Role: Deputy Stage Manager

Roles

The Deputy Stage Manager will sit at the stage manager's desk during the show (and technical and dress rehearsals), following the script and calling every technical cue, ensuring that all other crew members perform the correct technical effects at the correct time, and that effects only happen if it is safe to do so. In order to do this, they must work with all the designers beforehand to assemble a prompt book, which has all of the cues correctly marked in it. The role of Deputy Stage Manager is often referred to as being "on the book".

The Deputy Stage Manager forms part of a team with the Stage Manager, who between them should attend enough rehearsals to familiarise themselves with the show before the technical rehearsal in the theatre. They should try to spot any potential technical problems caused by the blocking or choreography before the show moves into the theatre, and work with the Technical Director to resolve them.

Some shows in Cambridge choose not to have a Technical Director, in which case some of the responsibilities (often the planning of special effects, drawing of set plans, and running the get-in and get-out) can fall to the Deputy Stage Manger or Stage Manager. It is very rare for the set building and painting responsibilities to be taken on by stage management.

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Deputy Stage Manager Vacancies

Technical Crew for upcoming Complete Works of Jane Austen show at the ADC Theatre

The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) – Epilogue Productions

19:45, Thu 17th – Sat 19th July 2025 at ADC Theatre
Summer Vacation

We are looking for the following roles: Technical Director to oversee all the technical aspects of the production and be in charge of the get-in and get-out Chief Electrician to ensure all lanterns are set up on stage during the get-in, according to the Lighting Designer ’s plans Stage Manager Someone with experience to co-ordinate backstage. DSM to attend the last few rehearsals and give cues on the SM desk during the show. ASM in charge of organizing, checking and arranging the props during the run. Lighting Designer ideally someone with experience of the ADC lighting board that we can work with to create several different scenes and effects using lighting. Lighting Operator this could be the same person as the lighting designer or could be someone else with experience, or someone who is looking to get more experience. Sound Effects Designer ideally someone with experience who can put together the music and sound effects that we will need throughout the show. Sound Operator this could be the same person as the sound designer , or someone with experience, or someone wanting to get more experience. There are going to be bursts of music for very short scene changes, sound effects during scenes and background music in some parts of the show. Projections/Video Designer someone who is confident with design to produce a variety of backdrops to project for the show onto the white cyclorama, from country houses and living rooms, to dragons (just go with it) and potentially some comedy ‘mock-Regency' style still adverts to display during the interval, the type you used to get at the cinema (and still do at the Picturehouse!). Projection Operator (possibly done as part of lighting operation?) This may be a separate job or one done as part of operating the lighting. Counterweights crew to bring house tabs up and down, and there might be a few items that fly in and out during the show eg chandelier. Get-in and Get-out crew both those with experience and those who want to get more experience to help move the furniture into place and out again, rig lights, house tabs and cyclorama, flats, and help decorate the theatre. You wouldn’t need to be available during the week for this.

Contact Patrick Nielsen patrick@adctheatre.com before 20th Apr 2025 00:00 for more details.