Cue Numbers, Names, and Notes
Live performances require an extraordinary amount of information and detail in order to maintain the integrity of the experience from audience to audience. Even an improvised piece that contains tech needs to be crystal clear about the purpose and nature of each cue. More detail is better. That’s where three simple properties common to every single cue in QLab come into play.
A Cue Number is a unique identifier for reference. Not every single cue needs a cue number though, for example these cues are contained within a group, so don’t require their own individual cue numbers. But their parents want to have cue numbers and it should be noted that inside a workspace (even between cue lists) only one cue can have a specific cue number. Whether you use cue numbers, or cue letters, or even symbols no repeating. This is important because when it’s time to execute Cue 43, you don’t have to respond with “Okay, but which one?”
To define a cue number, either specify a value in the inspector or double click in the cue list. Worried about accidentally doubling up? Don’t worry. You can’t.
Tired of QLab auto numbering your cues for you? Don’t worry, you can turn that off in the workspace preferences.
Grumbling because you now need to number each cue? Don’t fret, QLab can auto number your cues with a specified increment (I like to skip by twos by the way I stay away odd numbers!)
Next a cue name is then a way to provide a short description for a cue. These don’t have to be unique (but naming every single cue the same could get kinda confusing). Once again, this can be altered either in the inspector tab or by double clicking the cue list.
Don’t have time to name everything? Don’t worry QLab will automatically name cues as best as it can; for example, this cue is named after it’s audio file.
Don’t like that? Well you can rename it.
Regret renaming your cues? Well just select the custom name and delete it.
Finally, notes which are a great way to give detailed information about a cue. This can be comments on purpose, design, or execution. You can even place fancy text in this box … if you like that sort of thing …
Assignment:
i. Download this workspace
ii. Rename Cue 1, fixing the incorrect spelling
iii. Clear the name for Cue 2, allowing the cue to auto name itself
iv. Try numbering the last cue to be Cue 3 (Can’t, can you?)
v. Renumber Cue 3 to be Cue 4
vi. Number the last Cue to be Cue 3
vii. Re-order Cues 3 and 4
Were You Listening?
Are you able to have two cues with the same identifier?
Answer
No