cuelister

Cuelister is a term used in live performance, broadcast, and show-control contexts to refer to the management and organization of cue lists—the chronological sequence of signals that trigger lighting, sound, video, and other effects during a production. The term can refer to a person responsible for cue management or to a document or digital file that contains the sequence of cues.

As a role, a cuelister may be the stage manager, production manager, or a dedicated technician who compiles, validates, and updates the cue list. Duties include transcribing cues from the script or score, labeling cues with timing and technical channels, annotating changes from rehearsals, and overseeing the execution of cues during performances. The cuelister works closely with lighting designers, sound engineers, video operators, and the director to ensure timing aligns with the show’s pacing and blocking.

In practice, cue lists can exist in printed form or as digital documents and are often integrated with show-control software or hardware. Typical components include cue number, description, triggering device or channel, timing or beat reference, and current status. They serve as a single source of truth for operators and may be updated during tech rehearsals or on the fly during performances.

See also: theatre technology, show control, cue sheet.