The prompter (fondly shouted to as “Prompt”) in a theatre, is a person who prompts or cues actors when they forget their lines or neglect to move on the stage to where they are supposed to be situated.
If required, our Prompt can also maintain their Prompt Book as a master copy of the script, containing all the actor moves and technical cues. This can be used by the Stage Manager and Director to run rehearsals and later, control the performance.
REsPOnsiBilitiEs
Responsibilities of the Prompter include:
- During the rehearsal period the prompt is essential to ensuring that lines are delivered when actors are getting ‘off book’ (the term used for when lines are learned, and the scrip is no longer allowed to be used).
- During the play week the prompt will usually be found in the wings just in case an actor has need of a prompt.
cOMMITTMEnt
Ideally for a full rehearsal and show run, 6 weeks of rehearsals and a week of performances.
sKills
Reading from the script and articluating to actors is a must.
tEMPERaMEnt
A good listener, someone who can get used to the natural pauses and who responds well to the actors.
