Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager

Stage Manager:  The Role

The Stage Manager (SM) or Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) is key to creating an efficient and positive a production. Your ability to successfully lead and work with the company, although at times possibly stressful, will be of utmost importance. Your overall purpose is to work directly with the director, cast and production people to move a show from inception to closing. Aside from the obvious technical aspects of the positions, in many cases you will called to use human relations skills and diplomacy.

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Responsibilities

 

• Attend all production meetings, rehearsals and performances. The SM is always first to arrive and last to leave. 

• Ensure safety of facility for rehearsals and production. This includes being familiar with operation of the stage, including items such as lights, sound system, air conditioning, etc. 

• Coordinate with the director to create a master calendar of rehearsals, deadlines, and performances. Work with the Theatre Administrator to ensure availability of required facility spaces. Update schedules as needed throughout the production process.  

• Create a master contact list for all actors and production team members, including specific scheduling conflicts. 

• Manage the production callboard, including sign-in sheets, and announcements. Facilitate communication between production staff members and cast members as necessary, i.e. costume or wig fittings, program proofing, etc.  

• Tape the floor of rehearsal space for the layout scenery and spike the stage once rehearsals move into the performance venue. This requires the ability to read a scenic design ground plan.  

• Set rehearsal space for rehearsal and ensure the space is cleaned up after rehearsal. 

• Write and distribute daily rehearsal, production meeting, and performance reports in a timely fashion.  

• Create the prompt book containing the production's sound, lighting, set and costume change cues, as well as other vital information. Record director’s blocking and assist actors with blocking as needed.  

• Assist the properties team and coordinate rehearsal props and furniture as necessary. This also includes creating and maintaining a master props list and backstage prop tables. 

• Coordinate with Technical Director on crew and Assistant Stage Manager needs.   

• Encourage respect. Set a good example for everyone by being supportive to all.  Stageworks doesn't believe in belittling or condescending leadership styles.  

• Ensure that the director's intentions are maintained once the production opens. 

• Assist in the leadership of strike 

• Be a Leader - lead by example, set a respectful tone, always positive, take action, encourage, have courage, consistent and constant communication, be a listener, be self aware, be an excellent delegator but never ask anyone to do something you would not do, be loyal, be active and present, be creative, find ways to improve the theatre and production, be kind and grateful. 

 

Qualifications

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• Strong organizational skills.

• Ability to lead and create a positive environment by setting the tone.

• A strong experience working in theatre - we are often willing to train people who have worked as actors or in another role in a show.

• organized.

• Ability to handle changing priorities and ambiguous situations.

• A basic understanding of technical aspects of a performance (costumes, make-up, lights, sound, props, set changes, and special effects).

• Someone with a firm, kind, polite, respectful, and calm manner who can encourage and lead a large number of people to achieve a high standard of backstage discipline.

• Extraordinary stamina and a sense of humor.