Process Workbook - Stage Management: Lesson 2 - Role of a SM, DSM and ASM

The Stage Manager (SM)

Responsibilities

The SM is the mouthpiece of the director and manages several aspects of a shows production. It is their job to solve any problems that come up and make certain that the show transitions from one stage to the next as smoothly as possible. From the start they are responsible for sourcing props and equipment need for day 1 of rehearsals, marking out rehearsal rooms, cleaning, heading meetings as well as ensuring that the rest of the team and cast are comfortable. They meet with the accountant to manage the budget and adjust timesheets to make certain that no one is working more than their allotted number of hours per week. They will make notes on the medical history of the cast and crew, noting down any allergies and emergency contacts they may have. In the event that no CSM is present, they will also be responsible for the actual medical care of the cast/crew as well. During rehearsals they will check up on the well being of the cast, work on any problems that may arise, take messages and clean areas. If the SM is in a good mood, they may also consider preparing food for the cast.

At the end of each day the SM will check the rehearsal notes written up by the DSM during rehearsals to make sure that they make sense and are implemented before the next rehearsal. The SM will work very closely with the director to work out what is needed for the next day, work out call sheets and call 'stop and goes' during rehearsals.

Study task - What are they looking for when reading scripts?

It is good practice for the SM to read a script three times. The first read through is to take in the story and get an idea of how the play reads. The second reading gives them a chance to analyse characters, plot messages, era and themes. The third time is where the SM begins to take notes on set, possible lighting and sound effects, and costumes.
Throughout the additional readings of the script, the SM should look out for anything and everything that may impact the rehearsal or production.

When reading a script the SM will look out for any potential problems relating to health&safety. They're the ones who risk asses everything. If treads are used the SM will look at ways to make them as safe as possible. If food needs to be eaten during a scene, the SM will look at any allergies the actors may have and plan accordingly. The SM will then read the script a third time

Fun Fact! If there is a kiss in a production, the SM will need to find out if either of the actors have an STD or are ill during the performance. If an actor has a cold it is recommended that they hold make during the kiss in order to make sure that the other actor remains well.

Deputy Stage Manager - DSM

The DSM's main responsibility is the prompting of the performance on show night. In order to do this with confidence, the DSM will sit in on every rehearsal and prompt it, which will get them familiar with the show. During rehearsals they will also make a note of any changes made to the show as well as any problems encountered. These are then written up as detailed rehearsal notes for the SM. The DSM will compile a list of all prompts and blocking lists that are then collected in the prompt book. In addition to prompting the show, on show nights the DSM will call technical cues, beginners, curtains and the start of the performance. They will liaison with the front of house to call the half (35 minutes), the quarter (20 minutes) and receives clearance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TXBqdDAXgE - Video of a DSM calling cues for a production of Hair Spray.

Study task - What are they looking for when reading scripts?

When reading a script the DSM will look at character movements, prop placements and make a summary of what happens scene to scene.

Assistant Stage Manager - ASM

ASMs are the prop goblins of the theatre world. Their chief responsibilities during the first three weeks of rehearsals are the sourcing, building and repairing of any props required for the production. In addition to this, they will also work closely with the SM and Designer over the budget, create contact sheets, setting lists, and prop sheets, assist in the marking up of the rehearsal room, and clean areas. During their prop sourcing, ASMs may find it useful to look at costume mock-ups in order to get a sense of the characters and see if there is any potential for more props. For the fourth week of rehearsals, ASMs will start to sit in on rehearsals to assist in any capacity they can and ensure that all prop sheets are up to date. On a show night the ASM will page curtains, mark up the prop table and assist in any scene changes that need to happen. At the end of the production, the ASM will have compiled a list of detailed notes that will make it possible for the company to run the show again using the same theatrical elements. The ASM will usually find themselves running around antique shops, flee markets, sales and other theatres in order to find some more of the difficult to source props. They arrive about 1.5 hours before the start of the show in order to preset the performance and go over the preshow checklist. They will make sure that all props, set pieces and costumes are where they need to be and that they look like they're supposed to. For example, the performance of Woman depicted the characters drinking whiskey. Before the show starts the ASM will double check that the fake whiskey is the right colour and is in the right place. They may also be the ones to actually create the fake whiskey in the first place. On the top left is an example of a setting list that the ASM will need to go through before the start of and possibly during each performance.

Study task - What are they looking for when reading scripts?

When looking at scripts, the ASM will look for any and all props used, who they are used by, the manner in which they are used and when they are used. To organise this information they have several forms at their disposal. Once they have this information they will research into the props and the various methods of obtaining them, be it from external sources or created within the theatre itself. They may present the director with a list of different ways to represent the prop. For example, if chocolate is present they will have the option of buying chocolate, making their own or constructing face chocolate out of wood. It is the ASM that researches and then suggests different options and fall backs. Below are two examples of how the ASM may organise their prop list.