Instructions: How To Call A Tech Cue

Required Materials:
- Headset/communicative device
- List of cues

Making your cues:

1. The first thing you need in order to call cues is a script/list of written cues to
communicate to tech.
2. A cue should be written down when a sound, light, or song needs to happen. You should
highlight​ the cue in your script to ​avoid missing it​. You can write your cue down in any
way you want, as long as you can ​remember​ what it means.
3. An example of a ​cue key​ would be
● LQ = light que
● SQ = sound que
● STBY = standby
● WARN = warning

4. You should go through your script and ​highlight, label, and write down your cue.
5. You may write your cue in any way you feel works for you, but when you ​communicate
your cue to the person on a light or sound board you need to make sure you are both
using the same system​ to avoid confusion. A person operating the light board may not
understand what LQ6H means.
6. Always ​communicate​ with your tech crew before hand to make them familiar with the
system you use to call light cues​.
7. Once you have all of your cues written down and have made sure people on your tech
crew are familiar with your system, you are then ​ready to learn​ how to use a headset.

Headset Etiquette:
1. There are many easy basic rules for the ​correct​ way to use a headset during a
performance​.
 2. The ​most important rule​ is to never communicate something into the headset that does
not ​pertain to the show​. If you clog the channel with a joke or witty comment a tech
member ​could miss a cue​ or you could cut out someone else talking.
3. Another important note is to ​never​ speak into the headset during scene changes. When
the tech crew is changing sets, cleaning up, and moving people backstage it is
important to leave the channel open​. Scene changes should be ​quick and
organized​, if you are talking to them you can distract them. The channel should also be
open​ in case the crew runs into any problems durings the blackout.
4. Never interrupt someone​ when they are speaking unless it’s an emergency.

Headset Use:
The headset model in this example is called a ​Zimtown 2Pcs​ and is the one used for
BCHS productions​. Not all headsets work the same way but most are similar in their
buttons.
 1. This is the ​headset piece​. This piece is fitted over your ear and can be ​adjusted
to your own comfort.
2. This is the ​microphone piece in the headset​. When your earpiece is plugged in
you use this button to ​speak into​. You press the silver button, hold the piece up
near your mouth and speak. When you are done speaking release the button.
3. This is the ​volume button​. This controls the volume in your earpiece. You can
turn it to change your ​volume louder or quieter​.
4. This is the ​channel button.​ This is also how you ​turn on your headset​. You
twist the button to turn it on and keep turning it for the channels. Every time you
turn the button the walkie will tell you what channel you are on. Turn the button
until you are on the channel you need to be on.
5. When your earpiece is not attached to the headset this is the ​button you use to
speak into the headset​. You would press the button ​speak into the walkie​ and
when you are done speaking release the button.
6. This is the button used to ​check your radio frequency​. You can use this button
to make sure your radio is ​emitting frequencies​. When you press the button it
should make a static noise. This means your radio is working.
7. This button ​controls the flashlight​ on top of the walkie. When you press it the
light will turn on​. You can press it again for a strobe light and press it another
time to turn of the light.
8. This is the ​charging dock​, when you place the walkie on the charging block and
the light is red your battery is not full and can be charged. When the light turns
green your ​battery is full​ and it is ready to be used.
Once you are familiar with how to use your headset you are ready to start using it.

Calling your cues:

After you have written your cues, learned headset etiquette, and learned how to use the
headset you are ready to call tech cues.

1. Before you can call a final cue you need to first call a ​standby cue​. The standby cue
gives a ​warning to tech​ that a cue is coming and helps to better the timing.
2. A ​standby cue​ is called like this - ​“Standby light cue 4”
3. After you have called a ​standby cue​ you are now waiting for the right timing to call your
cue line. Getting the ​correct timing​ for a cues takes practice and multiple tries. If the
timing is off once, ​practice it outside of performances​.
4. When the timing is right you will be ​calling your cue​ like this - ​“Light cue 4, Go”
5. You must ​be clear​ when speaking cues. If the tech member does not hear your GO in a
cue they may not execute the cue correctly. It is important that ​GO is the last word you
use in a cue sentence​. This helps with timing and helps to ​not confuse​ tech workers
between your stand by and go cues.