What term describes a stage manager's call for actors to prepare for a scene change?

The term that describes a stage manager's call for actors to prepare for a scene change is "cue." In the context of theatre, a cue is a signal or prompt that indicates to actors or technicians when to take their specific actions. This can include entering or exiting a scene, delivering a line, or preparing the stage for a transition. Cues are essential for ensuring that the production runs smoothly and maintains the intended timing and pacing.

Other terms, while they may refer to instructions or directives in different contexts, do not align as closely with the precise terminology and function within theatre practice as "cue" does. For example, "command" might suggest a more authoritative directive but doesn't capture the collaborative and timed nature of stage cues. "Signal" is less specific and can refer to any indication of an action, not necessarily tied to the structured sequencing observed in theatrical performances. "Note" typically denotes written instructions or observations, which do not convey the immediate, actionable context of a stage cue during a performance.