loebtmc:
That is a very valid point, and I would NEVER want to undermine the importance of hiring enough Stage Management.
But realistically, in a profession setting - if you can't cover the show internally - like with the ASM calling and a PA running the deck in emergency, you should discuss with the producers and the general manager (or production manager) and say, "So, what are we going to do if we loose a Stage Manager?" They need to be the ones to make a decision if they want to spend the money for a sub to be trained or help you figure out how to do it with the staff. (Most of the time in Regional Theatre, I would train my ASM in case an emergency came up . . . ). I could very easily seeing a production manager or producer expecting us to "figure out" what we can and can't do with the staff we have, and present to them issues where we can't solve.
For example, taking it out of the context of the SM issue.
I once did a show where only ONE of the crew members was physically strong enough to move an item we had backstage. Simply put, if that crew member could not move the item, we had no way to run the the backstage. (It was a very stupid set piece). During tech this was brought to SM's attention, and we, like good middle management, brought it to the production manager's attention that if so-and-so was out, we couldn't use that set piece. Of course, two weeks down the road that crew member had to miss a show, but by the time I heard that so-and-so was going to be out - production management had already replaced the crew member, because I had made it clear we couldn't do it without them or someone who physically could move that item.
In a professional setting, I think we just need to be clear with the powers that be what the situation is. Currently, on my show, we have two subs who are trained on the ASM track, and two people who can call the show. Now, the subs just don’t sit around waiting for me to call them . . . and we hit some points where we know the subs are busy . . . I explain to general management and say, hey, btw, we may hit a point we don’t have enough SM coverage . . . and they are the one who makes the decision if we bring in someone else to train, or take the risk of us flying without a safety net.
Now, in the case of stage management in a community theatre situation - where we aren't talking about producers and money and general management being stingy with money – yes, stage management should figure out who could cover in case of an emergency.