Call boy (theatre)

In theatre, a call boy (historically, and still occasionally used, although increasingly replaced by gender-neutral terms) is a member of the stage crew responsible for alerting actors when their entrances are approaching. The call boy's primary duty is to deliver warnings, known as calls, to actors backstage or in their dressing rooms, informing them of how many scenes or pages of script remain before they are needed on stage.

The "calls" typically progress in a countdown format, such as "Half hour call," "Fifteen minute call," "Five minute call," and finally, "Places." The timing of these calls may vary depending on the complexity of the production and the actor's needs for costume changes, makeup, or other preparations.

The term "call boy" is considered outdated by many due to its gendered nature. Modern theatre practice increasingly favors gender-neutral alternatives such as "call steward," "stage caller," "call person," "call assistant," or simply "caller." While the traditional term may still be encountered, especially in older theatres or productions, its use is declining in favor of more inclusive language. The role itself remains essential for the smooth running of a theatrical performance.