What the Speaker Says When a Play Will Include… and Why It Matters
Ever sat in a theater and heard the announcer say, “Tonight’s performance will include a brief intermission and a specially commissioned overture”? That little line does more than fill dead air—it sets expectations, guides the audience, and even shapes how the production is received. In practice, the speaker’s cue about what the play will include is a tiny but mighty piece of theater communication.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about crafting, delivering, and leveraging those speaker cues. From the basics of what the phrase actually means, to the psychology behind why audiences care, to step‑by‑step scripts you can copy‑paste, we’ve packed this pillar with the kind of detail that makes you look like a backstage pro.
What Is “The Speaker Indicates That the Play Will Include”?
When a presenter, MC, or house manager tells the audience what the play will include, they’re basically giving a quick rundown of the production’s extra elements. Think of it as a mini‑agenda:
- Intermissions – how long, where they fall, whether there’s a refreshment break.
- Special music or overtures – new compositions, live bands, or recorded tracks.
- Multimedia segments – video projections, live‑streamed scenes, or sound‑effects cues.
- Accessibility accommodations – sign‑language interpreters, audio description, captioning.
- Audience participation – moments when you’ll be asked to clap, stand, or even step onstage.
In plain language, the speaker is the bridge between the production crew and the public. They translate the director’s artistic decisions into something the average theatergoer can understand before the curtain even rises That alone is useful..
The Role of the House Manager
Most of the time the house manager or front‑of‑house (FOH) director handles this line. When they say, “Tonight’s show will include a 15‑minute intermission and a live‑recorded piano accompaniment”, they’re giving a heads‑up that helps people plan their night (snack runs, bathroom breaks, etc.And they know the schedule, the technical constraints, and the audience’s expectations. ) and primes them for the experience.
Why It’s More Than a Simple Announcement
You might think it’s just filler, but the phrasing can affect:
- Patron satisfaction – No one likes being surprised by a long intermission when they expected a quick break.
- Accessibility compliance – Mentioning sign‑language or captioning shows the venue respects legal requirements and diverse audiences.
- Marketing impact – Highlighting a “newly commissioned overture” can be a selling point for repeat visitors.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
If you’ve ever left a show early because you didn’t know there was a 30‑minute intermission, you know the frustration. The speaker’s cue does three things that matter to both the audience and the production:
Sets Expectations
Humans love structure. So when you hear, “The play will include two short scenes with live video projections”, you instantly adjust your mental map of the evening. It reduces anxiety and lets you focus on the story instead of wondering, “When will the lights go out?
Enhances Accessibility
A quick line like, “Audio description will be provided throughout the performance” does more than inform; it validates the presence of people with visual impairments. It tells them, “You belong here.” That little acknowledgment can turn a one‑time visitor into a lifelong patron Took long enough..
Boosts Word‑of‑Mouth
People love to brag about unique elements. That's why “Did you hear they added a live jazz trio to Act 2? Worth adding: ” becomes a conversation starter. By explicitly naming the extras, the speaker hands marketers free content.
How It Works (or How to Do It)
Below is the practical playbook for anyone who needs to craft that line, whether you’re a seasoned house manager or a volunteer stepping in for the first time.
1. Gather the Production Details
Start with a checklist. Talk to the director, stage manager, and technical director. Confirm:
- Intermission length and placement
- Any added musical numbers or live performances
- Multimedia components (video, projections, AR)
- Accessibility services (ASL interpreter, captioning, audio description)
- Audience participation moments
Pro tip: Keep a one‑page “Speaker Cue Sheet” that lists each item with a short description and the exact timing.
2. Prioritize What to Mention
You can’t cram everything into a 15‑second announcement. Prioritize based on:
- Impact on the audience’s logistics (intermission, length)
- Legal or accessibility requirements (sign language, captioning)
- Unique selling points (new music, guest performer)
Anything that changes the audience’s behavior or adds novelty should make the cut And it works..
3. Draft the Script
Write in a conversational tone—imagine you’re talking to a friend at the bar about the show. Use short, punchy sentences mixed with a longer one for flow Not complicated — just consistent..
Example Draft:
“Good evening, everyone. Here's the thing — tonight’s performance will include a 20‑minute intermission after the first act, a live‑recorded piano overture for Act 2, and captioning on the side‑wall screens for any guests who need it. We’ll also have a brief audience participation segment during the final scene—don’t be surprised if we ask you to stand and applaud.
Not the most exciting part, but easily the most useful.
