Best Apps for Stage Managers in 2026
Stage managers have more digital tools available than ever — but most weren't designed for theatre. This guide covers the tools stage managers actually use in rehearsal and production, what each does well, and where each falls short.
The Short List
These are the most commonly used tools for digital prompt book management, blocking notation, and cue tracking.
| Tool | Type | Blocking | Cue Tracking | Ground Plans | Collaboration | PDF Export | Web-Based | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CuePad ★Recommended | Digital prompt book | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stage Write | Blocking / script | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ProductionPro | Production management | Partial | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cue to Cue | Digital prompt book | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Notion | General productivity | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Google Docs | General productivity | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Paper Prompt Book | Physical | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Tool-by-Tool Breakdown
CuePadRecommended
CuePad is a web-based digital prompt book built specifically for stage managers, directors, and production teams. It mirrors the numbered blocking notation method used in professional theatre — select trigger text, attach indexed cues, place character markers on ground plans — while adding real-time collaboration and cloud backup.
- Best for:
- Stage managers who want a purpose-built prompt book that works on any device, with their whole team.
- Free tier:
- Free — one script with full blocking, cue, and ground plan tools. Pro at $19/month adds unlimited scripts, collaboration, PDF export, and version history.
- What it doesn't do:
- No prop tracking, no rehearsal scheduling, no call sheets. CuePad is focused on the prompt book itself.
Stage Write
Stage Write is an iPad-first app with a strong reputation in professional theatre. It's used by Broadway productions and has deep blocking diagram tools. The workflow centers on a visual ground plan with drag-and-drop character placement rather than a script-first approach.
- Best for:
- Directors and choreographers who want detailed visual blocking records, particularly on iPad.
- Pricing:
- Subscription-based, no meaningful free tier.
- What it doesn't do:
- No web browser support — iPad only. Cue tracking is secondary to blocking visualization.
ProductionPro
ProductionPro is a full production management platform — rehearsal scheduling, script breakdowns, call sheets, blocking notation, and team communication. It's closer to a production operations system than a digital prompt book.
- Best for:
- Large organizations or productions that need to manage the entire production lifecycle, not just the prompt book.
- Pricing:
- Starts at $29/month per production. Can be expensive for individual stage managers or smaller companies.
- What it doesn't do:
- The blocking tools are less refined than dedicated apps, and the feature depth can be overwhelming for stage managers who just need a prompt book.
Cue to Cue
Cue to Cue is a Scandinavian app popular in European theatre. It has a clean interface for cue management and script annotation. Available on iPad and Mac.
- Best for:
- Stage managers who prefer a native app over a web-based tool and work primarily in European theatre contexts.
- Pricing:
- Subscription-based, no free tier.
- What it doesn't do:
- No interactive ground plan editor. Web browser support is limited.
Notion
Notion is a general-purpose workspace tool, not theatre software. Some stage managers use it for call sheets, contact lists, and rehearsal notes. It doesn't support script PDF annotation, cue indexing, or ground plan blocking.
- Best for:
- Administrative organization alongside a dedicated prompt book tool.
- What it doesn't do:
- Everything a prompt book needs. Use it as a supplement, not a replacement.
Google Docs
Google Docs works for rehearsal reports, contact sheets, and basic run-of-show documents. It's not a prompt book tool.
- Best for:
- Shared documentation that the whole team can read and edit.
- What it doesn't do:
- Script annotation, cue tracking, ground plans, or any theatre-specific workflow.
Paper Prompt Book
The traditional paper prompt book — a binder with the script on one side and blocking notes on the facing page — remains the reference standard. Every digital tool in this list is trying to replicate or improve on it.
- Best for:
- Stage managers who are new to digital tools, or productions where technology reliability is a concern.
- What it doesn't do:
- Collaboration, backup, search, or easy revision.
How to Choose
If you need a complete digital prompt book — script annotation, indexed cues, ground plan blocking, collaboration, and PDF export — CuePad and Stage Write are the strongest dedicated options. CuePad is web-based and free to start; Stage Write requires an iPad and a paid subscription.
If you need full production management beyond the prompt book — scheduling, call sheets, prop tracking, department communication — ProductionPro is worth evaluating despite its cost and complexity.
If you're just getting started with digital stage management and want to test the workflow before committing, CuePad's free Core plan lets you run a full production on one script with no credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a free app for stage managers?
- CuePad offers a free Core plan that includes one active script with full access to blocking, cue management, and ground plan tools — no credit card required. It's the only dedicated prompt book app with a meaningful free tier.
- What do Broadway stage managers use?
- Stage Write has documented use on Broadway productions. Many professional stage managers also use CuePad, ProductionPro, and paper-based systems. There is no single industry standard.
- Can I use an iPad for stage management?
- Yes. CuePad works in Safari on iPad with Apple Pencil support. Stage Write is iPad-native. Both support the finger-for-navigation, pencil-for-annotation workflow that stage managers prefer on tablet.
- What's the best alternative to Stage Write?
- CuePad is the closest web-based alternative. It covers cue tracking, ground plan blocking, script annotation, and collaboration — with the added advantage of working on any device, not just iPad, and offering a free tier.
Try CuePad Free
CuePad's Core plan is free with no time limit. Full access to one active script — every cue type, the ground plan editor, character management, and annotations. No feature limitations, no credit card required.
Start Free with CuePad