CuePad vs Stage Write
Both CuePad and Stage Write are purpose-built tools for theatre — not general productivity apps repurposed for the stage. Both support script annotation, blocking, ground plans, and cue tracking. The differences come down to platform, price, and workflow philosophy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CuePadRecommended | Stage Write | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web browser (any device) | iPad-native; limited web support |
| Free tier | Yes — full tools on 1 script | No |
| Starting price | $19/month (Pro) | Paid subscription required |
| Blocking diagrams | Ground plan with character markers + movement paths | Ground plan with drag-and-drop actor icons |
| Cue tracking | 9 typed, indexed cue types on script | Inline script cues |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes — role-based, page-level locking | Yes |
| PDF export | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| Apple Pencil support | Yes | Yes |
| Script annotation | Highlights, freeform drawing, text boxes | Annotations on script pages |
Where CuePad Wins
Device flexibility
CuePad runs in any modern browser — Chrome, Safari, Firefox — on Mac, Windows, iPad, Android tablet, or phone. If your production team uses a mix of devices, or if you ever need to pull up your prompt book on a laptop in the booth, CuePad works. Stage Write is built for iPad. That's great if everyone has one. It's a problem if they don't.
Free to start
CuePad's Core plan gives you a full production worth of tools — blocking, cue management, ground plans, annotations — on one script, for free. You can run an entire community theatre or educational production without spending anything. Stage Write requires a paid subscription from day one.
Script-first workflow
CuePad is organized around the script. You annotate directly on the PDF, select trigger text to attach cues, and see everything in the context of the page. If your workflow starts with "I have a script and I need to mark it up," CuePad matches that instinct immediately.
Cue type structure
CuePad's nine typed cue categories — Blocking, Lighting, Sound, Music, Projection, Props, Costume, Scenic, Director — are indexed and color-coded. Filtering cues by type, reviewing the full cue list, and exporting a cue sheet by department are native to the workflow.
Where Stage Write Wins
Native iPad experience
Stage Write is a native iPad app. The interaction model is optimized for Apple Pencil in ways a web app can't fully replicate. If you work exclusively on iPad and want the most polished tablet experience, Stage Write has an edge.
Established Broadway track record
Stage Write has documented use on Broadway productions and a longer history in professional theatre. If that pedigree matters for your organization, it's a real differentiator.
Blocking diagram depth
Stage Write's blocking visualization tools — particularly for choreography and musical staging — are highly refined. If blocking diagrams are the core of your workflow rather than the cue-script relationship, Stage Write may go deeper.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose CuePad if:
- You want to start for free before committing
- Your team uses a mix of devices
- You work script-first and want cues anchored to trigger text
- You need a web-based tool accessible from the booth, production table, or any browser
- You're running an educational or community production on a budget
Choose Stage Write if:
- You work exclusively on iPad and want a native app
- Your production relies heavily on choreography and visual blocking diagrams
- Your organization already uses Stage Write and has an established workflow
Try CuePad Free
CuePad's Core plan is free with no credit card required. Upload your script and see the full blocking and cue workflow before deciding whether to upgrade.
Start Free with CuePad