Remember that an assistant stage manager is a key person in stage management and production. Its definition or meaning would be that helping hand behind the shows and rehearsal in theater. It always plays a supportive and useful role in production houses.

He is responsible for the look after back stage crew members, and monitoring the staff during the show and after the show to ensure everyone’s jobs run smoothly. There are many ASMs in one show, but it depends on your project size. ASM should invite young people so they get involved in theater, whether they are experienced or not.

Assisting in many different capacities during rehearsals

ASM have different jobs during rehearsal time. There are some undermentioned work of rehearsal period time; 

There is a need to maintain the rehearsal work area of rehearsal clean and neat. Support the stage manager during rehearsal and make notes. His role is like a stage manager ill or sick in rehearsal time to keep updating the prompt book and making notes. Place him or her as an actor in the absence of an actor.

In between the shows, the assistant stage manager helped the stage manager and also communicated with other staff operators to maintain a voice in the headset. ASM is adjusting the actor when he/she is late and taking cues from it. ASMs are backstage helpers when an emergency occurs, for example, quick change, grabbing forgotten props, or touching up makeup. Actually, save the time of a whole day.

ASM’s quickly assist changes within the set to make sure run the show smoothly. Assistant stage manager often wears a black shirt, black pants and black shoes so it is difficult to be seen by the audience. They are not indicated to be supposed to be seen. ASM’s do not go to stage shows.

ASM’s work includes various tasks and projects by the stage manager and director. ASM’s are helping hand and there are millions of things to be done. Every day, there are different things in theater that are the coolest things for ASM’s. Followings things are undermentioned;

• They cleaned the backstage area
• Wear the mascot costume to cover role in absent of actor
• Pre-set props onstage and Fixed broken set decorations
• Maintain disciplined in backstage
• Administered first aid kit when actor got injured
• Folded and stapled programs
• Swept and mopped stages

ASM’s are involved in communicating, scheduling with staff and actors are essential things at their place. They also coordinate with technical support staff like lighting, sound, etc. to ensure each and all things are aligned with the director’s artistic vision.

they manage and maintain the prompt book to run everything accurately and smoothly. In this book, details are given about the scene changes, sound effects and lightning cues.

ASM communicates with director, cast crew and actors to maintain an efficient work environment in the theater. They update and discuss the script changes with stuff and crew.

ASM solves disputes and maintains a safe and sound environment in the production unit. They are also collaborating with staff to provide mutual respect and understanding in the theater company.

ASM also directing and signaling the sound operators, lightning, and scene transitions. They also do these things that do not occur in theater.

ASM organizing backstage to support and believe excellent performances. May be included guiding cast and crew for different tasks in production.

The ASM ensures health and safety of crew and cast members. It also gives a message about preventive measures and safety in the workplace.

The ASM’s supporting cast members in different ways like, costume fitting, script changes and any other support. They’re also communicating with script changes and managing logistic details.

Eearly phase of production, ASM is going to audition process. They’re managing and helping to schedule audition time, deal with Script division and maintain a smooth process with cast and directors.

ASM also takes part in the disassembly process and pack stage elements. They are also, some elements need repair and replacement for quality and long term use in sets.

The ASM assists with the transition to the next venue by managing the inventory of items, loading trucks, and safely dismounting technical equipment. They are also talking in advance with the next venue team and provide efficient setup.

The ASM archives all relevant materials after the production for future use, including scripts, stage plans, costume notes, technical adjustments, and labeling scenery and costumes.

Sound Treatment Soaking Up the Sound, Plotting It Out,Face Of

ASM are also providing support to crew cast members and actors in during rehearsal. They’re also helping in creative team members.

 When someone says they have to run errands, it means they have a series of tasks or small jobs to complete, often outside their home. These errands typically involve going -to different places to take care of things like shopping for groceries and making appointments. It’s a way of describing various necessary activities that contribute to daily life or personal responsibilities.

Skills are basic things you need to learn and improve your work performance in every work center. So here are some skills you need to catch up; 

 They require some knowledge about technical operates aspects like sound, light, and scene changes. They also need knowledge about computers aids software (CAD) and scheduling the applications. Using the stage manager software to help stage plans.

 ASM coordinating with stage mechanics and understanding the fly system. ASM applying the knowledge when troubleshooting technical issues, set changes and maintaining the communication with technical crew.

ASM need to learn about costume sewing and repairing maintenance.

ASM requires the knowledge about health and safety issues in theater. They also update the weather and environment change. They give the tips working on height like electricity and fire appliances to safe.

 this skills help the ASM to make prompt book and ensuring the proficiency of his work. This skill enhance the quality and readability of the performances. 

 A grasp of the fundamental principles of set design can enable an ASM to coordinate efficiently with the appropriate team. This type of work can involve knowledge of construction methods, spatial planning principles and design considerations.

 Knowledge of theatrical special impacts, such as smoke effects and fireworks, assists an ASM to plan and deal with these elements safely and proficiently within a performance. This may also involve using special software to control these effects and associate them with other parts of the performance.

Task of assistant stage manager are very important, but the main work task is absence of stage manager tool over the charge of stage. Five tasks that are undermentioned ;

1. Supervise the team 

 There are lots of organizations that supervisor manage the employees. This might include the scheduling of the team, vacation, managing the staff queries and maintaining discipline. They are also setting the employee’s evaluation performance to fill the skills the gaps.

2. Help Unhappy Customers  

ASM is the most interconnect person with staff members and satisfy the unhappy customers with refunds and returns. ASM also build the strong relations with customers and communicate to remain calm and cool in underpressure.

3. Stand in for Management  

The assistant managers work in collaboration with a general manager and must be capable of “stepping in and acting” in the general manager’s absence. It means that she needs to be in touch with the main objectives of the manager’s job and be ready to take on those responsibilities when need without putting extra pressure on upper management.

4. Successfully Complete Projects 

 Businesses have a procedure for staff members to complain about problems such as scheduling disputes, pay discrepancies, or difficulties with co-workers. The method usually involves conveying the issues to the assistant manager and requires comfort with attending to complaints and understanding proper communication channels.

5. Successfully Complete Projects 

 Assistant managers lead teams on particular departmental tasks, acting as project managers to ensure successful completion of projects. Their duties include defining project scope, managing assets, developing schedules, managing funds, and maintaining open conversations within the team.

If you want to become the ASM following qualifications you have to;

 You require one or two A-levels or equivalent for a foundational degree or HND to qualify for a university course. A degree course requires two or three A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

 You require four to five GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 or equivalent for a level three course. The entry requirements for level four or five courses may include one or two A-levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience.

  You may need production management or finance experience for an apprenticeship at level six or seven. A degree apprenticeship requires four to five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A-levels or similar qualifications.

if you do theater production, then get to know the live performance environment. You can gain experience through roles like theater technical, front house positions. Each of roles has unique purpose and helps you in theater production. These roles make you responsible and task as an ASM.

Career in the assistant stage management offer training and practical skills for roles of ASM.you need to know rehearsal technique, prop management and backstage operations. Develop these kinds of essential skills and gain experience.

The salary that undermentioned are USA average based salary;

	YEARLY	MONTHLY	WEEKLY	HOURLY
TOP EARNERS	$61,500	$5,125	$1,182	$30
75 PERCENT	$53,000	$4,416	$1,019	$25
AVERAGE	$43,859	$3,654	$843	$21
25 PERCENT	$30,500	$2,541	$586	$15

The above salary are guidance pay, and it may differ to company and theater as my you personally experience.