Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Assistant Stage Manager – 2021

Preparing for an assistant stage manager job interview? Here are 20 up-to-date questions and answers to help you showcase your skills and experience in stage management. From setting up the stage to coordinating with cast and crew, these questions cover all key areas of the role.

General Questions

• 1. What motivated you to become an assistant stage manager?
  Answer: The passion for live theatre and my love for organization and problem-solving led me to pursue a career in stage management.
• 2. What kind of stages have you worked on before?
  Answer: I have experience working on proscenium, thrust, and black box stages in both traditional and non-traditional spaces.
• 3. How do you handle last-minute changes to the production schedule?
  Answer: I am able to adapt quickly and communicate effectively with all departments to ensure a smooth transition to the new schedule.
• 4. How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple productions at once?
  Answer: I prioritize based on deadlines, production demands, and the size of the production team needed for each show.
• 5. How do you handle conflicts with cast and crew members?
  Answer: I approach conflicts with empathy, actively listen to all parties involved, and work towards finding a solution that satisfies everyone.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What techniques do you use to keep track of props and set pieces during a show?
  Answer: I keep detailed lists, labels, and diagrams of props and set pieces and communicate clearly with stagehands to ensure everything is in place for each scene.
• 7. How do you manage backstage communication during a performance?
  Answer: I use a combination of hand signals, headsets, and cue sheets to communicate with stage crew and monitor actors' positions and movements throughout the show.
• 8. Have you operated any stage equipment before?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience working with fly systems, lighting and sound consoles, and projection equipment.
• 9. How familiar are you with union rules and regulations for stage managers?
  Answer: I have a working knowledge of union regulations and am always willing to learn and adapt to any specific rules of a new production.
• 10. Have you ever dealt with any safety issues during a show? How did you handle them?
  Answer: Yes, I encountered a tripping hazard during a performance and immediately communicated with the stage manager to devise a solution, rearranging set pieces and alerting the cast and crew of the change.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a challenging cast member.
  Answer: During a production, a cast member consistently showed up late for rehearsals. I spoke with them privately and addressed the issue, discussing the importance of punctuality and how their actions affected the whole team. From then on, they showed up on time and took their commitment seriously.
• 12. Tell me about a time when you had to improvise due to an unexpected technical issue.
  Answer: During a dress rehearsal, a light suddenly stopped working. I quickly adjusted the lighting cue and communicated with the light technician to fix the issue. The audience did not even notice the change.
• 13. Describe a time when you had to work with a limited budget for a production.
  Answer: I once worked on a production with a tight budget for costumes. I used my sewing skills and thrift store finds to create unique and cohesive looks for the entire cast.
• 14. How do you handle feedback from directors and designers?
  Answer: I value constructive criticism and always try to incorporate feedback into my work. I listen attentively, ask questions, and implement changes when necessary.
• 15. Tell me about a time when you had to multitask under pressure.
  Answer: During a technical rehearsal, I had to coordinate set changes, fix a prop malfunction, and communicate with the lighting and sound operators all at once. I remained calm and focused, prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a cast member forgot their lines during a live performance?
  Answer: I would have an understudy prepared, so they can immediately step in if needed. If there is no understudy, I would work with the director to determine the best course of action, such as cutting the scene or providing the actor with a prompt.
• 17. What would you do if a piece of equipment broke right before a show?
  Answer: I would first assess if it can be quickly fixed or if a replacement is needed. If a replacement is needed, I would discuss with the production manager and determine the best solution, whether it is borrowing from a neighboring theatre or renting from a local company.
• 18. How would you handle a disagreement between the director and the technical team?
  Answer: I would listen to both sides and try to find a compromise that satisfies everyone. If that is not possible, I would escalate the issue to the production manager or someone in a higher position for a final decision.
• 19. What would you do if a cast member were injured during a performance?
  Answer: I would immediately call for medical assistance and make sure the injured cast member is safe and stable. If necessary, I would also have an understudy step in to finish the performance.
• 20. What would you do if you were faced with an unexpected schedule change during a production?
  Answer: I would quickly communicate the change to all departments and work with them to rearrange rehearsals, schedule additional time for tech, and update all relevant documents and schedules.