3 Cue Selector Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question is crucial for understanding how you analyze and choose cues, which is vital for the success of any live event or performance.

How to answer

• Describe your overall approach to cue selection, including preparation and collaboration with other team members
• Identify key factors such as timing, mood, and audience engagement
• Discuss how you adapt cues based on the performance context and live feedback
• Provide examples of past experiences where your cue selection significantly impacted the performance
• Highlight your familiarity with different types of performances and their unique cue requirements

What not to say

• Claiming to rely solely on personal intuition without a structured process
• Failing to mention collaboration with other team members, such as directors and performers
• Neglecting to discuss audience reaction or engagement as part of the selection process
• Overlooking the importance of technical aspects, such as sound levels and transitions

Example answer

“In my role at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, I developed a structured approach to cue selection. I always consider the emotional arc of the performance, ensuring cues align with the narrative. For example, during a recent performance, I adjusted cues on-the-fly based on audience reactions, which enhanced engagement and received positive feedback. My process balances preparation with flexibility to adapt to live dynamics.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to handle pressure and resolve issues in real-time, which is essential for a Cue Selector.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response
• Clearly outline the challenge you faced, including context and impact
• Explain the actions you took to address the issue, emphasizing your problem-solving skills
• Detail the outcome and any lessons learned from the experience
• Highlight your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure

What not to say

• Dismissing the challenge or minimizing its impact
• Focusing solely on the problem without discussing the resolution
• Failing to demonstrate personal accountability or leadership during the situation
• Neglecting to mention the importance of communication with the team

Example answer

“During a live concert at the National Arts Centre, we experienced a sudden power outage. I quickly communicated with the technical team to switch to backup systems while coordinating with the conductor to maintain the performance flow. We successfully transitioned to acoustic performances, which not only salvaged the event but also created a memorable experience for the audience. This taught me the value of quick thinking and teamwork in crisis situations.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions, which are critical skills for a Senior Cue Selector.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• Describe the event and the specific challenges you faced with tight deadlines.
• Explain your process for selecting the appropriate cues efficiently.
• Highlight how you communicated with the team to ensure everyone was aligned.
• Provide specific outcomes or metrics that demonstrate the success of your cue selection.

What not to say

• Focusing too much on the stress without detailing how you handled it.
• Not mentioning specific cues and why they were chosen.
• Neglecting to explain the teamwork aspect of the situation.
• Overlooking any lessons learned from the experience.

Example answer

“During a live concert for a local artist in Mexico City, we had only 30 minutes to finalize cue selections due to a last-minute change in the setlist. I quickly assessed the new songs, collaborated with the sound engineer to identify the most impactful cues, and communicated the changes to the lighting team. This swift decision-making resulted in a seamless performance that received positive feedback from both the audience and the artist, increasing their social media following by 20% post-event.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of cue selection and how they impact audience experience.

How to answer

• Discuss your approach to understanding the production's vision and objectives.
• Explain how you collaborate with directors, producers, and other team members.
• Share examples of how you have tailored cues to match the mood and pacing of the production.
• Mention any tools or methods you use to evaluate the effectiveness of your cues post-production.
• Highlight your adaptability in making adjustments based on audience reactions.

What not to say

• Suggesting that cue selection is a solitary process without collaboration.
• Failing to connect cue selection to audience engagement.
• Providing examples that lack detail about the production's goals.
• Ignoring the importance of feedback and adaptation.

Example answer

“I start by deeply understanding the director's vision and the production's themes. For a recent theatrical production, I worked closely with the director to align cues with emotional beats, ensuring that transitions were smooth and impactful. I also used feedback from test audiences to adjust cues in real-time, which ultimately enhanced the audience's emotional engagement, as reflected in positive reviews and increased ticket sales for subsequent shows.”

Introduction

This question assesses your ability to think on your feet and make critical decisions under pressure, crucial for a Lead Cue Selector in ensuring smooth live performances.

How to answer

• Describe the specific situation and context of the live performance.
• Explain the decision-making process you used to select the cues quickly.
• Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
• Share the outcome of your decision and its impact on the performance.
• Highlight any lessons learned that would inform future decisions.

What not to say

• Avoid vague responses that lack specific details.
• Don't blame others for any issues that arose during the performance.
• Steer clear of focusing solely on technical aspects without discussing the creative process.
• Do not express uncertainty or hesitation in your ability to make quick decisions.

Example answer

“During a live concert for a local band in São Paulo, the lead singer suffered a sore throat just before the show. I had to quickly adjust the cue selections to accommodate a more subdued performance. I reviewed the setlist and swapped out high-energy songs for more acoustic versions, ensuring the transitions felt seamless. The audience appreciated the unexpected change, and we received positive feedback, reinforcing my belief in adapting quickly while maintaining the performance's integrity.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your communication skills and your ability to collaborate with others in a high-pressure environment, which is vital for a Lead Cue Selector.

How to answer

• Explain your approach to establishing clear communication channels before the performance.
• Discuss how you keep the team informed during the performance.
• Share specific tools or methods you use to facilitate real-time communication.
• Describe a situation where effective communication positively impacted a performance.
• Highlight any feedback mechanisms you have in place to improve communication.

What not to say

• Avoid saying communication is not important in your role.
• Don’t mention using vague or unclear language.
• Steer clear of examples where communication breakdowns led to issues.
• Do not describe a lack of preparation before the performance.

Example answer

“I prioritize setting up a clear communication plan before each performance. For instance, I use a combination of walkie-talkies and visual cues to keep everyone in sync. During a recent theater production, our team faced unexpected technical difficulties. Thanks to our established communication protocols, we were able to resolve the issue in real-time, and the show went on without a hitch. I always encourage feedback post-performance to refine our communication strategies.”