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Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / JOB DESCRIPTION: Stage Manager's Job During Performances

« on: Nov 02, 2006, 02:46 pm »

Hi!  I wanted to ask some fellow stage managers for feedback on a situation I have recently run into.  I have a BFA in Theatre Arts (with emphasis on stage management and light design) and due to the lack of theatres in my area am currently stage managing my first production with the local Community theatre.  I hired an ASM to assist me downstairs during shows so that I could call the show and over see the production from the booth, as I have done on every show I have ever SM'd.  I feel this gives me a better chance to see problems and relay them to the ASM so that they can be solved.  The only view from back stage is from 1/4 in peepholes behind the audiences seats (it is theatre in the round).  We started dress rehearsals yesterday. I was informed that the SM does not call the show, the board ops take their own cues, I am to "call" the show by remaining backstage relying on people who have seen the show for 2 rehearsals to identify problems and call problems down to me.  "The SM basically becomes a runner once the show opens," according to my director.  I am responsible for seeing that actors are in their place to go on stage, when I have done none of this throughout rehearsals.  We have a good backstage crew and I feel totally useless backstage. I would appreciate any advice you can offer on this situation.  If this is appropriate for an SM I am more than willing to comply.  However, in some of my classes and books I've read they said to never allow yourself to be pushed into this position and stressed the importance of the SM calling the show and being able to oversee everything.

A very confused,

musicalssm

P.S.  This is not a musical, but a production of "A Man for All Seasons."  It is the first show I have stage managed that was not a musical or cabaret style performance.