Theatre & Performing Arts

This guide covers a theatrical workflow: a scripted show with a precise Playlist of cues, timecode synchronisation, operator control, and multi-screen output for stage and set video.

Typical Setup

Phase 1 — Pre-Production

1.1 Receive the Script

Work through the script with the director and video designer to identify:

• Every video cue (scene transitions, backdrops, overlays)
• Timecodes if audio or music is pre-recorded and locked
• Cue numbering conventions (should match the stage manager's prompt script)

1.2 Organise the Show File

Create a folder structure that matches the script's act/scene structure:

MyPlay_2026/
├── MyPlay_2026.vpp
└── media/
    ├── act1/
    │   ├── sc01_exterior_day.mov
    │   ├── sc03_rain_window.mov
    │   └── sc05_train_departure.mov
    └── act2/
        ├── sc01_interior_night.mov
        └── sc04_finale_abstract.mov

1.3 Build the Compositions

For a typical theatrical show:

• BACKDROP composition — full rear projection surface
• WINGS_LEFT and WINGS_RIGHT — LED wing panels
• FLOOR (optional) — floor projection

1.4 Enter All Video Cues

For each cue identified in the script:

1. Create a cue in the Playlist.
2. Cue number: match the prompt script (e.g. V1, V1.5, V2).
3. Name: descriptive label (e.g. V3 — Rainstorm starts).
4. Action: choose one of:
   • Go to timecode — jump to a specific point on the timeline
   • Load composition — switch the backdrop to a different composition
   • Fade to black — black out with a specific duration

1.5 Timecode Sync (if applicable)

If the show plays against a locked audio soundtrack:

1. Set up LTC timecode from the audio playback system.
2. In Exaplay: Config → Audio Settings → Timecode Input → Enable LTC.
3. Confirm TC: Locked in the Transport bar during rehearsal.

All cue timecodes will now fire frame-accurately against the audio.

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Phase 2 — Rehearsals

Technical Rehearsal

1. Load the show file and start from Cue 1.
2. Work through each cue with the director.
3. Adjust:
   • Cue timecodes (use Edit Cue to update)
   • Transition durations
   • Video start/end points (trim in the Inspector)
4. Use the Diagnostics Panel to verify performance during playback-heavy scenes.

Dress Rehearsal

1. Hand the Control View URL to the stage manager.
2. The stage manager uses the Go button to advance through cues, watching the stage.
3. Note any timing adjustments needed.

Emergency Backup

Configure Auto-Heal so the show restores automatically if the system crashes mid-performance. See Auto-Heal & Watchdog.

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Phase 3 — Show Operation

Stage Manager Interface

The stage manager operates from the Control View (/control):

[◀ BACK]  [GO ▶]

Cue V5 — Act 1 Scene 5 — Train Departure  ← CURRENT
Cue V6 — Interval Blackout                ← NEXT (highlighted)
Cue V7 — Act 2 Opening                    ← NEXT+1

The stage manager presses Go at the correct point in dialogue or action. The cue fires and the next cue moves into position.

Calling a Cue Out of Order

Right-click any cue in the list and choose Fire Now to jump to it out of sequence. The Playlist does not advance — pressing Go next will fire the cue that was previously NEXT.

Fade to Black (Interval / Emergency)

Assign a hot key (e.g. F12) to a Fade to Black cue so the stage manager can black out instantly if needed.

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Phase 4 — Post-Production and Archiving

1. After closing night, save the final project.
2. Use Export Project to create an archive ZIP containing the project and all media.
3. Label the archive clearly (show title, venue, dates) and store it.