What is a ASM suppose to do??

[madiobrien]

Ok so i've been SM for awhile, but i've never had a ASM, well only once but they did squat.  So i just got a gig at my local community theatre doing A Christmas Carol: The Musical. and i am going to have a real live ASM.  HELP What are tasks are they suppose to do? What should i reserve only for myself? What is asking to much? What is expected? I"m so use to doing it ALL myself that i don't want ot over load her or make her feel under used/appreciated.  Any advice is helpful!!!! Oh and i'm suppose to contact her with her tasks like today soo ASAP would be much appreciated
thanks guy!!
Madi

[zayit shachor]

Definitely take a look around the boards - this is a question that many people have!  I recommend doing a search for "ASM" - you should find plenty of topics to help you out.

Best of luck!

[snowie86]

This thread might help you get started.

http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,1633.0.html


I've also attached a checklist that we use at my school. Take a glance

[sp010123]

I dunno how it goes in the US or Canada but here in Hong Kong (I study in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts), ASM do almost everything.

But it depends on what show you are in, like for my previous show, a dinner show celebrating a major local magazine's 40th Anniversary, ASM (aka Project Assistants) do a lot of paper work. During pre show we did researches on costumes (for a dance piece in the show) we did pricing for decoration accessories, we made powerpoint presentations of the magazine's past glories for the show night...and during the dinner show, we acted as escorts to make sure the guests go on stage and off stage safely, we prompted the dancers to go on stage, and I even learned to sew elastic straps on high heel shoes coz the dancers need to dance in them.

As for theatre shows, we mostly do props research, prepare rehearsal rooms, shop for stuff, help with scene changes..and loads

Well but coz every show is different, do more shows and get more field experience is the best way of learning.

[crazylady]

As an ASM, i knew where every prop was at any given moment, knew about all quick changes and who was doing them, kept track of all scene shifts (I also ran the scene shifts), took sound q's from my SM, preset all props and put them away at the end of the night. It varies from job to job as to what is needed. Currently I don't have a fulltime ASM, so when i do get them for the rare show - I forget how to use an ASM because I became so used to doing it all myself. Just remember, they are there to Assist YOU. So, give them some tasks and let them help shoulder some of the stress with you. A good ASM is great and should be highly valued.

[LCSM]

During the show it's self the ASM is the little piece of you that is backstage and not in the booth. They are your eyes, ears, and hands and will take care of things there, leaving you free to call the show. During the rehersal process they really are there to help you and to take the load off your shoulders. They can take care of stuff while you're tied up writing down blocking, they can feed the actors lines, etc. In short, whatever takes some of the stress off your back.

Good luck!

[dcwhitson]

I agree 100% with LCSM....

Just make sure that you give your ASM something they would do they way you want it done. The last thing you want to do is give an ASM something to do because you hate doing it and they end up hating it too and it shows..then you might have to go back and do it again.

[loebtmc]

I am on an AEA committee discussing the role of the ASM and would like permission to use quotes from this thread, if possible

thank you all

[PSMKay]

Permission granted, provided that proper member credit and context is given.

[Candy0081]

I am an ASM right now and I do all sorts of things for my PSM.  I take care of the call boards, and make sure everyone has signed in.  I run a deck track during the show and help with any first aid things or discipline issues during the performance.  I also know the show call so the PSM can sit out front and take notes.  I know the lighting focus in case the PSM has to be gone for any reason.  My job is really to be a second set of hands and eyes, or a pinch hitter just in case.  During rehearsal I took a TON of line notes and some blocking, I prepped paper work for days and created the call script.  For me it has been a great exercise in learning how to be flexible.  I have been a PSM many times before, so it has been interesting to learn how to work under someone, especially when they do things differently than I would.