Not being the calling stage manager

[SMeustace]

Im interested in hearing the experiences of what you did during a show you were stage managing that you didn't call the show. Whether it was called by someone under them, they called it so they could get taught to call a show, or somebody else who just came in to call the show.

[iamchristuffin]

In the UK, in a normal situation with a 3 (or more) person team, the SM doesn't call the show. That is the role of the Deputy Stage Manager.

As an SM on shows like this, I would start the show, watch any clearances, cue entrances, etc. I suppose you could think of it as an ASM, just with a different priority for tasks, and more responsibility if anything adverse were to happen.

Hope this helps - let me know if you have any questions!

C

[MatthewShiner]

I am currently working on a show, I will open, but not call the run . . .

You have to assemble the show in such a way to allow the calling SM.

For along time, I often handed off shows mid run to an assistant.

Long running shows, there are multiple show callers.

What sort of specific questions do you have - why?  how?  how to train?

[kiwitechgirl]

Also tends to be the case in the opera world - all our shows are called by the DSM.  The SM is still in overall charge but usually runs a wing, looking after singers, crew and set changes.  Our SMs also deal with backstage musicians in conjunction with orchestra management.

[SMeustace]

My last show there was a Production Stage Manager (myself), a Stage Manager, and two ASMs. It was my job to teach the two ASMs as this was their first show and to oversee the SM crew. We had two ASMs mainly because of their scheduling conflicts but one was interested in stage management while the other had to fulfill hours for a course requirement.
 
During the show I was tasked to act as gun wrangler and sword wrangler, having to hand-off the gun and swords to the performer before they got on and to pick it up and lock it up after the actors exit.

Aside from that I guided the ASMs in running the deck to the point that they were comfortable, then I watched the show from the greenroom taking notes for actors or for the SM (when I wasn't wrangling the weapon props), and checking in with backstage from time to time.

I'm mainly interested in what stage managers do when they're the ones not calling the actual show. it was an unique experience for myself.

[Jessie_K]

I worked on a show using the UK system of SM->DSM->ASMs (I was the SM). (7 people total)

The DSM and one of the ASMs were on show call rotation.  I and another ASM were on deck SM rotation.  Other ASMs would run backstage ASM tracks on a rotating basis.

My admin SM duties were fairly intense in terms of scheduling, meetings, ongoing production updates/rehearsals/cast changes, etc.  I handled payroll reports/time sheets for the SM team and cast (large cast including swings/covers etc all receiving cover pay AND people on reduced tracks).  I would try to take 1 day per week on desk duty (usually a 2 show day). 

My backstage track involved:

-Checking with all departments, confirming preset and opening the house
-Being the "eyes" on deck for scene shifts, automation, acrobatics, etc. 
-Calling clears and cues as necessary (calling "offstage" cues like moves to presets for scenery and aerial acts)
-Most importantly- serving as the primary point of contact in case of ANY emergency (show stop or no show stop)

At times it does feel like a glorified ASM track with very little to do.  Until something big happens and then I am really glad to be there and be available and ready to step in and deal with a situation.