Cues and Telex Etiquitte

Cues are generally given by the stage manager over the Telex system. When on Telex, the following rules must be observed:

• • No chatter or any conversations not related to execution of the show.

  • No profanity or other inappropriate language.

  • If something goes wrong, Telex should NOT be used to talk about blame. We need to keep focus on the show.

  • If the stage manager asks you to do something different, don't argue. Confirm if necessary and then execute.

  • Dialog should follow the format shown below.

    • SM: Ready [target] [action]

    • [Target]: [Target] Ready

    • SM: Standby [target] [action]

    • [Target]: [Target] Standing By

  • SM: [Target(s)] Go

  • Targets normally include any or all of the following: Spots, Lights, Sound, Stage Left, Stage Right

Typical Dialog

• • 30-90 seconds before a cue the stage manager gives a Ready describing what is coming up.

    • SM: "Ready Stage Left for Grand Open"

• The recipient of the message confirms that they understand and will be ready.

  • • SL: "Stage Left Ready"

• • 5-10 seconds before a cue the stage manager gives a Standby indicating the cue is immanent

    • SM: "Stand by Stage Left Grand Open"

• Recipient confirms and raises hand to cue other stage hands if necessary

  • • SL: "Stage Left Standing By"

• • When the cue is to happen stage manager states the target and then says Go. It is important that "Go" be the last word of the command and that the target be stated immediately before.

    • SM: "Stage Left Go"

  • Target executes command and/or drops hand to signal stage hands if appropriate.

If multiple things happen near the same time make clear who goes first in the Ready and Standby calls:

• • SM: "Ready Sound track 10 then Lights"

  • Sound: "Sound Ready"

  • Lights: "Lights Ready"

  • SM: Standby Sound then Lights"

  • Sound: "Sound Standing By"

  • Lights: "Lights Standing By"

  • SM: "Sound Go"

  • SM: "Lights Go"

If multiple things happen at the same time state both targets followed by a single Go.:

• • SM: "Ready Stage Left Blue gels

• SL: "Stage Left Ready"

• SM "Ready Stage Right Green gels"

  • SR: "Stage Right Ready"

  • SM: Standby Stage Left, Stage Right Gels"

  • SR: "Stage Right Standing By"

  • SL: "Stage Left Standing By"

  • SM: "Stage Left, Stage Right Go"

Certification

• Demonstrate proper Cueing and Telex etiquette by calling a show.

• Discuss with the instructor challenges you encountered during the show.

• Discuss with the instructor what you as stage manager could do differently to make the show run better.