Verbal commands

Definition

Verbal commands are specific, spoken instructions used in stage management to communicate cues and actions clearly and efficiently to the cast and crew. They are crucial for coordinating timing, ensuring safety, and maintaining the flow of a production, as they help to establish a shared understanding of what needs to happen at any given moment during a performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Verbal commands can vary in style and clarity depending on the needs of the production and the preferences of the stage manager.
2. They are often used in conjunction with other cuing systems, such as visual cues or sound cues, to ensure all team members are aligned.
3. Effective verbal commands should be clear, concise, and delivered with authority to minimize confusion during performances.
4. Stage managers may use a variety of vocal techniques, such as projection and modulation, to ensure their commands are heard and understood over background noise.
5. Training and rehearsal help actors and crew familiarize themselves with the verbal command style of a stage manager, enhancing communication efficiency during live performances.

Review Questions

• How do verbal commands enhance communication among the cast and crew during a production?
  • Verbal commands enhance communication by providing clear, immediate instructions that all team members can understand. They help create a shared language for timing and action, ensuring that everyone is synchronized in their efforts. By using specific phrases and consistent terminology, stage managers can effectively reduce miscommunication and promote a smooth running of the show.
• In what ways can the style of verbal commands impact the overall efficiency of a production?
  • The style of verbal commands can greatly impact a production's efficiency by influencing how quickly cast and crew respond to cues. A clear and authoritative style fosters confidence in the team, while ambiguous or overly complicated commands can lead to hesitation or errors. Additionally, adapting command styles based on real-time feedback can streamline processes and improve coordination during live performances.
• Evaluate the importance of training for stage managers in delivering effective verbal commands within various cuing systems.
  • Training for stage managers is crucial in mastering the delivery of effective verbal commands because it equips them with the skills needed to communicate under pressure. Understanding different cuing systems allows them to integrate verbal instructions seamlessly with visual and auditory signals. Moreover, ongoing practice helps develop their vocal projection and clarity, which are essential for maintaining authority and ensuring that all team members respond promptly during performances.

Related terms

Cues: Signals that prompt an action or response from performers or crew members, often triggered by verbal commands.

Call: A notification from the stage manager to the cast and crew about upcoming actions or changes, typically delivered verbally.

Prompt: A cue or signal used to remind actors of their lines or actions, often communicated through verbal commands.