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.