#stage manager

[one-time-i-dreamt]

My tech director named me stage manager like 10 minutes before the first rehearsal. He was then mad at me for not knowing the play.

[cheesefleetwood]

this feels like advice that I should’ve already known but I suppose some people on tumblr would also like to hear: don’t bake powdered sugar covered cookies while in your all black stage crew outfit

[yourdailyqueer]

Paul Curran

Gender: Male

Sexuality: Gay

DOB: Born 1964

Ethnicity: White - Scottish

Occupation: Opera director, former ballet dancer, interpreter, stage manager

[ron456]

Stage Crew Michael, my beloved <333

Shout out to @vinnie-cha for the art and to @reidspng, I believe, for the second photo hehe I LOVE THESEEE

[thestarlightsapphic]

Hi you post sm stuff and I saw you post some stage management advice . I need help i need to make a detailed list of what I want my asm to do and I’m completely blanking so any help on anything would be greatly appreciated. Even though I’m a third year sm I’ve only ever had an asm for two shows and neither one of us can remember anything productive she did. Anyway I’m really sorry to bother you if this isn’t something you’re interested in but I’m just asking around tumbler bc I don’t have many other options

Thank you for reading

Hi! I’m so happy to answer this! Such good timing because I’m actually ASM’ing a show coming up soon!

So, there’s so many different ways that an ASM Role could go, it really depends on the theatre company that you’re working for, but let me type up my list that I have made for my own ASM’s in past shows!

My summary though is genuinely, your ASM is there for YOU! They are your support and your eyes backstage for when you can’t be there, especially once you get into tech and shows! They are your backbone to ensure that you aren’t bearing all the weight.

1. Rehearsal Support

• Setting up the rehearsal space: The ASM prepares the rehearsal room, ensuring all necessary props, costumes, and equipment are ready.

• Tracking blocking and notes: The ASM takes detailed notes of the actors’ blocking (positions and movements) during rehearsals. These notes are essential for the SM, who uses them to create the prompt book (the “bible” for the production)

• Managing rehearsal schedules: The SM and ASM help to organize the rehearsal schedule, making sure all departments are on track and that everyone is where they need to be at the right time.

2. Organizing and Managing Production Elements

• Props management: The ASM often handles the props, ensuring that they are in place for each scene, are in working order, and are returned after use.

• Costume coordination: Depending on the production, the ASM may assist the costume department by ensuring actors are dressed in the correct costumes and are ready for their cues.

• Set preparation and maintenance: The ASM ensures that set pieces are properly placed and maintained, and that all props or set items are ready for use in each scene.

3. Technical Rehearsals

• Supporting the SM in technical rehearsals: The ASM assists the SM in coordinating all departments during tech, helping to execute and fine-tune all cues, including lighting, sound, and set changes.

• Tracking and coordinating cues: The ASM helps track the technical elements (lighting, sound, effects) and makes sure all team members are aware of their cues and responsibilities.

• Prompting actors: If an actor forgets a line or a blocking move during rehearsals, the ASM may be called upon to prompt the actor, though this is not a primary role during performance.

4. Running the Show During Performances

• Assisting in show operations: The ASM is responsible for ensuring that everything runs according to plan during performances, including backstage management and ensuring all props, costumes, and set pieces are in place.

• Calling cues: The ASM may be responsible for calling specific cues for set changes during the performance (under the guidance of the Stage Manager).

• Managing the cast and crew backstage: The ASM ensures that all cast members and backstage crew are prepared for each scene. They may direct the crew in moving set pieces or handling props.

• Handling emergencies or changes: If anything goes wrong during the show, the ASM may be responsible for resolving issues quickly, whether it’s a technical problem, an actor’s injury, or any other unforeseen event. Let the SM know of any emergencies as soon as convenient for you SM

5. Maintaining Communication

• Liaising between departments: The ASM serves as a point of contact between various departments (costumes, props, lighting, sound, etc.) and ensures that any issues are communicated and resolved.

• Reporting to the Stage Manager: The ASM provides regular updates to the Stage Manager on any issues, updates, or problems that arise during rehearsals or performances.

• Communicating with actors: The ASM may also be the person to communicate specific notes to actors, especially for smaller issues that may not need the SM’s immediate attention.

6. Post-Performance Tasks

• Overseeing post-show duties: After a performance, the ASM helps ensure that the set is cleared, props are stored, and costumes are taken care of.

• Handling any actor or crew concerns: The ASM may assist with addressing any concerns or issues from the actors or crew that arise after a show.

7. Other Responsibilities

• Maintaining the prompt book: While the Stage Manager typically has the lead on this, the ASM may help maintain the prompt book, updating it with new changes to the blocking, cues, or other elements.

• Providing general support: The ASM’s role is ultimately to support the Stage Manager, actors, and production staff in any way necessary to ensure the show runs smoothly.

Skills and Qualities Required for an ASM:

• Organization and attention to detail: An ASM must be highly organized, keeping track of numerous moving parts within a production.

• Strong communication skills: The ASM needs to communicate effectively with the cast, crew, and Stage Manager.

