Theatre Australia

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When to promp?

Sun, 25 Nov 2007, 11:16 am
Gordon the Optom23 posts in thread
In a play I saw recently, an actor was prompted whilst in full flow. Both actors were happy with the dialogue and the audience, I’m sure, unaware of any error.

The prompt given, was a completely different line to that being spoken. The actors ignored it and carried on regardless.  It was obvious that the prompter was trying to get verbatim that which was on the page.

When does one prompt? Only when a deadly silence hits the stage? Or if the actor goes unnoticeably off track?

Yes - Please Prompt

Fri, 7 Mar 2008, 12:20 am
Walter Plinge
I believe totally in prompts... In fact I directed 'Lear’ last year at the Shaftsbury and all I used were prompts. No actors... just prompts in the wings prompting. at one point in ACT II SC IV.. one particular prompt forgot the line 'words thine mus'dth remember me not'(The silence was silent) and had to be prompted by another prompt on the other side of the stage.. A great save I felt. I congratulated the prompt and bought her a small Jack Russell, which ironically she named.. you guessed it.. 'Terrence'... so prompting is vital... extremely... Up the prompts and get rid of the Actors... Forget me not The Ripper

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