What actually goes into a prompt book

During rehearsal, dozens of small decisions get made: where an actor crosses, when a light shifts, which prop moves. A prompt book is the central place where those decisions live. This article explains what belongs in one, what can be left out, and how the record helps everyone from the first run-through to closing night.

What is a prompt book?

A prompt book is a working copy of the script that contains the production's practical details: blocking, cues, and notes. It is not a diary or a critique. It is a functional record that helps the stage manager, director, and designers keep the production consistent. As the American Association of Community Theatre describes, stage management includes recording decisions and communicating changes, and a prompt book helps preserve the production during performances. Source. The exact contents vary by production, but the goal stays the same: write down what you will need to repeat.

Which blocking decisions should be written down?

Write down any movement or position that someone will need to recreate later. That includes entrances, exits, major crosses, and interactions that affect sightlines or timing. You do not need to map every step. Focus on decisions that are difficult to reconstruct from memory. For example, if an actor crosses downstage on a specific line, note the line and the direction. If a group scene has a specific formation, sketch it once. For more on this, see Recording blocking clearly enough to reuse.

What do cues actually look like on the page?

Cues are written next to the moment they happen, usually in the margin or in brackets. Light cues, sound cues, and scene shifts are common. The format can be simple: a line of dialogue or an action, followed by a short instruction. The point is to make the cue easy to find during a run. Sound and light cues are often described in plain language first, then refined as the design solidifies. For a beginner-friendly explanation, see Sound and light cues, described plainly.

How does a prompt book help the same production later?

It helps in three ways. First, during rehearsals, it keeps everyone on the same page when the director is not available. Second, during technical rehearsals, it gives the crew a single reference for cue timing. Third, during performances, it allows the stage manager to call the show consistently. A prompt book also becomes a record that can be revisited if the production is revived. It is not a legal document, but it is the production's working memory.

What should not go into a prompt book?

Avoid turning it into a personal journal. Do not write opinions about performances or notes that are not actionable. The prompt book should stay useful to anyone who needs to run the show. Private conversations, gossip, and unfounded speculation do not belong. Also avoid writing down every tiny gesture; focus on what is repeatable and necessary. If a note is only for your own memory and has no impact on the production, keep it elsewhere.

How do you keep a prompt book readable?

Consistency matters more than neatness. Use the same symbols for the same actions. Write in pencil if the blocking is still changing, or use a digital document that can be updated quickly. Keep a key at the front for any shorthand you invent. The prompt book is a tool, not a showcase. If you are new to rehearsal rooms, a first rehearsal checklist for newcomers can help you know what to bring and what to expect. And remember that the stage manager's role is to support the whole production, not to act as an authority figure; see The stage manager as support, not authority.

What decisions are worth writing down? A quick checklist

Use this checklist to decide what to record during rehearsal. It is not exhaustive, but it covers the decisions that most often need to be repeated.

Type of decision	Write it down?	Why
Entrances and exits	Yes	Affect timing and safety
Major crosses	Yes	Impact sightlines and staging
Line changes	Yes	Actors and crew need final wording
Light cues	Yes	Need consistent timing
Sound cues	Yes	Need consistent timing
Prop handoffs	Yes	Avoid dropped props
Costume quick-changes	Yes	Affect backstage flow
Small gestures	Only if repeated	Can clutter the book
Personal opinions	No	Not actionable
Private conversations	No	Not appropriate

How do you share a prompt book with others?

Share the parts that others need. The director may want to see blocking notes. The lighting designer may need cue sheets. The stage crew may need a running order. You do not have to give everyone the whole book. A shared digital file with clear sections can work well. If you are working with a team that is new to this, explain the purpose: it is a reference, not a rulebook. Encourage people to ask questions, and update the book when decisions change. The goal is to reduce confusion, not to create extra work.

A prompt book is a practical record of a live collaboration. It does not need to be perfect, but it does need to be honest and useful. Write down what you will need to repeat, keep it consistent, and share what matters. That way, the same production can move from rehearsal to performance without losing the decisions that made it work.