Volunteering as an Assistant Stage Manager

The Assistant Stage Manager for backstage left examines a run sheet (a list of all of the important cues) for a show to see what comes next.

Position: Assistant Stage Manager

Suitable for Ages 18+

Commitment Level: Medium to High

2-5 hours per night during tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and the run of a show.

(4-5 weeks for mainstage musical, 3-4 weeks for plays, 2-3 days for singular events)

Some productions (particularly musicals) ask for ASMs to be involved throughout the entire production process.

1-4 months

Experience Needed: Some—an ideal candidate will have served in a backstage capacity such as Run Crew or Board Op in order to have a sense of the flow of a show.

If needed during rehearsals, the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) assists the Stage Manager (SM) with general tasks including set up/tear down, sweeping, being on book, managing rehearsal props, etc. Once tech rehearsals start, and throughout the run of the show, the ASM(s) are the backstage representatives of the Stage Management and Production teams. As the SM calls the show from the booth, the ASM(s) communicate and execute the cues in collaboration with the run crew. They check that actors are in place and then let the SM know so they can begin a sequence. They function as the crew boss for their area of responsibility. As such, there are often two of them, one for each side of the stage. They are on headset and communicate with the SM and other crew via them to coordinate the complex dance that is the tech of a show.

How do I start?

Some ASMs are recruited through word-of-mouth or referrals from previous productions. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay abreast of any available ASM positions for upcoming productions or ontact our Volunteer Specialist and see if there are any upcoming shows in search of an ASM.

What's ASMing like?

All mainstage productions and most other shows have two Assistant Stage Managers, one on Stage Right and one on Stage Left. Both have similar, though slightly differing, sets of responsibilities. For larger productions, one or both ASMs might attend rehearsals to help the Stage Manager, but when an ASM is recruited, they will learn exactly what their responsibilities will be over the course of the production process.

Some ASMs attend rehearsals in order to take notes and help the SM and director in various ways.

The bulk of an ASM's work starts during tech week, when they will assume their station on stage right or stage left. Their station consists of a music stand with a script to follow along with the action of the play and any notes needed to keep things running smoothly. The primary function of the ASM is to be the communicative link between both wings of backstage and the tech booth. It's crucial for the Stage Manager, who is situated in the booth with a bird's-eye view of the action, to know exactly what is happening backstage. The ASMs communicate with the booth and one another with headsets called Clear-Coms. The ASMs also communicate with actors, helping to remind them of entrances, scene changes, and other important information needed to make sure the show runs smoothly.

The stage left ASM taking notes.

In addition to these critical communication responsibilities, the ASM on stage left is the person who typically opens and closes the curtain as necessary, and the ASM on stage right is often the person who operates the fly system, the system of rigging and pulleys that allow our movie screen and other pieces of scenery to raise and lower. Productions with many fly cues might have a separate crew member whose only job is to operate the flys, but in most productions, it is the stage right ASM. Please note that this ASM is required to take a brief rigging safety training with one of the lead technicians, and operating the flys requires a moderate amount of upper body strength, so it may not be the right fit for everyone.

The stage right ASM station, located next to the fly rail.

The ASM is backstage for all of tech and dress rehearsals and every performance. After Closing Night, the cast and crew of the production engage in Strike, which is when everyone works together to return the theatre to its base state. This means cleaning up, moving the set offstage, putting away the costumes, and a lot of other tasks. Both ASMs are expected to help with this process.

And that's what it's like to ASM! It's a fun and dynamic role, perfect for organized people who enjoy making things run as smoothly as possible.

If you'd like to give ASMing a try, reach out to the Majestic Theatre Volunteer Specialist Milo Galasso at milo.galasso@corvallisoregon.gov, and they can match you with an upcoming opportunity!