promters

Prompters refers to devices or people that provide spoken prompts to a performer. The term is commonly used for two related but distinct roles: the teleprompter device used in broadcasting and public speaking, and the prompter, a person who cues actors in theatre or on film when lines are forgotten.

Teleprompters are display systems that show scrolling text, typically placed near or in front of a camera. The text is reflected off a glass surface, allowing the presenter to read while appearing to look toward the audience. A technician or software controls the scrolling speed to match delivery, enabling steady pacing and reduced memory load. Modern teleprompters often run on tablets or computer monitors and can be integrated with recording equipment, lighting, and teleprompting software.

In theatre and live performance, a prompter sits in a prompter’s box or offstage with a script and, if needed, a headset or whispered cues. When an actor forgets a line, the prompter provides the next spoken words, aiming for discreet and timely prompting. The role requires knowledge of the script, good timing, and a degree of subtlety; in some productions the prompter’s responsibilities are shared with the stage manager or replaced by other cueing methods.

Prompters are used across media, including news broadcasting, lectures, political events, and filmed productions. As technology has evolved, digital and integrated prompting systems have become common, offering adjustable font size, automation, and remote control. See also: teleprompter, cueing, script.