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On Assisting

As an Assistant/Associate Director, Matthew has joined shows during pre-production and as late as the day before tech. The goal remains the same: support the Director and the room while maintaining the integrity of the show. When working as an Assistant/ Associate Director, Matthew is always learning the intricate details of a show so that should he need to, he can step up and lead the room while maintaining the Director's vision. 

 

Every director works differently and every show is unique, so supporting each director varies. While Matthew's always game to contribute creatively, assisting is often a very administrative role. Below are just some of the tasks Matthew has typically administrative performed while serving as an AD. Matthew is eager to learn about the systems, tools, and techniques that help a resident/associate director maintain a long-running show and put in new actors. 

 

Paperwork:​

  • Tracking blocking, staging, and director’s notes

  • Maintaining a work list

  • ​Taking rehearsal/tech/preview notes

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Dramaturgy Support:​

  • Research and write up on show-specific topics

  • Tracking character arcs

  • Story and character questions

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Note taking style:

  • Matthew is a speedy, accurate, and quiet typer able to process multiple notes at once. 

  • Instead of a Google Doc, Matthew uses a customized spreadsheet that tracks Act, Scene/Pg #, Who the Note’s For, and the Note

    • This spreadsheet allows for the notes to be organized chronologically, by department, and ready for distribution or director approval in under 5 minutes.​

  • The goal when typing is that the note can be sent directly to the department/artist and be understood. For example…

  • Want to see this spreadsheet? Just ask! : )

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Company Support:

  • Delivering notes to respective party and providing any clarification as needed

  • Working through notes with actors or designers

  • Run line-throughs or scene work with actors

  • Serve as an approachable point of communication

 

Script:

  • Keep the master script updated with all changes

  • Prepare and distribute clean pages or new drafts to actors and creative team

  • Assist with line prompts

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