I've done that once - though it was a Community Theater show of Damn Yankees. I was Miss Westin, which is a small role in the Talent Show scene. I did call the rail cues during the scene while onstage, which felt strange. I was also in a few musical numbers, so I had an ASM call any cues during those songs which I was onstage. At that point in my career, I was still a bit more interested in being a performer than SM'ing.
Other than that, I've been the "technician" for a ballet that comes and goes onstage, but I was the ASM at the time. The choreographer originally asked for the PSM to do the part, but he refused. He did not want to be onstage calling cues, he preferred to do that from his console.
Granted, both times I've been onstage, it wasn't for the entire show, and I could still do my regular SM work. However, having an SM onstage calling the show, yet involved in the action (acting) doesn't help you see the overall production. Are you onstage all the time? From where the director has blocked you to be, can you even see everything you need to see to call your cues? If there is trouble backstage, can you facilitate it by talking on headset to the crew? I assume you'll be wearing a headset to call the cues from the stage - is the director aware that you will be talking onstage during the performance? In AEA rules, the SM (and sometimes the 1st ASM) are not allowed to perform or understudy in the production they are SM'ing. Also, the SM must be in communication with backstage at all times - is this something you can rely on your crew for? Is your crew reliable? It could be worthwhile to ask for an ASM. If you are definitely going to be onstage and there's no way around it, then you need a dedicated assistant to be your eyes and ears backstage.
Post Merge: Jun 17, 2011, 11:56 am
Or, if you're really uncomfortable being onstage, say so - you were hired to SM, not to be an actor. I'm sure there are a ton of actors in your area that would kill to be onstage, even if it is a non-speaking role.