds, determined by the timing of cues and actors' responses.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or emotion in a line of dialogue that is not explicitly stated but understood through cues and context.