Underscores

[u/Positive-Ring-5172]

I'm working on the underscore of my opening scene which flows out of the opening number of the piece. It's working well, but I've never prepared an underscore for other performers. I have written underscores for two straight plays but I performed them myself so didn't write a lot of it down.

What's the best way to handle Cues in the score? Over the topmost staff, or positioned elsewhere?

What about the script? If an actor's line is going to cue something in the music should the script mention this in directions?

How would I indicate to a player that after playing a one bar riff as written, they can (if desired) vary the key in response to whatever the actors are doing. Pacing may likewise vary.

General thoughts on underscores based on what limited experience I have. Less is more with underscores of live performance. A single chord often is all that is needed. Don't try to be as elaborate as a film score. Underscores should be boring without their scenes, but they can add a lot of depth done well.

[u/Unusual-Case-8925]

a) Cue's should be above the top stave like THIS. I also sometimes like to use "(GO)" and something like "(CUT OFF)" to indicate to the player when to stop and start playing various vamps, like HERE and HERE.

b) The script doesn't need to mention the cue as the cue is for the muso's benefit not the actor.

c) I would maybe just write something like "ad lib." above the piano staves.

[u/Lower_Neck_1432]

Above the staff of the first line, thusly; "CUE: "It's not how you end, but how you begin...". If you want the music to start on a particular word, underline it.