Calling Key Template for Stage Managers
Free printable PDF · 1 page · US Letter portrait
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A calling key explains how cues are written in your prompt book: which abbreviation means which department, which color you use and what the marks in the script mean. With it, another stage manager can pick up the book and call the show.
This template lists common abbreviations with space for your colors, explains the standard ways of marking GO placement (boxed word, X at the end of a line, action, count, conductor downbeat) and leaves room to sketch where the cue lights are backstage.
How to use this template
- 1Confirm or edit the abbreviations and add any your show needs.
- 2Assign a color to each department if you color-code your book.
- 3Check the placement conventions match how you actually mark cues.
- 4Sketch the cue light positions and put the key at the front of the script.
Place and track cues digitally with CuePad
CuePad puts cues directly on the script and keeps the cue list in sync, so inserted cues, moved standbys and renumbering never mean rewriting the book. Export a clean PDF whenever you need paper.
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