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Students and Novice Stage Managers / ASMing: Newbie at ASMing - would love some advice

« on: Jul 25, 2006, 08:14 am »

Hi all,

I'm considering an offer to be an assistant stage manager for an upcoming peace concert. However, I've only done minor things (think of it as being an assistant to an assistant - arranging props and such), as well as high school plays where the only concern is "is the PA system on!?" - and this is quite a step up.

What do stage managers generally do? Are they just concerned with what happens during the event or are they also responsible for the logistics? Do they manage rehearsals? (We won't have any) How much power do assistants generally have? What other resources are there?

The show this is for has no rehearsals - there is some time for set up and equipment test, but beyond that there aren't any rehearsals for the performers. I'm really concerned about this since there are at least 4 musical acts involved, plus gymnasts and a compere, plus a whole load of props - we've got till October for this, I'll probably start mid-August (if I get the job), and there really isn't any time to do a run-through! I've performed before and run-throughs were really helpful for all involved so I'm not sure how this is going to work without one! (I did email the SM asking about it - will have to wait till the weekend for a proper answer)

Has anyone ever had experience SM/ASMing for a show that had basically no rehearsal or run-through time?

Also, what are the core differences between a SM and an ASM? From what the SM's written about the position, it seems that I have a lot of the core responsibility...

(excerpts from the emails)

The actual concert theme, is not too complicated really, but:
 
    * The person who volunteers for this opportunity of Assistant Stage Manager, will have NO rehearsal time to fully understand what is required;  I will fill you in over the next few months, as things come together, and we will need to chat together, face to  face a couple of times.

    * The first and biggest concert will be at Albert Waterways Broadbeach (8th Oct), (just around three hours before the concert, during setup time).  This  will be when you will truly come to understand and perfect the ideas in the show.  You will need to have clear insight, then execute hands-on; you will need to overcome any challenges that arise, without panic, on the night of the concert.  Courage, and Solid know-how combined!  These are patron paid concerts, and therefore, the challenge for you, would be to NAIL IT!

    * The second concert at Byron Bay Community & Cultural Centre (20th Oct), will have some rehearsal opportunity for various people, and of course, is a completely new venue to get used to.  We have the hall from around 1pm in the afternoon till midnight.

 The concerts will involve two acts:

    * Act One is four music acts: microphone changes, floor mikes, standing mikes; some dance, flute playing, guitar work, singing, a Gymnast or two,  4 x set changes of portable painted backdrops, plus a portable film screen will be on and off stage. Music and Sound will be the focus, and you will have to work closely with the Sound Engineer, Sanat Raymond Oliver from 'Heaven on Earth Music'.  He also will have a 'side-kick' helper, called Karl. You will need to take strong direction from Karl in the placement of microphones and leads.  This is very important to understand, along with the set changes, and directing Artists (Eight in all, plus Reuben).

    *  Act Two is the same, sort of, but will be commanded by Reuben J. Silverbird  http://www.jreubensilverbird.com (for your homework).   Props, I am unsure of yet, but there will be some.  It will take someone with a quick wit, hands on capabilites to direct other stage hands, keep the silence on stage, before giving the final 'NOD' of approval to the  finalisation of  each 'set' before the curtain rolls apart again.  Each act changeover is to be around 4 - 7 minutes maximum, with the Gymnists to entertain, plus myself, perhaps one other  person to join me on the edge of the stage, to tell a joke or two, with me as the evening's Compere.  You will be in charge of the finished presentation, backstage sound/noise  levels, and the turn-over of all performers, when I cannot be there.

I can let you know, for question 1.only three hours, but much will be set up, test of equipment, and a sound test, so, NO- not a run through as such.  We will only have VERY limited time, to pull it all together.  This is why I need people who know what they are doing.. It is a BIG ask, but, I know that it is possible.  We cannot afford the extra $1500 it would cost for hall hire, or collate everyone together due to busy schedules;  I will work all this out for you to understand, and I will answer you properly over the weekend..

Any tips, ideas, personal experiences, and so on are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

B*B, Tiara