prompt-box

The actor glances toward the prompt-box for his line.

Definition

Noun: In theatre, a "prompt-box" is a small, often covered or hooded enclosure located at the front of the stage (usually in the orchestra pit or at the side of the stage) where the prompter sits. The prompter is the person who assists actors by quietly supplying forgotten lines or cues during a performance.

Usage Examples

• (The prompter's enclosed seat was prepared for assisting the performer.)
• (The director was positioned close to the prompter's enclosure.)
• (The prompter's enclosed space was constructed of wood and featured a curtain for concealment.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the prompt-box": to be serving as the prompter during a theatrical performance.

  • She has been in the prompt-box for every show this season. (She has acted as the prompter for all performances this season.)

• "to come from the prompt-box": to receive a prompt or cue from the prompter's enclosure.

  • The line came from the prompt-box just in time. (The forgotten line was supplied by the prompter from his enclosure.)

Variants and Related Words

• Prompt (verb): to assist (an actor) by supplying a forgotten line or cue.

  • The stage manager had to prompt the lead actor twice during the second act. (The stage manager supplied forgotten lines to the lead actor.)

• Prompter (noun): a person who prompts actors; the individual who sits in the prompt-box.

  • The prompter followed the script carefully to ensure no lines were missed. (The person in the prompt-box monitored the script.)

• Prompt-side (noun): the side of the stage where the prompter sits; often synonymous with stage left or right depending on tradition.

  • The actor moved to the prompt-side to hear the next cue. (The actor went to the side of the stage near the prompter.)

Synonyms

• Souffleur's box: a French term for a similar prompter's enclosure (rarely used in English).
• Prompter's booth: a more general term for any enclosed space where a prompter works.

Related Idioms

• To be on prompt: to be ready and positioned to prompt actors.

  • The assistant is on prompt for tonight's performance. (The assistant is ready in the prompt-box to supply lines.)

• To whisper from the wings: an idiom meaning to give secret or behind-the-scenes guidance, analogous to a prompter's role.

  • The director whispered from the wings, but the actor ignored the advice. (The director gave hidden guidance, like a prompter.)