Assistant Stage Managers

Assistant stage managers organize props and scenery, set spike marks for scenery, and create run sheets for the grips and deck techs during rehearsals. They prepare their scripts by notating what scenery pieces move from both sides of the stage, which line sets on the gallery move, and any props that need to be set or struck.

They create props presets for the Props department so that they are aware of where props need to start and end. This process is called props tracking and is done by noting in the script where actors pick props up to move them and where the props enter and exit the stage.

Spike marks are small pieces of tape that mark the position of furniture and scenery elements for each scene. These are put in place once the the scene is set so that the stage crew can easily find the mark for the item they are moving. This also helps the lighting team focus lights to the correct spot and helps actors who may need to move furniture.

Run sheets are created for the grips and deck techs because they are not called to every rehearsal. This should be completed by the Saturday of the shift rehearsal (though expect major changes to happen!). The run sheet needs to clearly state who moves what item from where (start position) to where (end position) with what color spike tape for grips and who moves which line set and in which direction (also what color spike tape) for deck techs. For the safety of the actors and other crew members it is important that the same person does the same thing every time!

Performances

During performances the Stage Managers conduct the chaos that happens behind the scenes so that the audience sees only the smooth performance of the actors. Both Stage Managers and their assistants have to troubleshoot quickly as problems arise because in live theater, changes and issues arise and need to be solved!

Stage Manager

The Stage Manager "calls" the show from the light booth behind the audience; they tell everyone when to take their cues so that everything happens smoothly because it is coordinated by one person. They have to know the show inside and out and be prepared for changes or issues. They have to know when every department is ready to begin. Check lists are their best friend!

Assistant Stage Manager

During performances the Assistant Stage Managers coordinate with the Stage Manager from backstage. They are responsible for making sure everything is prepped for the start of show; that all props, scenery, and flys are ready for the upcoming scene change; and that all crew is in place and knows what is happening before the scene change happens. They tell the crew when to start the scene change on the cue from the Stage Manager. They need to troubleshoot, quickly solve problems, and locate missing people and props so that everything transitions smoothly for scene changes. They communicate to the stage manager when the scene change is complete so the next set of cues can be called.