Emily H.
About me
| Emily H. | |
| Theatre, Film and Television | |
| Writing, Directing and Performance | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Assistant Stage Manager | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Creative arts and design | |
| 2016 |
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A day in the life of a Assistant Stage Manager in the United Kingdom
There are different pathways with Stage Management, there is no one linear progression.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I am a self employed theatre industry professional.
What do you do?
I work within the Stage Management department on different theatre productions. (Predominantly the role of ASM (assistant stage manager)/ ASM On Book, but in the past I have also worked as a Stage Manager/ SM on Book for smaller scale productions) My role is to help bring aspects of a theatre production together, by assisting with prop sourcing and learning backstage show plots to complete throughout a show. When working 'On Book' I learn to cue the show as a DSM (deputy stage manager). Stage Management are also a key point of communication for actors and directors throughout the run of a show... you also end up making lots of cups of tea!
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I learnt about Stage Management whilst studying at York. I really enjoyed how the role works alongside many of the other roles within a theatre production and being part of that communication. We were encouraged to learn about all aspects of theatre production on our course (Acting, Directing, Design, Lighting, Sound...) and my role requires an understanding of what all these people do! I also enjoyed being part of a theatre production from first read through to last performance, seeing how a show develops and changes.
I really liked the theatre community within York so I carried on living there for a year after my degree finished. I worked Front of House/ Box office at different venues in York whilst volunteering as a stage manager on different community projects. I was asked to ASM on the York Minster Mystery Plays in 2016. The Stage Manager of that project asked me to do some work experience in London. The producers of that project liked my work and employed me on their next show as an ASM.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I always knew theatre was a difficult industry to get into, as it relies a lot on knowing people and making connections. I didn't realise how small the world can be, that people who I knew would know someone else who I knew and this can be nice as you feel a bit more connected, not just one fish in a big ocean.
Although it's a small world, it's also so vast in what types of shows you can end up working on. How you choose to advance in your career doesn't have to be from ASM to DSM to SM. From small show to bigger show to West End. You can go from touring to regional theatre to immersive theatre. You can try prop supervising or move over to a production assistant role. There are so many possibilities.
Describe your most memorable day at work
As opposed to a memorable day, I end up with lots of different memorable moments. Finding myself emptying a lift full of boxes of props alongside a director whose work I had written my dissertation about. Being asked to test different substances to find which looks like the most realistic blood stain. Going to a health and safety briefing with Father Christmas. Being on tour and looking round a new theatre. Walking the streets of Shanghai on the way to the theatre to start tech. Being among the first international visitors to be allowed into Japan after the pandemic. Having to spend 90 minutes each day blowing up helium balloons. They are moments where you stop and go 'This is mad is this actually my job?' Each job is very different and the possibilities can be quite vast, it's exciting seeing where it can take you.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
It is unpredictable! Everyone is in the same boat, no matter how many years experience you have, some times you just don't know where your next job is going to come from and you may have periods of time where you are unemployed. It can be a bit scary but that's why it's also nice to work with a variety of people, you build up a network of others who understand and will help you out.
Hours can sometimes be very long, particularly during technical rehearsals. Again, the people in your team can really help you, you all look out for each other.
No two shows are alike, what is required of you from one job may be completely different in the next. How one team dynamic works might be completely different to another.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
Once I worked out that Stage Management was the area I wanted to go into, I volunteered to stage manage as many shows as I could. Sometimes these were on campus with DramaSoc and CHMS (Central Hall music society), other times I looked for opportunities within the city of York- there is a big community theatre scene and they are always looking for new people to come help!
Doing this helped me practise my skills and keep learning- as I said before no two productions are the same, you learn something different every time
What would you like to do next with your career?
There are different pathways with Stage Management, there is no one linear progression. Some people want to work all the way up to Stage Manager/ Company Stage Manager, some stay as ASM forever. Some like to travel around different theatres, others stick to venues for a good few years.
Since the pandemic, I've really found my love for the north again! So one day in the future I'd love to return up north and set up a company that explores new writing/ new theatre practices. For now, I've enjoyed taking on new opportunities within stage management, I recently was Stage Manager for a Christmas show and it was really good practise for being a team leader. ASM book cover is another role I enjoy so I'm hoping for more opportunities in that area, as well as some more international touring. Getting paid to visit other countries- what's not to love?!
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Keep getting to know people! Theatre ends up being quite a small world and connections usually come back around. It can be hard to 'break in' but email theatres you like, keep looking out for opportunities- you never know what may come up.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Anything about working in theatre production/ behind the scenes I might be most useful for! (I Hope!)
More detail about how I got into the industry
Next steps...
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