AHaha I love that "For all you americans, that means he's good" thing lol I love it!
As for tech week, I can give you some stuff, but I've also never experienced much because i'm community theatre as well. Basically, I've told my actors (as we're in tech week right now) how it pretty much works. My job as an SM, my crews job, and their jobs. I've explained that this is where the director "clocks out" per say and is not directly involved with the production anymore. Along with that, I explained that this is the practice run. This is where everything gets put together and it ensures that everything runs as smoothly as possible (get all the kinks out now rather than during the show). I also warned them that if they aren't ready by now...they better get their butts in gear because this week will move fast and you wont even see it go. I'd explain the schedule and how this is just like a real show so they have to be in character and act like there's an audience sitting in those empty seats.
On the other hand, I didn't explain to them about other things as you mentioned "cue to cue" because I dont know what that is (community theatre does that to you lol). So, if you think it's important enough to mention that stuff, then do it. Better to be safe than sorry.
I know it's going to sound a little odd, or...maybe not. But go see this Equity actor of yours and ask him his opinion on what you should say. If he is a teacher, he might have a idea of the absolute basics that an actor needs to know about it.
I know you've probably already thought of this, but...as an SM, if I see something that has to be done, whether i'm contracted to do it or not, I'll do it for the good of the performance, including some little lessons on things. They dont have to be long, but...as long as they get the jist of it, then great! I'd be happy lol
Dont know if that helps or not, but that's kind of what I do...