CuePad

How It Works

Understand the core concepts behind CuePad and see how directors use it from first read-through to tech week.

Core Concepts

What is a Cue?

In CuePad, a cue is the fundamental annotation unit. It's an indexed note tied to a specific moment in your script, just like the annotations in a traditional paper prompt book.

Each cue consists of:

  • Trigger Text: The specific line or passage in the script that triggers this cue
  • Index Number: A sequential number (1, 2, 3...) unique within each page
  • Cue Type: One of nine types (Blocking, Lighting, Sound, etc.) each with a distinct color
  • Cue Text: Your notes describing the blocking or action
  • Ground Plan (optional): A linked stage diagram showing character positions

Visually, each cue appears as a colored circle in the margin connected to the trigger text by a line. This mimics how directors have marked prompt books for generations.

How Cues Connect Script to Blocking

The power of CuePad is the direct connection between text and blocking. When you lasso a line of dialogue, your cue lives at that exact moment. You can see the trigger text, read your notes, and view the ground plan showing where everyone stands.

During rehearsal or performance, scan down the margin circles. When you hit the trigger line, the cue tells you exactly what happens: the blocking, the light change, the sound effect. Everything is tied to the script.

How Ground Plans Fit In

A ground plan is a top-down diagram of your stage or set. Upload images of your ground plans for each scene or configuration.

When you assign a ground plan to a cue, you can place character markers showing exactly where actors stand at that moment. Draw movement paths to show how they get there. The ground plan becomes a visual record of your blocking, tied directly to the script text.

Characters are defined per script with names, initials, and colors. Their markers appear on ground plans as colored circles with initials, making it easy to see at a glance who is where.

Cues vs. Highlights

CuePad distinguishes between two types of markup:

Cues

Indexed, typed notes tied to specific text selections. Organized by type and number. Can have ground plans attached. The structured backbone of your prompt book.

Highlights

Freeform color marks drawn over the script. No index or type. Used for emphasis, marking emotional beats, or personal reading notes. Quick and informal.

Mobile vs. Desktop

CuePad works on both desktop browsers and mobile/tablet devices, adapting its behavior based on your platform:

Desktop (Mouse/Trackpad)

  • Click and drag to lasso text
  • Click and drag to draw highlights
  • Mouse drag to move character markers

Mobile/Tablet (Touch + Stylus)

  • Single finger: Pan and scroll
  • Two-finger pinch: Zoom
  • Apple Pencil: All drawing and selection
  • Write mode for stylus handwriting

Typical Workflows

1

First Read-Through

Import your script and get oriented.

  • Upload your script PDF via 'New Script'
  • Navigate through pages, adding page labels for act/scene markers
  • Highlight important lines using Draw mode with different colors
  • Use yellow for general emphasis, pink for emotional beats, orange for items needing attention
2

Blocking Rehearsal

Record actor positions and movements as you work through scenes.

  • Open your script to the working page
  • When blocking a moment, lasso the trigger line in the script
  • Select 'Blocking' cue type and write your notes (e.g., 'HAMLET X DL to bench')
  • Add a ground plan and place character markers at their positions
  • Draw movement paths showing where actors travel
  • Continue through the scene, adding cues for each piece of blocking
  • Use Re-Order mode if you need to insert cues between existing ones
3

Revising Notes

Update your annotations as choices evolve.

  • Click a cue card or circle to select it
  • Click Edit to modify the text, type, or index
  • Click Edit GP to adjust character positions on the ground plan
  • Delete cues that are no longer relevant
4

Tech Week

Reference your complete prompt book during runs.

  • Use cue-aware navigation (double arrows) to jump between pages with cues
  • Reference each cue during run-throughs
  • Add Director Notes for items to address
  • Use Write mode on iPad for quick handwritten annotations during the run
5

Review After Rehearsal

Organize and prepare for the next session.

  • Navigate using page labels to find specific scenes
  • Review cues and ground plan positions
  • Use 'Copy Previous GP' to carry positions forward when blocking is similar
  • Add highlights to mark sections that worked well vs. need attention

Ready to Start?

The best way to understand CuePad is to use it. Upload a script, create a few cues, and see how it feels.

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