What is a Cue Sheet?

A cue sheet (also called a cue list) is a document listing every technical cue in a show, such as lighting, sound and video changes, with its number, trigger and timing, so the crew can run the show the same way every time. In film and broadcast, "cue sheet" also means a report of the music used, for royalty payments.

How a cue sheet works

A cue sheet is built during production and used every show:

  1. Plotting: during rehearsals, the designers create each lighting, sound and video state and give it a cue number.
  2. Triggers: each cue gets a trigger, such as a line of script, a musical moment or a time code.
  3. Calling: during the show, the show caller or stage manager follows the cue sheet and calls "standby" and "go" to each operator.
  4. Updating: changes made after rehearsals are added, so the cue sheet always matches the show.

At conferences and award shows, the cue sheet often sits inside the wider run of show. Teams that need everyone on the latest version often share show documents in Crescat.

Cue sheet vs run of show

A run of show lists every segment of an event in time order, with who is involved. A cue sheet goes deeper into the technical side, listing every individual lighting, sound and video change within those segments.

What to include in a cue sheet

  • Cue number and department (lighting, sound, video, stage)
  • Trigger: the line, moment or time that starts the cue
  • What happens: the change the audience sees or hears
  • Duration or fade time
  • Operator responsible
  • Notes, such as safety checks before a pyrotechnic cue

Frequently asked questions

Who uses a cue sheet?

The show caller or stage manager uses it to call the show. Lighting, sound and video operators use their own department's cues, and the production manager keeps the master copy.

What is a music cue sheet?

In film, TV and broadcast, a music cue sheet lists every piece of music used, with its duration, composer and publisher. It is sent to performing rights organisations, such as PRS for Music in the UK, so royalties reach the right writers.

What is the difference between a cue sheet and a script?

A script holds the words performers say. A cue sheet holds the technical changes. Theatre stage managers often combine them in a prompt book, with cues written next to the script lines that trigger them.

Related terms