When to promp?

I agree with the above - a good prompter will not only know the script, and recognise actual blocked pauses, but will also know the actors: there are a great many actors who I've worked with who will change lines on the fly. So long as they get cues right (both for other actors and for the techies), then that's ok. Knowing the actor, their habits, and their response to when they lose their lines, is the most important thing. In my experience, and opinion, actors should be prompted only up until tech run. By tech run, there's usually no one left to prompt backstage, and if they don't remember lines then they'll have to improvise onstage anyway. They have to learn how to save themselves... Although this is coming from an SM point of view. Generally speaking, the actors that I've worked with have always managed to learn their lines extremely well, and if/when they get lost, managed to get themselves back on track without help. Also: most actors I work with actually prefer not to be prompted, and spend time during rehearsals making up memory exercises and tricks to help them learn what line goes where and what to do if they forget it. It also helps that many of their fellow actors remember the other person's lines, and will often help get things back on track. I think a good prompter will recognise all of that, and be aware of the dynamics of the group, the performer who's forgotten their lines, as well as being aware of the script and action on stage. Sticky Apple Legs www.thepromptcopy.com/sal Puppets in Melbourne www.puppetsinmelbourne.com.au My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/