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Appendix A
A Comparison of the Different Duties of
Assistant Directors and Stage Managers

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Primary Duties

To provide on-going artistic input into the production--a different opinion, another point
Of view, devil's advocacy, new ideas, a second pair of eyes looking for small details.

To take over if the director is late, absent, or unable to continue rehearsals.

Secondary Duties

To arrive early

To develop various planning tools as necessary-- prop lists audition notices, etc.

To anticipate and address director's rehearsal needs

To run errands appropriate to the production

To substitute for Stage Manager when necessary

*To assist with rehearsal props, music, furniture, costumes

To function as rehearsal running crew when necessary

To lead actor warm-ups

To read lines for late or absent actors

To intercept and answer questions for director during rehearsal

To be a resource of information for cast and crew

To understudy

To coach actors outside of rehearsal or during dual rehearsals

To prompt actors during line memorization rehearsals

To take notes for the director

To provide positive support even after opening night; to keep an eye on things

To leave late

 

*Duties indicated by asterisk can be assumed by the Stage Manager or
ASM.

 

STAGE MANAGER

Primary Duties

To provide on-going management and communications for all elements of the
production

To run the show during performance

To represent the actors during rehearsal and the director during performance

Secondary Duties

To arrive early

To anticipate everything; to be self-starting; to think ahead of everyone, including the
director

To assist the technical director in spiking the ground-plan

To assure a safe rehearsal and performance environment

To provide security for the building, personnel, and materials

To supervise emergency procedures

To maintain an up-to-date contact list of phone numbers and addresses for all cast members
and production personnel

To start rehearsals and performances on time

To substitute for the Assistant Director when necessary

To enforce backstage discipline and behavior for cast and crew

To record and deliver the director's technical and design notes to the appropriate area
leaders; to deliver notes from the technical and design areas to the actors and director

To coordinate timing and protocol of show opening and intermissions with the House
Manager

To call cues during performance

To prepare and refine the master script for calling cues

*To assist with rehearsal props, lights, music, furniture

To leave the rehearsal hall of theatre in impeccable condition after rehearsal; to be the last
out the door

 

*Duties indicated by asterisk can be assumed by the AD or ASM.