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Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435

Prompter

A prompter is a person who gives performers their line or their cue when they forget what comes next or miss a move to the right position on stage.

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Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

rehearse role

analyse theatre texts

develop drama production process

study roles from scripts

attend read-through

About prompter

The work is done from the text. The prompter follows the script line by line while a performance runs, keeping the place as the action moves, and supplies the exact words a performer needs, loudly enough to be heard on stage and quietly enough not to be heard beyond it. The same applies to position: when a performer misses a transition to where they are meant to be, the prompter signals it.

The prompter takes part in script reading sessions and attends rehearsals with the cast, where they learn the entrances, pauses and crossings. Cuts and changes made in rehearsal are marked in the prompt book. Memorising the text to the point where a line can be found without searching is part of the job.

The prompter has to judge when to speak. A planned pause and a memory lapse can look alike from the wings, and a prompt given too early interrupts the scene.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

theatre techniquestheatre techniquesThe techniques that facilitate a successful presentation of a play.rehearse rolerehearse roleStudy lines and actions. Practise them before recording or shooting to find the best way to perform them.analyse theatre textsanalyse theatre textsUnderstand and analyse theatre texts; take an active part in the interpretation of the artistic project; conduct thorough personal research in textual material and dramaturgy.develop drama production processdevelop drama production processHave and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.study roles from scriptsstudy roles from scriptsStudy and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.attend read-throughattend read-throughAttend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.interpret performance concepts in the creative processinterpret performance concepts in the creative processLearn and research a part, in personal and collective research and rehearsal, build an acting performance respecting the concept of the show.rehearse with fellow actorsrehearse with fellow actorsRehearse lines and acting with fellow actors to be attuned to each other.memorise scriptmemorise scriptMemorise a set of lines or specific information in order to convey it correctly to a target audience.interact with fellow actorsinteract with fellow actorsPerform together with other actors. Anticipate their moves. React to their actions.analyse own performanceanalyse own performanceUnderstand, analyse and describe your own performance. Contextualize your work in one or various styles, trends, evolution, etc. Self-evaluate your work in rehearsals and performances.memorise linesmemorise linesMemorise your role in a performance or broadcast, whether it is text, movement, or music.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.use declaiming techniquesuse declaiming techniquesSpeak for an audience with the expression of rhythm and vocal technique. Take care that articulation and voice projection are appropriate to the character or text. Make sure that you are heard without...adapt to acting rolesadapt to acting rolesAdapt to different roles in a play, regarding the styles, ways of acting and aesthetics.
Optional (15) — show
literary theoryliterary theoryThe different genres of literature and the way they fit into specific scenes.breathing techniquesbreathing techniquesThe various techniques to control the voice, body, and nerves by breathing.pronunciation techniquespronunciation techniquesThe pronunciation techniques to properly and understandably pronounce words.perform liveperform livePerform in front of live audiences.work in an international environmentwork in an international environmentGuide your career to an international level which often requires the ability to interact, relate and communicate with individuals from different cultures.perform stuntsperform stuntsExecute various physical movements concerning the technical realisation of difficult acting performances.communicate during showcommunicate during showCommunicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.show professional responsibilityshow professional responsibilityEnsure that other workers and clients are treated with respect and that appropriate civil liability insurance is in place at all times of instructing.lead cast and crewlead cast and crewLead a film or theatre cast and crew. Brief them about the creative vision, what they need to do and where they need to be. Manage day-to-day production activities to ensure things run smoothly.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.manage prompt bookmanage prompt bookPrepare, create and maintain the prompt book for a theatrical production.study relationships between charactersstudy relationships between charactersStudy characters in scripts and their relationships to each other.work with an artistic teamwork with an artistic teamWork closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.work with a voice coachwork with a voice coachReceive advice and training from a voice coach. Learn how to use one’s voice correctly, how to properly pronounce and articulate words, and use the right intonation. Get trained in breathing technique...edit scriptsedit scriptsRewrite scripts. Change dialogue. Mark scripts with relevant information for post-production.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a prompter do?

Prompters prompt or cue performers when they forget their lines or neglect to move to the right position on the stage.

What skills does a prompter need?

A prompter needs 16 essential skills, including theatre techniques, rehearse role, analyse theatre texts, develop drama production process, study roles from scripts.

Will AI replace prompter jobs?

The AI disruption score for prompter is 7/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manage prompt book, analyse own performance, analyse a script. Most resilient: attend read-through, rehearse with fellow actors, use declaiming techniques.

AI Replacement Risk

7/ 100
Very Low Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills16

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