Cues

Definition

Cues are specific signals or instructions used in stage lighting to prompt changes in the lighting design during a performance. They can indicate adjustments in intensity, color, focus, or the activation of different lighting fixtures, often timed with the action on stage. Understanding cues is essential for coordinating the visual aspects of a production with the performance, ensuring that lighting supports the storytelling effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cues can be triggered manually by a lighting operator or programmed into a lighting console for automatic execution during a performance.
2. Each cue is typically assigned a unique number or name to help the crew identify it easily during quick changes.
3. Cues not only involve lighting changes but can also synchronize with sound effects and other technical elements to enhance the overall production.
4. Timing is crucial for cues; they must align perfectly with the actors' movements and scene changes to maintain the flow of the performance.
5. Designers often create a cue sheet, which is a detailed document outlining each cue's specifics, including timing, effects, and transitions.

Review Questions

• How do cues contribute to the overall effectiveness of stage lighting in a production?
  • Cues play a crucial role in stage lighting as they dictate when and how changes occur during a performance. By using cues effectively, designers ensure that the lighting enhances the storytelling and complements the actors' movements. This coordination between cues and action helps to create atmosphere and emotional impact, making it essential for designers to plan and execute them precisely.
• Discuss the importance of timing and synchronization in executing lighting cues during a live performance.
  • Timing and synchronization are vital when executing lighting cues because any delay or misalignment can disrupt the flow of the performance. Cues need to be perfectly timed with actors' movements or scene changes to maintain the audience's engagement. A well-timed cue can heighten dramatic moments, while poorly executed cues can break immersion and distract from the story being told on stage.
• Evaluate how advancements in technology have changed the way cues are created and executed in modern stage productions.
  • Advancements in technology have significantly transformed how cues are created and executed in stage productions. Modern lighting consoles allow for complex programming of cues that can incorporate intricate fade patterns, color changes, and even integration with multimedia elements. This technological evolution has enabled designers to create more dynamic and visually compelling productions, allowing for greater creativity and flexibility in live performances. Additionally, remote triggering options allow operators to manage cues from various locations, further enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

Related terms

Lighting Console: A device used by lighting designers and operators to control multiple lighting fixtures and create complex light cues during a performance.

Fade: A gradual change in light intensity, either increasing or decreasing, which can be part of a cue to create smooth transitions between scenes.

Call Time: The scheduled time when actors and crew members are expected to arrive at the theater for rehearsals or performances, often coordinated with cues for lighting setup.