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⚡⚡ Quick Start

ASM Quick Reference

ASM Operator Quick Reference

Essential controls for operating surtitles during a live performance. Keep this open during your show.

Before Show: Test all controls in Simulation mode | During Show: Use this guide for quick reference

Pre-Show Checklist

  1. Open the ASM Cockpit link (from deployment email or project page)
  2. Verify you're on the correct show/project
  3. Test the "Go Live" button (don't click it yet!)
  4. Test Previous and Next buttons
  5. Familiarize yourself with the script list: Try clicking different lines in the left panel to jump to them
  6. Check that subtitles display on all screens
  7. Confirm with venue that audience QR codes are visible
  8. Have backup device ready (tablet/phone with same login)

Main Controls

Figure 1: ASM Cockpit main interface
ASM Operator Cockpit with cue controls

âŦ…ī¸ Previous Cue

Go back to the previous subtitle line. Use if you advanced too early or need to repeat.

➡ī¸ Next Cue

Advance to the next subtitle line. This is your primary control during the show.

đŸ”ĸ Jump to Line

Type any cue number in the "Jump to Line" input box and press Enter to jump directly to that cue. Note: It's usually faster to simply click the line you want in the script list on the left.

🚨 Panic Button

Emergency blackout: Instantly hides all subtitles from audience view. Click again to resume. Use if something goes wrong.

â–ļī¸ Go Live

Start the show – Makes subtitles visible to audience. Click when performance begins.

⏚ī¸ End Show

Stop the show – Hides all subtitles. Click when performance ends.

Additional Options

  • Skip Stage Directions: Checkbox to automatically skip stage direction cues (e.g., "He sits down") and only show dialogue
  • Hide Character Names: Toggle to show/hide character names in subtitles
  • Line Indicator: Shows current cue number (e.g., "Line: 045")

Screen & Navigation

  • Script List/Timeline: Shows all cues on the left. Click any line to jump directly to it – this is the fastest way to navigate
  • Screen 1/2/3: Toggle individual screens on/off if using multiple displays
  • All Screens: Control all screens simultaneously
  • Preview: See exactly what the audience sees
  • Line Indicator: Shows current cue number (e.g., "Line: 045")

Emergency Procedures

Connection Issues:

The system has automatic reconnection. If you lose connection, it will automatically reconnect. Your current cue position is preserved. Only refresh the page if reconnection fails after 10-15 seconds.

If You Clicked Wrong Cue:

  1. Fastest method: Click the correct line directly in the script list/timeline on the left side of the screen – this instantly jumps to that cue
  2. Or click "Previous" to go back one line at a time
  3. Or use the Jump to Line input box – type the cue number and press Enter

Unlike PowerPoint, you can click any line in the list to jump instantly. The script list is your fastest navigation tool.

If Subtitles Freeze:

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Refresh the page
  3. If still stuck, switch to your backup plan (e.g., a downloaded PowerPoint export of your script or a second device logged in)

Always prepare a backup: ensure you have downloaded your script as a PowerPoint presentation before the performance begins (via the Editor's Download button), or have a second operator device ready for emergencies.

Performance Tips

  • Use the Script List: Click lines directly in the left panel for fastest navigation – faster than Previous/Next or Jump to Line
  • Timing: Advance cues slightly before actors speak, not after
  • Pacing: Don't rush – let audience read each line
  • Backup: Export your script as a PowerPoint presentation before the show to serve as an emergency backup
  • Focus: Watch the stage, not your screen
  • Practice: Run through the show in Simulation mode beforehand

🆘 Quick Troubleshooting

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