4. Test for Clarity and Timing
Read the script aloud. Even so, does it fit within 15–20 seconds? If you stumble over a word, simplify. Remember, the speaker’s voice is the first point of contact; clarity trumps cleverness That's the part that actually makes a difference..
5. Rehearse with the Tech Crew
Even a perfect script can go wrong if the lighting cue for the captioning screen is off. Run a quick “walk‑through” with the tech team:
- Confirm the captioning screen lights up when mentioned.
- Verify the intermission bell will sound at the right moment.
- Make sure any live musicians are ready when you name them.
6. Deliver on the Night
When the house lights dim and the audience settles, take a breath, make eye contact, and deliver the line naturally. A slight pause after each major element helps the crowd absorb the information.
Quick Script Templates
Classic Play with Intermission
“Welcome to Hamlet. Plus, tonight’s production will include a 15‑minute intermission after Act 1, and a live harp accompaniment for the soliloquy in Act 2. Please note that wheelchair‑accessible restrooms are located to your left And it works..
Modern Drama with Multimedia
“Good evening. This performance will include projected video backdrops during the climactic scene, and audio description will be available on the handheld devices you received at the door. We’ll also have a 10‑minute intermission after the second act.
Family Show with Participation
“Hello, families! Tonight’s show will include a sing‑along segment in the third act—feel free to join in. There’s a short intermission after Act 1, and we have a sign‑language interpreter on stage for the entire performance Surprisingly effective..
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
Even seasoned MCs slip up. Here are the slip‑ups that cost you credibility—and how to avoid them.
1. Overloading the Announcement
“We have a 20‑minute intermission, a live jazz trio, a video montage, captioning, audio description, sign‑language, and a surprise guest.”
Too many items blur the message. Pick three to four high‑impact points and save the rest for the program booklet.
2. Using Jargon
Terms like “DSP cue” or “SFX bleed” make no sense to a lay audience. Keep it plain: “sound effects” instead of “DSP”.
3. Forgetting Accessibility
If the venue is legally required to provide captioning or ASL, omitting it isn’t just rude—it can be a violation. Always double‑check that you’ve mentioned any required accommodations That alone is useful..
4. Mis‑Timing the Cue
Announcing an intermission after the curtain has already fallen looks sloppy. Align your script with the exact moment the house lights dim.
5. Monotone Delivery
A flat voice makes even exciting news sound boring. Vary your pitch, smile, and pause for emphasis. The audience can hear enthusiasm.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
- Write it on a cue card – Even if you’re a pro, a small card prevents you from rambling.
- Use the venue’s branding – If the theater calls the intermission “the pause,” say that. Consistency builds trust.
- Add a personal touch – “I’m especially excited about the new overture; the composer is a local talent.” It humanizes the announcement.
- Practice with a mic – Acoustic differences can make your voice sound distant. Test it in the actual space.
- Have a backup – If the intermission is delayed, a quick “We’ll be back shortly” keeps the audience patient.
- Monitor audience reaction – If you see confused looks, repeat the crucial point in a softer tone after the lights come up.
- Record and review – A short audio clip of your delivery lets you catch pacing issues you might miss in the moment.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to mention the exact length of the intermission?
A: Yes, if it’s longer than the usual 10‑15 minutes. Audiences plan bathroom breaks and concessions around that time And that's really what it comes down to..
Q: How should I phrase accessibility services?
A: Keep it simple: “Audio description is available on the handheld devices,” or “A sign‑language interpreter will be on stage throughout the performance.”
Q: What if a last‑minute change occurs (e.g., the live musician can’t make it)?
A: Have a pre‑written contingency line: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the live piano overture has been replaced with a recorded track.”
Q: Is it okay to mention the director’s name?
A: Only if the director is a draw for the audience. Otherwise, it can clutter the announcement Practical, not theoretical..
Q: Should I repeat the announcement later in the show?
A: A brief reminder before the intermission is helpful, especially for large venues where some patrons may have missed the opening cue Most people skip this — try not to. That alone is useful..
The short version is: the speaker’s line about what a play will include is a tiny but powerful tool. Get the details right, keep it concise, and deliver it with genuine enthusiasm, and you’ll set the stage for a smoother, more enjoyable night for everyone.
So next time you step up to that microphone, remember—you're not just filling silence. You’re shaping the audience’s experience before the first line is even spoken. And that, my fellow theater‑lover, is worth every practiced breath That's the part that actually makes a difference..
