Assistant Stage Manager

Exeter Northcott Theatre is seeking an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) for their outdoor production of The Comedy of Errors, by William Shakespeare. The new Graduate Company will be directed by Metta Theatre’s Poppy Burton-Morgan and performances will be held at the Rougemont Gardens in Exeter and two other outdoor sites in the South West.

The company will comprise of 8 actor-musicians, most of whom will be recent graduates and rehearsals will be held in Exeter. The stage management team will consist of a Company Stage Manager and two Assistant Stage Managers. The ASMs’ main duties will be the sourcing of props, setting-up and packing away for each performance and prop and costume maintenance (including laundry).

We are looking for someone who is willing to work hard as part of a team and who will enjoy the particular challenges of working outdoors. You will need to be able to use your own initiative and communicate well with other team members. You should have undertaken formal stage management training and/or have professional stage management experience.

You’ll be paid £420 per week and allowances and travel as per the Equity Subsidised Rep Agreement Grade 2 (current relocation allowance is £156 per week).

Key Dates
26 June ASM contract and rehearsals begin
17-19 July Technical and dress rehearsals
20-30 July Performances - Rougemont Gardens Exeter
1-6 August Performances at a further two sites
6 August Contract Ends

Job Description
Responsible to the Company Stage Manager (CSM) and Director, working closely with fellow ASM, the Designer and Production Manager (PM). This is a key role within the Stage Management Team during the production process and performances of The Comedy of Errors. All responsibilities to be shared with fellow ASM and duties carried out under the supervision of the CSM.

Principal Responsibilities
1. Mark-up the rehearsal space, source rehearsal props and ensure the space is left clean and tidy at the end of rehearsals.

2. Housekeep the rehearsal and performance spaces, including maintaining tea & coffee supplies.

3. Working closely with the Director, Designer and CSM, source all props and furniture. This may include simple makes and alterations.

4. Assist with set dressing and maintenance.

5. Responsible for prop and costume maintenance (including laundry) throughout rehearsals and performances.

6. Keep props, setting and ASM cue lists up to date.
7. Support technical and dress rehearsals as required.

8. Assist with get-ins and get-outs, with particular responsibility for props, costumes and furniture.

9. Ensure all props, costumes and furniture are set ready for each performance.

10. Undertake any cues required during performances such as scene changes and quick costume changes.

11. As instructed by the PM and CSM, assist with ensuring the site is packed away and secure after each performance.

12. Wear a costume for scene changes if required. (This will be provided.)

13. Keep all receipts and account for petty cash weekly with the PM or CSM. This includes keeping an up to date record of any expenses such as personal mileage.

14. Complete timesheets and submit to the CSM weekly.

15. Attend Production Meetings as required. This may include taking notes.

16. Follow the Exeter Northcott Theatre’s Health & Safety Policy and the Production Risk Assessment. Bring any Health & Safety issues or concerns to the attention of the PM and/or CSM as soon as possible.

17. Drive company hire vehicles.

18. Undertake any other duties as appropriate and agreed.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities
• Experience and/or training in Assistant Stage Management roles
• Good organisational and admin skills
• A flexible approach to working
• Able to use own initiative
• Hardworking and an effective team member
• Ability to stay calm and focussed under pressure
• Some knowledge of Health & Safety in theatre

Desirable Qualities
• Experienced working on outdoor productions
• Experienced at wardrobe maintenance and quick changes
• Knowledge of Exeter area (in terms of sourcing props etc.)
• Prop making and maintenance skills
• Driver’s licence and willing and able to drive hired vans and/or people carrier type vehicles (at least 23 years old and have held a full driver’s licence for at least 12 months)
• First Aid qualification

Application
To apply please send a CV and covering letter to Elaine Faulkner (Production Manager) at comedyoferrors17@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is 10am Wednesday 19 April 2017. Interviews will be held in London on Thursday 27 April and in Exeter on Friday 28 April. Please state in your application which venue will easiest for you to attend and if you are available on those dates.