Author Topic: Joining a company mid-tour as an ASM.  (Read 2914 times)

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javissdaviss

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Joining a company mid-tour as an ASM.
« on: Nov 29, 2013, 08:34 pm »
Hi there,
As part of my university course i've been doing a work-placement at my local arts centre mainly as a 'performing arts technician' (read: ladder-footer).
I've been offered a temporary role as an ASM in one of the productions coming to the house for 2 weeks soon. It's a non-producing house so it's standard practice for them to have touring companies in.
I'm looking forward to actually getting some real, professional experience on the SM team as experiences i've had at uni have been very heavily affected by the presence of lecturers not knowing the boundaries between being the director and being the SM.
However, as the company are a touring company, this is not their first time performing this show. I'm essentially joining them mid-way through their run as an ASM.
I was wondering what sort of things might i expect to be doing? and have you any tips for someone joining a company mid-run as an ASM?

iamchristuffin

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Re: Joining a company mid-tour as an ASM.
« Reply #1 on: Nov 30, 2013, 07:50 am »
Is there normally an ASM on the tour, or are they creating an extra role for your placement?

C

javissdaviss

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Re: Joining a company mid-tour as an ASM.
« Reply #2 on: Nov 30, 2013, 11:10 am »
I have a feeling that there may already be an ASM in the company, and that they've created this extra role for me for my placement.
I could possibly be working with another ASM.

KaBooM

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Re: Joining a company mid-tour as an ASM.
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2014, 02:51 pm »
If you're working with another ASM, it wouldn't hurt to sit down with them briefly before a run and ask them what things you need to be aware of in this show, i.e. are there any quick-changes in the wing you're managing, props that need to be caught, a specific traffic pattern. This way a channel is opened up for you to lean the pattern and duties from a professional while having some independence in an authority position along the way.

If you are not, the same could be asked of the stage manager [if there is any time]. What sort of show is it? That would help narrow your inquiries down.
In a minute there is time for decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

 

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