TS 13017

TS 13017 is a vocational standard for prompters working in state and private theatres. Its focus is the professional role itself: how the job is identified, the scope in which it operates, and the general framework of qualifications expected from practitioners. In theatre, a prompter supports the performance by helping actors recover lines at the right moment without disrupting the flow of the show.

What makes prompter work distinct in theatre

Prompter work is a specialised backstage function that depends on timing, attentiveness and close familiarity with the script. It is not just about knowing the text; it also involves following the performance in real time, anticipating when assistance may be needed, and delivering that support in a way that preserves the rhythm of the production. In that sense, the role sits at the intersection of stage discipline, cue awareness and live performance support.

In general technical terms, vocational standards like this are used to organise a job into a clear classification and define the knowledge, skills and competencies associated with it. TS 13017 addresses the prompter role through that lens, giving the theatre function a structured professional frame. The documented scope covers state and private theatres; it does not by itself extend the role to other stage or entertainment settings.

• Covers prompters working in state and private theatres.
• Focuses on classification and role definition.
• Provides a shared framework for required knowledge and skills.
• Centers on a live theatre support function tied to script handling and performance timing.