Assistant stage manager (ASM)

The ASM (assistant stage manager) should be present in rehearsal room as much as possible in order to back up the DSM (deputy stage manager) by taking messages, phone calls etc and assisting in general, including taking over the DSM’s duties when required.

Duties include: helping director and artists with errands etc when they cannot spare their own time, checking props, furniture etc, operating sound and other technical equipment etc.

It is usual for at least one ASM on the team to also learn the Book, with a view to running the show in the absence of the DSM. While learning the cues which necessitates shadowing the DSM throughout the show (as well as extra tuition during the day) the CSM (company stage manager) will cover their cues, although it may be possible to share the extra duties around the remaining staff.

“Work hard and enjoy it”

This is in no way an exclusive list of stage management duties. The basic duty of the stage management is to prevent anything bad from affecting the production and to facilitate the best possible conditions for the production to reach its full potential. Having distributed the duties within the team, the members should make themselves familiar with one another’s duties in order to cover each other if need be.

“Work hard and enjoy it,” says freelance ASM Claire Essex, 23, “but be prepared for long hours and lots of time away from home. It’s not easy having a life outside of work. I have very patient friends who don’t see me very often”.