ASM Hired to Carry Props, Emotional Baggage of Cast

Learning the ropes of the backstage life can be tough--just ask aspiring Stage Manager Linda Fortright. When Fortright snagged her first gig as Assistant Stage Manager at Holbrook Regional Theater, she knew it would test her mentally and physically. What she was unprepared for was the emotional labor required by the job.

“I’ve always been hyper-organized, so I knew I would be pretty good at creating a props table, tracking blocking and sending rehearsal reports,” Fortright shared with Hackstage on Friday, “but it apparently ASM’s are expected to act as therapists, significant others and mommies for the entire cast? Who knew!”

Sources confirmed that the cast had been leaning heavily on Fortright for emotional support during the three-week rehearsal process. Jeremy Young, who plays Kenicky in this summer’s production of Grease, was overheard recounting the lengthy story of his most recent break up to a visibly uncomfortable Fortright during a lull in tech. “She’s such a great listener” said Young of the rookie ASM, “and she really asks for nothing in return.”

Director Hannah Dremlin also sang Fortright’s praises, saying, “Who? Oh yes, she seems nice.”

While no one in the cast remembered to tell Fortright where the opening night party was going to be held, everyone had nothing but good things to say about her work ethic. “I think she knows my lines better than me!” joked Brendan Dash, currently starring as Danny Zucko.

At presstime, Fortright was spotted searching the theater for missing “Pink Ladies” jackets while being followed by at least 2 actors simultaneously attempting to complain about two different aspects of their housing.