Author Topic: Teamwork: ASMs vs SMs  (Read 9574 times)

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ljh007

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Re: ASMs vs SMs
« Reply #15 on: Oct 04, 2006, 01:35 pm »
I ask my ASMs to take blocking, too, and to focus on entrances/exits and "stage pictures" (you know, like when everyone is piled into position) in crowd scenes. If I have several ASMs, I'll ask each to focus on a particular stage side. This gives me a safety net in case I miss something, and lets the ASM know important information in case a performer asks (because what they usually ask about are their entrances/exits). Meanwhile, I try to delegate production duties based on strengths/weaknesses of the SM team. Some prefer the detailed listing of props running; others like the flowcharts of wardrobe tracking. Some are better communicators and others are wonderful at Making It Happen.

After I asked, my last ASM informed me that she did not take blocking as ASM. It just wasn't "how she did it;" She only jotted down entrances and exits. This made her useless when I needed her to walk absent performers through the blocking established in the previous rehearsal. She was not a good ASM. (Please excuse the mini-venting. The moral of the story is: please do what your PSM needs (asks) you to do.)

KC_SM_0807

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Re: ASMs vs SMs
« Reply #16 on: Oct 09, 2006, 08:30 pm »
My problem is that I love to do everything myself.  It's a blessing and a curse.  I am just one of those people who prefers to do everything on my own (no matter how crazy I drive myself) to ensure that it gets done correctly. I know, I know.  You can't do everything on your own.  And I do know that!  But I have definitely realized over the past couple of shows how valuable it is to have a right-hand woman or man.  An ASM is just that, an Assistant. They are there to help you when you need it.  I choose to delegate certain jobs to my ASM, and then expect them to just assist me in whatever I need to do to make sure that everything is taken care of.  I personally use my ASM the most during Tech Week and the run of the show, because I am so meticulous about blocking/staging notes and rehearsal reports.  I usually make a checklist of what I need the ASM to do for me that I can't get done, and then use them for other things that I need help with.  The jobs of my ASM all depend on the show.  Sometimes they will be working with props, scene shifts/changes, costume changes, etc., and other times they may be doing other things like sweeping and mopping the floor.  It all depends on what you want to do and what you expect them to do.  Just like a SM should go to their Director or TD for their specific duties, an ASM should report to the SM to make sure that they are doing everything the SM needs them to do.
"Perhaps, therefore, Stage Managers not only need to be calm and meticulous professionals who know their craft, but masochists who feel pride in rising above impossible odds."

cllingo

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Re: ASMs vs SMs
« Reply #17 on: Oct 11, 2006, 08:54 am »
I have a problem i am in high school and i am a stage manager.  and i have 2 ASM's and one of them feels she is the shit and thinks she can tell me that i am not respecting her and the other one is very passive and is very quiet.  What should i do to "wip" them into shape, and this is their first stage management  job in high school so they really know nothing. were doing rumors by Neil Simon the production it self is cool but it has no huge set changes ext.  it is a unit set.  uhhh.  How can I convey the point of you doesn’t have a License to be a bitch, but i don't want to disappoint my teacher/director so it is a touchy circumstance.
 
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Pessy

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Re: ASMs vs SMs
« Reply #18 on: Nov 02, 2006, 01:14 am »
When I ASMed, I helped tape the floor of the rehearsal space. That is kind of a pain to do by yourself if the scenic design is complicated, so there one area they could be of use.

wilsom6317

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Re: ASMs vs SMs
« Reply #19 on: Nov 02, 2006, 09:40 am »
On having a ASM. Which is great, make sure you are up front with them. If you ever ASM look at what you did espcially if they have never ASM before. Have a meeting with them before the rehearsal process and tell them what you except of them. One thing I got told is tell them you will be in charge of props, and line notes. If it is a big musical and you have a cast say 20 or larger then have the ASM deal with the chorus and you deal with the leads, that way everything is under control for the most part.

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