Deputy stage manager is a person who assists the stage manager in all production and performance. It also called in short form  ‘DSM’ and its definition is to maintain scripts and write down all technical cues in it. What does this do?  Ensures that all technical, sound, lightning, and all members perform the actions at the same and correct time.

 The roles and responsibilities of the deputy stage managers are key for every stage manager and to run the system smoothly. Under the following, roles and responsibilities are ;

There  is no requirement for special education, but schooling should be a must. If you got a degree in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in drama (theater) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (FBA) will give you benefits in stage management. The following qualifications are beneficial ;

• Lightning designing
• Stage management
• Music
• Acting, drama and theater knowledge
• Technical knowledge
• Theater production knowledge 
• Performing arts
• Sound operating procedure knowledge

You start a career in stage management and should proceed some steps to achieve level in this field. Choose a career in stage manager, first one to start in college life theater, participate in events to gain more experience and then towards an entry level position in theater in back stage crew, technical, music, lightning etc. These things you will do to gain some skills and move up to the next processes.

You will achieve some skill, then you will step up to work as assistant stage manager in production. Work to create book assistant stage manager, move to book cast changes as a stage manager assistant.  Finally, you achieve a level of deputy stage manager. Before this you have skill and experience with patience required.

Skills play a vital role in your jobs and complete the jobs roles effectively. The following skills need to be;

Here I provide the list of famous stage managers that are known for his professional, experience and skills in their theater production. In the list, many for people all part of countries because they have known for one thing is stage manager.  Under mention list ;

There are a lot of vacancies available for the job, but you must find the company and theater around you. I did some research and came up with an online website. Those websites are indeed, and the other one is LinkedIn. In most cases, you should find physical theater rather than online.

Stage management roles are different, including stage manager, assistant stage manager, deputy stage manager, technical stage manager, stage crew, etc. These have different roles and divided their roles and productions for smooth work performances. These all are responsible for the theater or company to run the show smoothly.

They all have to keep the environment clean and calm. They manage rehearsals during shows and performances and actors with their cues. 

The Main Stage Management Roles

Stage management’s main roles are to see the whole production and help and manage the assistant stage manager and deputy stage manager in various aspects. They arrange elements like backstage operations or during show performance operations to maintain coordination. They are all aware of each other’s work and know their importance.

It is a communication hub for every character involved in shows, such as actors, directors, technicians, crew, and others. They manage the entire schedule and follow it. 

The company stage manager examines company conditions and manages them in situations. The company stage manager is responsible for the company. It looks at the condition of theater performances and runs the show smoothly. They schedule the rehearsal and show according to the script.

Company Stage manager, some responsibilities are;

• Focus on the stage crew and conveying the message to directors, producers, and its members. 
• They prepared and oversaw the set equipment and the pieces of sets working according to the script cues. 
• Checked the material’s safety before the preshow. 
•  Organized the tickets for the cast and crew at the box office.
• Paying the cast and production team members
• Look after the crew, managing and keeping up-to-date

The technical stage manager looked at all the technical aspects of the company and theater. They take care of the equipment of sets, lighting tech, sound tech, etc. They also take care of the cast and technical crew in the show. Moreover, they are also part of the deputy stage manager.

Here are some responsibilities are;

• Overall look of tech equipment and safety checks
•  Before the show, check all lights and sound systems to run smoothly
• Maintenance of all the tech equipment onstage or offstage
• Paying all tech crew and tech production staff
• Keep together all the tech crew
• Listen to the problems of the crew and help them
• Coordinating with scene changes
• Give information to the crew in case of emergency like fire and health regarding

 The assistant stage manager assists all the managers in rehearsal and during the show performance. They play a role in the absence or shortage of cast and/or crew. The assistant stage manager also works on documents and scripts.

Here are some responsibilities are;

Deputy stage manager job description

The “DSM” job description requires an accurate, clear, prompt copy. It is essential to create and have space for rehearsal. You will provide a daily schedule and give an update in rehearsal. If any emergency occurred first tell the assistant stage manager before entering the show.

There are lots of organizations that have fire producers in case of any emergency and are aware of the fire dealing, and evacuation plan. All other managers should be aware of the fire conditions. 

Here are some procedures for fire;

Fire Alarm

In theaters, the fire alarm is a sensitive device that alerts the whole stage. It acted around the notable building, stage manager desk, and control position room. There should be trained members in stage management who know all the things around the fire.

• First, press the “panic houselights” and light up.
• Stop the performance and announcement in the audience that follows the steward, and don’t shout the word fire.
• Ensuring your cast and crew evacuate the building quickly
• Ensuring the sign-in sheet that everyone is accounted

Fire fighting

They should use fire extinguishers in small areas. There are big fires that should not be tackled, and don’t be angry. Keep yourself at a safe distance when engaging with the fire. The fires that are larger areas must evacuate the building and keep the fire from spreading.

Stage managers should carry out checks before starting rehearsal and performance. The fire equipment is accessible, and the place is clear. They should be clear about the passage of fire.

Sign-in sheet

The stage manager prepares the sign-in sheet for the production company. All the members are required to sign in and sign out of the building when they come for rehearsal and performance.

SM Log

An SM log is a record of the important times and incidents in the running of the rehearsal and performance. It records the fire checks, the start, and end of the interval, and the start, and end of the show itself. This log lives under the desks of stage managers.