:? Its all really confusing.
My
theatre company has two stages - a small one downstairs and a larger upstairs.
During Rehearsals D/S-
My ASM takes all
blocking notes and gets most of the paperwork regarding to tasks done. I'll usually
call out: "<Name>, make a note of such and such."
That afternoon they create and print/email the notes sheets for that day.
During Shows D/S
My ASM starts
props checklists at 1/2 hour
call and then I'll usually ask them to take over calls at about 20-15 mins. I then make sure that the tech crew is set, review any problems that haven't been fixed from the previous performance and we start.
During the show, my ASM is usually in the dressing rooms giving actor warnings or helping with quick changes backstage.
Rehearsals U/S
The US space has a dedicated SM
desk and control booth, uinlike the DS
theatre. My ASM will usually take
blocking and other paperwork, similair to the job they do DS.
During shows the ASM sits prompt side at the
desk and runs
FOH communications, CueLX and has direct access to Backup
DMX.
(In tech week and during shows i usually
call in what i
call the 2ASM, or 2nd Assistant
Stage Manager (confusing I know) I usually have them at a
spot OP or in the dressing rooms.
Basically, I find that the ASM is there to make the SM's life a whole lot easier.
____________
Stage Managers DO make coffee...