Prompt (theatre)
Encyclopedia
The prompt in a theatre
is traditionally the person who prompts or cues actor
s when they forget their lines or neglect to move on the stage
to where they are supposed to be situated.
Nowadays, many of the earlier duties of the prompter, are undertaken by the stage manager
, who will have a copy of the script called the prompt book. This is the most definitive version of the script for any one performance, and will contain details of all cues, with their precise timings with respect to the action on stage. This allows the prompt to direct lighting, sound
, flying
effects and scene changes during a show. The prompt book also often contains blocking
notes, so that the prompt is always aware of the intended positions and movements of all the actors on stage at any given time.
In professional
and most high-quality community theatre
productions, the prompt is never used during a performance
to instruct actors if they forget a line or movement, only during a rehearsal
. If prompting is absolutely necessary, it can be done very quietly by another actor on-stage.
The prompt is located on the stage, in the prompt corner
or "prompt side."
In Elizabethan theatre the function of prompting was filled by the Book-Holder, who was also in charge of prop
s and calls.
Theatre
Theatre is a collaborative form of fine art that uses live performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place. The performers may communicate this experience to the audience through combinations of gesture, speech, song, music or dance...
is traditionally the person who prompts or cues actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
s when they forget their lines or neglect to move on the stage
Stage (theatre)
In theatre or performance arts, the stage is a designated space for the performance productions. The stage serves as a space for actors or performers and a focal point for the members of the audience...
to where they are supposed to be situated.
Nowadays, many of the earlier duties of the prompter, are undertaken by the stage manager
Stage management
Stage management is the practice of organizing and coordinating a theatrical production. It encompasses a variety of activities, including organizing the production and coordinating communications between various personnel...
, who will have a copy of the script called the prompt book. This is the most definitive version of the script for any one performance, and will contain details of all cues, with their precise timings with respect to the action on stage. This allows the prompt to direct lighting, sound
Sound design
Sound design is the process of specifying, acquiring, manipulating or generating audio elements. It is employed in a variety of disciplines including filmmaking, television production, theatre, sound recording and reproduction, live performance, sound art, post-production and video game software...
, flying
Fly system
A fly system, flying system or theatrical rigging system, is a system of lines , blocks , counterweights and related devices within a theatre that enable a stage crew to quickly, quietly and safely fly components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people...
effects and scene changes during a show. The prompt book also often contains blocking
Blocking (stage)
Blocking is a theatre term which refers to the precise movement and positioning of actors on a stage in order to facilitate the performance of a play, ballet, film or opera. The term derives from the practice of 19th century theatre directors such as Sir W. S...
notes, so that the prompt is always aware of the intended positions and movements of all the actors on stage at any given time.
In professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
and most high-quality community theatre
Community theatre
Community theatre refers to theatrical performance made in relation to particular communities—its usage includes theatre made by, with, and for a community...
productions, the prompt is never used during a performance
Performance
A performance, in performing arts, generally comprises an event in which a performer or group of performers behave in a particular way for another group of people, the audience. Choral music and ballet are examples. Usually the performers participate in rehearsals beforehand. Afterwards audience...
to instruct actors if they forget a line or movement, only during a rehearsal
Rehearsal
For other uses, see Rehearsal or Dress rehearsal A rehearsal is a preparatory event in music and theatre that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice, and to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for professional...
. If prompting is absolutely necessary, it can be done very quietly by another actor on-stage.
The prompt is located on the stage, in the prompt corner
Prompt corner
The prompt corner or prompt box in a theatre is the location at the side of the stage where the prompt is located in order to coordinate the performance and prompt the performers when required.-Location:Historically, the prompt corner was situated on the left side of the stage, therefore Prompt...
or "prompt side."
In Elizabethan theatre the function of prompting was filled by the Book-Holder, who was also in charge of prop
Prop
Prop may refer to:* Prop , in position rugby union football* Prop , a position in rugby league football* PROP , in mathematics* Prop-, a prefix in chemistry* Mouth prop, used in dentistry...
s and calls.