Prompted, on stage - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Prompted, on stage," is a classic example of a straightforward definition found in many crossword puzzles, especially earlier in the week. It points directly to a specific term from the world of theater, making it a satisfying and accessible entry for many solvers.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two parts:

• "Prompted": This is the primary definition. In a performance context, to prompt someone is to give them a reminder or a signal.
• "on stage": This is a crucial qualifier. It firmly places the action in a theatrical setting, steering the solver away from other meanings of "prompted" (like encouraging or causing something to happen).

The clue uses the past tense ("Prompted"), so we should be looking for a past-tense answer. The answer must be a verb that means "was given a prompt while performing."

Thinking Approaches

A solver encountering this clue could use a few simple steps:

1. Identify the Context: The phrase "on stage" immediately brings theater, plays, and acting to mind.
2. Brainstorm Synonyms: What's another word for prompting an actor? You might think of signaling, reminding, or giving a line. The most common and concise term for this signal is a "cue."
3. Match the Tense: The clue is "Prompted," which is in the past tense. The past tense of the verb "to cue" is CUED.
4. Check with Crossings: As always, once you have a potential answer, check it against any intersecting letters you've already filled in. For a short word like this, even one crossing letter can confirm you're on the right track.

Background Context

In theater, a cue is the trigger for an action to be carried out at a specific time. It can be a line of dialogue, a sound effect, a change in lighting, or a physical gesture. Actors rely on cues from other actors to know when to deliver their lines, and technicians (like those controlling lights and sound) rely on cues to execute their tasks. The term is fundamental to the smooth operation of any live performance.

The word "cue" also famously refers to the stick used in billiards or pool, a fact that crossword constructors often use for misdirection. In this clue, however, the "on stage" part makes the theatrical meaning unambiguous.

Conclusion

"Prompted, on stage" is a well-crafted, direct clue that rewards knowledge of basic theater terminology. Its clarity makes it a perfect example of an "easy" clue, helping solvers build momentum and confidence as they work through the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about what an actor receives to know when to speak.
2. Hint 2: This is the past tense of a word for a signal in a performance.
3. Hint 3: This word's root is also a term for a stick used in billiards.
4. Hint 4: It sounds exactly like the letter after 'P'.

The answer is CUED.