what is an asm/understudy?

Answer 1

ASM - assistant stage manager. Helps with the backstage work in a theatre.
UNDERSTUDY - learns another actors role, and then is able to play that role on stage if the original actor cannot appear on the night.

Answer 2

ASM is exactly that. Assistant Stage Manager - your role will be to help with any and all backstage activity. Paperwork, tracking sheets, etc. You will usually be assigned either props or costumes depending on the size of the production or company.

An Understudy can be a person who is able to perform the role should the main performer become unable to go on stage. That means rehearsing the same hours, taking the same notes and memorizing the same lines.

Both require a lot of work and preparation. As the ASM you have to know more about the show than any of the performers, and as the Understudy you need to be able to know the precise performance and direction of character taken by the main performer.

I suggest doing one or the other if possible.

Answer 3

What the first person said is right - and in some companies, especially touring children's theatre, you're often hired as both ASM and understudy. You'll have lots of backstage duties, and are primarily an ASM, but will also cover a role or two and could go on if an actor goes out.

Like someone else said, if you're trying to get your AEA card, it can be a good way to do so. Just keep in mind that it's primarily a tech job, the understudying comes second.

Answer 4

An ASM may also be required to appear on stage in costume, f.ex. the elephant operators in Phantom of the Opera, or join in on large crowd scenes so that there are enough bodies on stage without having to pay for more actors.

In larger productions an ASM may be asked to step on stage to "understudy the understudy". When I ASM'ed for The Crucible I understudied for Mercy Lewis on a few nights, as well as performing my off-stage duties, as the real Mercy had to step into Abigail's (the lead) shoes. However, ASMing isn't really the best way to get into acting as you will still be only be credited as an ASM. Love it though! Best job there is.

Answer 5

A.S.M. = Assistant Stage Manager
acts as the stage manager whenever the stage manager is not available. Also maybe assigned to write the blockings, additional notes from the director, and keeps the bible of the play.

also, there can be multiple ASMs, ex. ASM for Props, Costume, Movement, etc. in this way the stage manager would have an easier way in doing the task.

Understudy
a person who can act as a substitute for an actor, actress, or any other regular performer. (world book)

Answer 6

the first answer is correct! ASM/understudy roles are very hard work. They were traditionally the 'way in' to the profession, they helped towards getting an Equity Card which enabled you to work. However, this is no longer necessary, but they give invaluable experience and if you are starting out then i would recommend you take a job like this. Don't do it forever,there comes a time when you have to move on/up, but everyone starts somewhere. Don't expect much sleep though x

Answer 7

ASM is the Assistant Stage Manager. He/she does just that, assists the Stage Manager with running the production.
Understudy is an actor's backup. If the performer is sick, or can not make it to the theatre or other performing venue, the understudy goes on in his/her place.

Answer 8

An asm is an assistant stage manager and an undertudy is the person who stands in for someone if they break a leg or something and can't go on.

Answer 9

ASM/Understudy is as people above said.

But also you get acting ASMs, as in some theatres (not sure if it still happens, I think it does) the ASMs are basically actors who cant get work on stage, so they work behind it. :)

Answer 10

Presumably someone who stands in for the assistant stage manager when he or she is unavailable.