What is a 'run sheet' and how does it differ from a cue sheet?

What is a 'run sheet' and how does it differ from a cue sheet?

• A. A run sheet lists audio/visual cues and their triggers; a cue sheet lists timing and performers.
• B. A run sheet is a lighting diagram.
• C. A run sheet lists timing, actions, and who does what during performances; a cue sheet lists audio/visual cues and their triggers; run sheets guide overall flow, cue sheets support technical operations.
• D. Both are identical.

Answer: (C)

A run sheet is the stage management map of a performance. It lays out the sequence of events, the exact timing of each action, and who is responsible for carrying it out. It’s the live, practical guide that helps the stage manager call the show and keep the flow moving smoothly from moment to moment, including entrances, exits, transitions, and cueing the cast and crew. A cue sheet is a technical reference that lists every audio and visual cue and the precise trigger that will activate it—things like sound effects, lighting changes, or projections. It’s the detailed instruction for the tech crew about when and how to run the equipment. The two documents work together. The run sheet defines what should happen and when, while the cue sheet specifies how the technical elements will be triggered to realize those moments. So a scene might be described on the run sheet as: the actor enters and crosses stage at a certain time, with a particular transition. The cue sheet then ensures the lights, sound, and projections fire at the exact moments to support that action.

A run sheet is the stage management map of a performance. It lays out the sequence of events, the exact timing of each action, and who is responsible for carrying it out. It’s the live, practical guide that helps the stage manager call the show and keep the flow moving smoothly from moment to moment, including entrances, exits, transitions, and cueing the cast and crew.

A cue sheet is a technical reference that lists every audio and visual cue and the precise trigger that will activate it—things like sound effects, lighting changes, or projections. It’s the detailed instruction for the tech crew about when and how to run the equipment.

The two documents work together. The run sheet defines what should happen and when, while the cue sheet specifies how the technical elements will be triggered to realize those moments. So a scene might be described on the run sheet as: the actor enters and crosses stage at a certain time, with a particular transition. The cue sheet then ensures the lights, sound, and projections fire at the exact moments to support that action.