A Guide To Working In Performing Arts

Overview/Purpose of an Assistant Stage Manager

 

Day to Day Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and daily activities for the Assistant Stage Manager would depend on the size of the production but they could include:

 

General Responsibilities/Requirements

• Maintain high levels of communication and liaison with all departments at all levels as required

• Ensure all Company policies and contractual arrangements are understood and implemented

• Attend and participate in meetings as required Drive Company vehicles such as cars or small vans as required

• Undertake relevant training as required by the Company Act as Company Ambassador to the Audience, Venue Staff and Production Sponsors

 

Rehearsal and Performance

• Ensure rehearsal environments are prepared as required with the appropriate set, props, costumes and other effects necessary, with particular attention to prop requirements

• Work within schedules and rehearsal times as set down on the Company call sheets and technical schedules

• Co-operate and assist in day to day scheduling and planning of all activities required

• As directed by the Technical Stage Manager, assist in making adaptations to the production as necessary

• Read and interpret plans and sections with good knowledge of mark-out procedures

• Participate in the loading and unloading of the set and all performance related equipment at all venues together with the rest of the Stage Management team

• Participate in the fit-up and get-out at all venues together with the rest of the Stage Management Team

 

Administration

• Keep accurate records of prop settings, performance running details and any other relevant information

• Provide regular progress reports and updates to the Touring Manager and Technical Stage Manager, alerting him/her to potential problems at the earliest possible stage

• Carry out administration efficiently ensuring accurate and complete records are maintained

• Manage and account for any petty cash float issued by the Touring Manager or Technical Stage Manager, documenting and recording any monies spent, keeping valid purchase receipts

 

 

 

 

Qualifications and Experience

An Assistant Stage Manager would not particularly need a HND or Degree although this would mean that they would be at junior level, such as stage crew. Working your way up towards the Assistant Stage Manager role is possible with the right attiuude and patience. This would be difficult as competition will be at hand with those who do have the required qualifications. 

Graduates from all degrees can get into stage management work but the following subjects are particularly useful:

• drama/theatre studies;

• theatre production/professional practice;

• stage management;

• performing arts;

• music.

 

The majority of employers will expect you to have practical experience of theatre work. Try to gain this through student, community or amateur theatre groups and get involved in as many different areas of the theatre as possible. This can help to build up contacts, which may lead to future job opportunities.

 

A range of particular skills are required when wanting to become an ASM, these include:

 

• excellent communication and organisational skills;

• a sharp eye for detail;

• a sense of humour and the ability to stay calm in a crisis;

• people skills: persuasiveness, patience, tact and the ability to deal with 'artistic temperaments';

• computer skills and awareness of current technologies;

• the ability to work under pressure, especially in the run-up to a performance;

• problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet;

• confidence, decision-making ability and negotiation skills;

• stamina, to cope with long hours during technical and dress rehearsals, and for touring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working Conditions / Hours / Place of Work

Your working environment would vary depending on the production you are working on.  ASM work tends to be based in theatres and other arts venues, conditions backstage can be very hot, dusty and dark at times. This of course depends on the age and size of the venue you are working. Open-air theatres would be the opposite and can be cold, breezy and very light (depending on the time).

 

Jobs are available in most areas of the country, and there are also opportunities to work overseas.Travel within a working day may occasionally be needed. In a touring company, you may spend long periods away from home.

 

Your hours are typically going to include regular unsocial hours, as evening and weekend work and long hours are typical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salary

Self-employment or freelance work is possible. Experienced stage managers may opt to work freelance in order to gain more varied experience and earn higher rates of pay.  Freelance theatre stage managers may earn more, particularly in West End theatres, where they are paid per production. If employment is not consistent, however, the overall pay throughout a year may be less. 

 

Minimum rates for stage managers are negotiated by the UK trade union for professional performers and creative practitioners, Equity.  Salary levels vary depending on the company, location and type of contract under which stage managers are employed. Additional payments, such as touring allowances, may be available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Career Progression

An Assistant Stage Manager would first work as apart of the stage crew and gain experience and getting the hang of working in the theatre. Then you would progress by moving on to an Assistant Stage Manager role. After gaining skills and experience in this role, you will then potentially progress to deputy stage manager.

 

With further experience, the next step is to become a stage manager and then company stage manager, although this is usually only in the larger theatres.

 

Some stage managers remain as assistants or deputies for their entire career, (especially in larger organisations). Others may move between companies, filling roles as assistant, deputy or stage manager, as required.

 

Ambitious stage managers may go on to become theatre managers or producers (sometimes called production managers or production directors). This would involve working in larger theatres, running significant budgets and coordinating the whole physical production of a play.

 

With experience and further training, some stage managers go on to become theatre directors. You may be able to use the skills and experience gained in the theatre to work in production jobs in television or film, where you could potentially enter roles such as a trainee floor manager.

 

 

Unions

Unions can be very useful within the performing arts business, especially for an Assistant Stage Manager. One of the most popular unions for an ASM is Equity. 

Equity supports and represents Stage Management throughout their working lives, providing information, representation, advice and insurance.

 

As well as providing you with individual advice, assistance and representation, whether you are working on an Equity contract or not, membership also brings with it the following benefits.

Member benefits

• £10 million worth of Public Liability Insurance

• Specialist advice on tax, national insurance and state benefits

• Accident and backstage insurance

• The services of an Equity Deputy on most productions

• Job Information service

• A union that campaigns on all aspects of your working life

• Offices all around the UK

• Local branches so that you can get involved with the democracy of the union

• The opportunity to make contact with others in the wider entertainment industry

• The Equity Pension Scheme

• Legal representation and advice when things go wrong: Personal injury claims, contract/monetary disputes 

• A dedicated stage management place on the ruling body of Equity

 

Stage manager Fiona H Mott supports Equity

“It is a fallacy that Equity does nothing for Stage Management, my experience is quite the opposite. Equity champions the role of stage management, recognising the vital role the stage management team plays in productions and fighting our corner to be treated and paid fairly. The more of us that join, the more influence the union will have in promoting the concerns of stage managers. Together we are stronger.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interellation Within the Theatre

Assistant Stage Manager would definitely have to communicate with a lot of different roles within the theatre.

 

The main two being Stage Manager and Deputy Stage Manager. They all would work together to make sure the artistic process developing in the rehearsal room and the people physically building, sewing, assembling and making the production outside of that rehearsal room. Stage management are there to prevent anything from adversely affecting the production. Attention to detail and good communication skills are essential here.  If these roles did not communicate, the whole production would not go to according to plan and everything will fall apart due to lack of organisation.