• Flexibility and problem-solving: Things rarely go exactly as planned in theatre, so an ASM needs to be able to think on their feet and adjust quickly.

• Ability to multitask: The ASM must be able to manage multiple responsibilities at once, especially during performances and technical rehearsals.

• Team player: Theatre is a collaborative process, and the ASM needs to work well with a variety of people across different departments.

[puppetmaker40]

I am a member of actors equity which part of the afl cio. I have had my union card for forty years now and never regretted it. People forget what unions have done for all workers. And we are sliding back by states allowing children to operate dangerous machines. They are paid at a lower rate than the adults. Corruption yeah we have had that. But unions are so much more. If there is a union where you work, join. You will not regret it because the union has your back

[le-petite-ivy]

I think it's funny for people to assume the techies know what all the buttons do. Sure, we know what a lot of them do. We know enough to do our job. But, I've never met someone who knows what ALL the buttons do.

[scythematrix66]

Me as a Propsmaster: *enthusiastically making endless, constantly revised lists and hiding away for hours upon end painting wooden staffs, goblin mode at 50% capacity at all times* "ALRIGHTY WHAT'S NEXT? HIT ME. HIT ME!"

Me as a Stage Manager: *thinks going to bed at 11 is early, loopy from exhaustion at all times, running on caffeine and stress, +3 dex from writing endless emails, is terrified of authority (somehow is the authority????), is totally confused at all times, just Trying My Best* "Alrighty guys, welcome to rehearsal today we're doing scenes one and two, remember we're off book next week so please learn your lines...please..."

[bussyandbingus4life]

Because no one asked, here's a list of theatre men I want to play, but can't because I'm a female stagie who can't sing

- Christian (Moulin Rouge)

- Jack Kelly (Newsies)

- Crutchy (Newsies)

- That one guy that does the fouettes on the newspaper (Newsies)

- George Washington (Hamilton)

- King George (Hamilton)

- Dimitri (Anastasia)

- Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)

- Flounder (The Little Mermaid, but specifically during She's in Love)

- Billy Flynn (Chicago)

- Sky (Mamma Mia)

- THE FLIPPER BOYS tm (Mamma Mia, yes all of them)

Thank you.

[xpastelsweetsx]

OUTSIDERS GIRLYS?!? DO ANY OF YOU HAVE THE STAGE MANAGEMENT TAKEOVER THAT HAPPENED ON INSTA ON OCTOBER 24TH?!?!?!? I MISSED OT AMD HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE UPSET ABT ANYTHING EVER

[lauriemarch]

sapphic women. support your local community theatre. if not for the love of art, then do it for the inevitability of a beautiful, leggy girl in a pair of black strappy dalucas.

[stagefoot]

Me, texting the stage manager after finishing my pre-show checks: I’m gonna go sit in the lobby until the half because it’s so pretty out 🥹

I walk into the lobby, and there’s the SM.

Me: Ah. I see we’re of one mind on this.

[overly-distressed-mouse]

CAFFEINATE YOUR STAGE MANAGERS‼️‼️‼️

[polioshomilo]

Made cards for my ASMs and got little stickers for my booth techies! It’s almost opening night AHHH

[thestarlightsapphic]

Things I’ve learned as a stage manager that I would pass to future stage managers!

1. You will make mistakes!! Mistakes happen, all the time, we are quite literally human. No one is perfect. What’s really going to count when mistakes happen is how you decide to handle to problem! How you react, your problem solving, and your communication!

2. Not everyone is going to agree with you! Leadership is really tough because most of the time, the majority is going to respect you and follow your decisions! However, there’s always going to be those times when someone might not agree with you. They did things a different way with a different theatre, something doesn’t work for them, the schedule doesn’t make sense to them. Whatever it is, at the end of the day, it’s between you and the director to decide. Stay confident in your decisions honestly though. If you seriously think there is an issue, talk with your director or your team!

3. TRUST YOUR TEAM. Cannot emphasize this enough. Your ASM’s especially are your BACKBONE. Please do not take on more than you are capable!!! I really struggled with this one and wanted to handle every little thing and problem but I was getting burnt out! I was so worried during tech week about a million little things that I honestly couldn’t focus on my cues. I started eventually though, arriving to tech week and show days and taking 20 minutes to myself to meditate and focus. My team was able to handle conflict for me, set-up, and so much more. I had an awesome team that had my back and that I trusted to handle backstage while I called cues! There is so much that comes with stage management, and you’ll have your hand in every part, but share the load wherever you can!!

4. Have Fun! I feel like everyone always says this one, but seriously, have fun! I get very serious and in my head sometimes when I’m stage managing, but there’s so many times I wished I had relaxed a little more! Laugh with your team, make friends, strengthen the friendships you already had! Theatre can be a truly wonderful experience if you let go of unneeded stress (which can be EXTREMELY difficult, I absolutely understand)

Stage management is a tough position that doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but it’s always so thrilling to see those lights come up the first show! I always feel like I’m doing magic. I’m by no means a perfect stage manager, but I look forward to every opportunity I get to learn more!

[maroon-rouge]

I can tell you miss me