Encore A–Z

Assistant Stage Manager

5 min read

Assistant Stage Manager

At a Glance

Position Overview

The Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) supports the Stage Manager across the production while gaining hands-on experience in theatrical production management. The role is designed for young artists who demonstrate responsibility, organization, and leadership potential, giving them real professional development inside the production process.

The ASM bridges the gap between performer and production staff — offering insight into the behind-the-scenes work that makes theater possible while building professional skills that extend well beyond the stage. See Production Hierarchy for how the SM/ASM/PA pathway works.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Production and Rehearsal Support

  • Assist the Stage Manager with rehearsal setup and breakdown.
  • Help maintain attendance records and sign-in procedures.
  • Support the creation of rehearsal reports and daily calls.
  • Assist with props and costume tracking during rehearsals.
  • Help organize and distribute rehearsal materials.

Technical Support

  • Track props and costumes during technical rehearsals.
  • Assist with scene changes and transitions.
  • Help manage backstage traffic flow.
  • Support quick costume changes as needed.
  • Maintain organization of backstage areas.

Cast Support

  • Run lines with actors as needed.
  • Help younger cast members navigate backstage procedures.
  • Assist with crowd control and organization during breaks.
  • Serve as a communication bridge between cast and Stage Manager.

Documentation and Organization

  • Help maintain the Stage Manager’s organizational systems.
  • Assist with filing and archiving production materials.
  • Support the production’s Google Drive organization and updates.
  • Help prepare materials for production meetings.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Demonstrated responsibility and reliability.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work well with peers and adults.
  • Maturity to handle backstage responsibilities.
  • Interest in learning about theater production.

Preferred

  • Prior Production Assistant experience in an Encore production.
  • Familiarity with rehearsal-room flow and theatrical vocabulary.

Personal Qualities

  • Reliability — shows up, on time, prepared.
  • Mentorship — supports younger cast members and PAs without making them feel small.
  • Positive Attitude — willingness to help others; calm in high-tempo moments.
  • Curiosity — wants to understand why the production works the way it does.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Per production. Rehearsal nights, tech week, every performance.
  • Schedule: Evenings and weekends for rehearsals; daily during tech week; every show.
  • Environment: Rehearsal rooms and backstage; works alongside the Stage Manager and cast.
  • Reports to: Stage Manager.
  • Compensation: Volunteer / young-artist leadership opportunity. May earn class tuition credit per Encore policy.

Educational Outcomes

Through this role, young artists develop:

  • Professional communication skills.
  • Organizational and time management abilities.
  • Leadership and mentorship capabilities.
  • Understanding of production processes.
  • Problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills.

For more on the young-artist mentorship philosophy, see Rehearsal Culture and the Encore Young Artist Mentorship Program section there.

By Phase

Inception

Welcome to the Encore fam! Be sure to complete your onboarding items below — we look forward to building an incredible show that builds life skills through stage skills for young artists.

Onboarding

  • Complete child safety training.
  • Submit background check.
  • Submit W-9 (if applicable per Encore policy).
  • Sign and return young-artist agreement.
  • Complete onboarding process.

Initial Production Work

  • Light involvement. Meet with the Stage Manager to learn the show and the SM’s working systems.
  • Attend the onboarding meeting if invited.

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Meet with the Stage Manager to learn the documentation systems being set up.
  • Begin familiarizing yourself with the script.
  • Attend production meetings as invited.

See 2 - Pre-Production for the phase overview.

Casting

  • Support audition logistics: sign-in table, materials distribution, room flow.
  • Help organize audition forms and callback materials.

See 3 - Casting for the phase overview.

Rehearsals

  • Assist the Stage Manager with rehearsal setup and breakdown.
  • Help maintain attendance records and sign-in procedures.
  • Support the creation of rehearsal reports and daily calls.
  • Assist with props and costume tracking during rehearsals.
  • Help organize and distribute rehearsal materials.
  • Support younger cast members with backstage procedures.
  • Serve as a communication bridge between cast and Stage Manager.

See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Pre-Tech

  • Support the Stage Manager in finalizing the Show Bible.
  • Help prepare backstage and quick-change areas.
  • Attend Paper Tech / Dry Tech as scheduled by the SM.

See 5 - Pre-Tech for the phase overview.

Technical Rehearsals

  • Track props and costumes during technical rehearsals.
  • Assist with scene changes and transitions.
  • Help manage backstage traffic flow.
  • Support quick costume changes as needed.
  • Maintain organization of backstage areas.

See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Performance

  • Run the backstage during every performance.
  • Track props and costumes; support quick changes.
  • Assist with crowd control and organization during breaks.
  • Run lines with actors as needed.
  • Serve as backup for the Stage Manager when needed.

See 7 - Performance for the phase overview.

Post-Production

  • Support strike — help dismantle, return rented items, and reset the venue.
  • Help archive production materials.
  • Reflect on the production; document what you learned.

See 8 - Post-Production for the phase overview.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-12 · Owner: Rhett

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