Go

Definition

'Go' refers to the moment when a cue is called to signal the execution of a specific action or transition in a performance. This term is vital as it encapsulates the need for clarity and timing in cue calling, ensuring that all crew members are synchronized and that the show flows smoothly. Understanding when to call 'go' allows stage managers to maintain control over the pacing of the performance, contributing to the overall success of the production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Go' should be called clearly and confidently to avoid confusion among crew members, as any hesitation can disrupt the flow of the show.
2. Using visual cues alongside verbal 'go' calls can enhance communication, especially in noisy environments or large venues.
3. The timing of a 'go' call is critical; it must align with actors' performances and technical elements to ensure seamless transitions.
4. Practicing cue calling during rehearsals helps stage managers refine their ability to deliver 'go' calls effectively and build trust with the team.
5. In complex shows with multiple quick changes, establishing a clear system for calling 'go' can prevent missed cues and improve overall performance quality.

Review Questions

• How does the clarity of a 'go' call impact the effectiveness of cue calling in a performance?
  • 'Go' calls must be clear to ensure that everyone involved understands their role in executing cues. If a stage manager delivers a 'go' call ambiguously, it can lead to miscommunication, resulting in missed cues or improper timing, ultimately affecting the performance's flow. Clarity in cue calling fosters teamwork and keeps the production on track.
• Discuss the relationship between 'go' calls and pacing in maintaining audience engagement during a show.
  • 'Go' calls directly influence pacing by determining how quickly scenes transition and actions unfold. Properly timed 'go' calls create rhythm within the performance that captivates the audience, while poorly timed calls can disrupt flow, causing lulls or rushed moments that detract from viewer experience. A well-paced show keeps audiences engaged and invested in the story being told.
• Evaluate how effective cue calling techniques involving 'go' can enhance overall production quality in live performances.
  • Effective cue calling techniques involving 'go' significantly enhance production quality by ensuring all elements—actors, technicians, and stage management—work harmoniously together. When stage managers master the timing and clarity of their 'go' calls, it results in smoother transitions and better synchronization among cast and crew. This professionalism translates into a polished performance that resonates with audiences, elevating the entire production experience.

Related terms

Cue: 'Cue' is a signal or prompt for an actor or technician to perform a specific action, often indicated verbally or through stage management systems.

Pacing: 'Pacing' refers to the speed at which a performance unfolds, influenced by the timing of cues and transitions between scenes or actions.

Timing: 'Timing' is the skill of executing cues at the right moment to achieve desired emotional responses and maintain audience engagement throughout the performance.