Calling

Calling the Show

The Stage Manager is responsible for calling all light, sound, and deck cues in the show. Calling is a very hands-on technique and is taught in the 7th period Directing & Stage Management Class.

You will call all set changes, light cues, sound cues, and spot op cues. Having one person call the show minimizes the room for error––one person can see everything onstage and make sure the timing is right for safety and quality.

Calling Tips

All cues should be written in your script and labeled with the number/letter and type of cue. You can underline or otherwise indicate when you call the cue
Once cues are finalized, you may want to color-code with a highlighter or some way to differentiate your "Go."
You only need to communicate with the light board op for light cues; spot ops for spotlight cues; deck manager for deck cues, etc––you will not always activate every channel on comm.
Remember, your prompt book needs to make sense to YOU!
Get to know your board op. Understand what kind of delay they will have in pressing the button and get to know how you can best cue them. For example, some board ops like to have a hand signal on "Go".
Remember, you are the one who starts the show once the house manager gives the okay! Make sure you have your cues written in for house lights to dim, preshow announcement, etc.

There are 3 kinds of cues.

Warning

Why: To let the person you are cuing know what is coming. For lights and sound, this is only necessary if there is a long break between cues. For deck cues, you should do this every time.
When: 15-20 seconds before the cue
Lights/Sound operator will: mentally prepare for cue
Backstage: Actors & crew move to position
In the wing: Deck Manager flashes light and makes sure all people moving the set are in position

Standby

Why: To prepare the person you are cuing to execute the cue.
When: about 5 seconds for lights/sound; 10-15 seconds for deck cues
Lights/Sound operator will: place their finger on or above the button
Backstage: Actors & crew lift the items they are carrying or prepare to walk onstage
In the wing: Deck Manager shines flashlight and lifts arm to signal standby

Go

Why: To execute the cue.
When: Right before the cue needs to happen
Lights/Sound operator will: press the button
Backstage: Actors & crew execute the deck change
In the wing: Deck Manager lowers their arm to signal a go

Practice

Kent Collins, the Equity Stage Manager behind Half Hour Call (a YouTube resource for SMs), made a video of him calling Ratatouille The Musical. Funny! But if you want to use it for practice, it's here. Here's the link to his video, followed by a sample cue sheet to get you started on some of the cues, video without the cues, and calling script. Write your own cues in to the script and practice to your heart's content!

Ratatouille Calling Video.mp4

Cue Sheet

Ratatouille Calling Script

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