Ellie Langton

Assistant stage manager: An assistant stage manager usually assists the production stage manager with all of their responsibilities. This can include attending production meetings, running, rehearsals, clerical organisation and insuring the smooth execution of the performances. The assistant stage manager is a part of the management team of the production. Their behaviour should reflect this by being punctual and professional at all times, it is also imperative that the ASM is flexible and will take initiative this is due to them having to work on different productions, therefore their responsibilities will change. Working as an assistant stage manager is very consuming job, for example they have specific responsibilities before a production period and rehearsal time begins the ASM normally help the stage manager arrange the floor plan, distributes scripts, move and sort props and furniture, carry out any clerical operations. Before each rehearsal the assistant stage manager should assist the stage manager to insure all rehearsal and stage space is equipped and set up correctly this could be sweeping, setting up furniture, set pieces, and props, they may also have contact company members and actress and actors to ensure they are also punctual and professional. ASMs also are quite often expected to run the sound desk and lighting desks during tech rehearsals and performances therefore they need to know how they work, it is also important that the ASM has a full understanding of the placement and movement of scenic pieces and props as they will typically have to take responsibility of training the crew. During a performance or production the assistant manager is in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly for the stage manager, this will probably entail the authority over other crew members making sure each person is doing their job at the right time, consequently everything should run smoothly. Afterwards it is also the assistant stage managers position to help the stage manager clear and clean everything away and make sure the facility that was used is in perfect condition, it is also the ASM is also accountable for making sure all the equipment used is safely put away and not damaged while doing so. Being an ASM involves managing rehearsals, actors, technicians, props and costume fittings as well as working with the front of house staff and the director, the assistant stage manager also needs a great understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of the performance so that they can ensure it is delivered exactly to the directors requirements, they are liable from start to finish, from rehearsal to performance, and they are on hand to deal with any emergencies or issues that may delay or deter from the show. Assistant stage managers are commonly involved with these activities: Setting up and running rehearsal schedules Props, furniture and set dressing (and will also assist in construction) Arranging costume fittings and alterations Distributing information to other theatre departments Managing props and possibly the design budgets regarding costs

Ellie Langton

Supervising the arrival and departure of set equipment when they are installed and removed Making sure all actors and actresses are notified about moves and requirements of props, lighting and sound Making changes to set between scenes, prompting actors and cueing technicians Maintaining a constant high standard and making sure they represent the company well Running backstage and on stage areas during performances Working with the directors and lighting and sound technicians Calling for rehearsals and performances

In a wider picture assistant stage managers always answer to a stage manager or in bigger productions there could be a hierarchical structure which would mean there would ne stage manager, a deputy stage manager and 2 assistant stage manager, therefore for example in my case when working the Arley hall events I will be answerable to the events manager, FOH manager, stage manager and marketing manager this is due to ASMs having a variety and range of different duties and responsibilities which one of them responsibilities are being accountable for the crew, this would be lighting technicians, sound technicians, dressers, make up artists, FOH, ensuring that everything runs according to plan. There are a variety of ways in which you can receive the role of assistant stage manager/stage manager. Courses in stage management are generally taught as 2 year foundation degrees although there are some three year courses. A stereotypical course will give students the skills in order to achieve the job they want. An assistant stage manager is one of the rankings on the way being deputy stage manager and stage manager and they must go through these roles before they take on the title of the main role. Because assistants stage managers jobs are so demanding it is imperative that each ASM knows how to participate in lighting /sound roles and FOH incase they are needed. Starting salaries for ASMs range from 16,000 to 17,000, with deputy manag ers earning slightly more. Regular stage managers usually start around 20,000. Stage salaries can differentiate due to the size of productions you could work on, but a typical salary for a stage manager at senior levels with experience after 10-15 years can earn around 20,000- 40,000+. ASMs need to have a good physical stamina as they are often wanted to help move or lift props, they also need to be able to deal with all different types of people and personalities in difficult situations and to be able to handle them in the correct manner. This also goes for being able to work in a team and closely with others, and be able to support in each job role, however ASMs also need to be able to delegate jobs to oter crew members, and to take control when needed, I have recently but these words into

Ellie Langton

actions when I participated as a stage manager in production in college, I found it very enjoyable and stressful as the same time, but this is what makes it such a good job to do. quote from an assistant stage manager work hard and enjoy it, and be prepared for long hours and lots of time away from home. Its not easy having a life outside of work. I have very patient friends wo dont see me very often. Claire essex 23