Cue

Definition

A cue is a signal or prompt that triggers a character's response or action in a script. It plays a crucial role in guiding actors on stage, helping them understand when to speak, move, or react, thus enhancing the overall flow of dialogue and action. Cues can be verbal, physical, or even emotional, serving to create a rhythm and pace that reflects the character's voice and speech patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cues can be found in the script as specific lines or actions that signal when a character should respond.
2. They are essential for maintaining the pacing of dialogue and ensuring that actors are synchronized during performances.
3. Cues not only guide actors but also help convey emotions, making them integral to character development and audience connection.
4. Physical cues may involve gestures or movements that indicate a change in emotional state or intention.
5. Actors often rehearse cues repeatedly to build instinctive responses, allowing for a more natural portrayal during performances.

Review Questions

• How do cues enhance the delivery of dialogue and action within a performance?
  • Cues enhance the delivery of dialogue and action by providing clear signals for actors on when to speak or move. This synchronization allows for smoother transitions between lines and actions, creating a more cohesive narrative. The use of cues helps maintain the rhythm of the performance, ensuring that characters respond in ways that are believable and engaging for the audience.
• Discuss how understanding subtext can influence an actor's interpretation of cues in a performance.
  • Understanding subtext allows actors to infuse their performances with deeper meaning, enriching their interpretation of cues. When an actor grasps the underlying emotions behind their lines, they can respond more authentically to cues, leading to nuanced interactions with other characters. This awareness of subtext enhances the overall impact of the dialogue and contributes to more dynamic storytelling.
• Evaluate the role of timing in responding to cues, and its effect on audience perception during a performance.
  • Timing is crucial when responding to cues, as it directly affects how the audience perceives the unfolding drama. An actor's ability to deliver lines with precise timing can heighten tension, humor, or emotional resonance, making scenes more impactful. When timing aligns seamlessly with cues, it creates a natural flow that captivates the audience and immerses them in the story being told.

Related terms

Subtext: The underlying meaning or intention behind a character's spoken words, which adds depth to their dialogue and informs their reactions to cues.

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in a performance, which is often influenced by cues to ensure effective communication and movement on stage.

Timing: The ability to deliver lines or actions at the right moment, which is essential for responding accurately to cues and maintaining the audience's engagement.