When I first met my fiancé and told her I was a magician, she laughed. Not on account of me being a magician, but because it had always been her dream to be a magicians assistant. I haven't had an act before that required an assistant, but have always wanted to put one together. We are both very active in community theater and our schedule is always full (I have cut mine back recently, since I am trying to put an act together). Even though I love her very dearly and know that she wants to be my assistant, I don't want to stop her from doing other projects.

My question is: should I have a back-up assistant in case she is working on something? Or should I just wait to see if this is ever going to be an issue?

I would have a couple of weeks to train a new assistant, should I ever need to. But I don't want to be caught in a sticky situation. Please help!

I would say yes, have a back up assistant in the wings. I have 3 girls I use, I have my main assistant I always call first, then the other 2 are back ups. If possible have your fiance help train the new girl. Being an assistant can be a tough job. For one thing they need to be ready to help you out in a moments notice if something goes wrong. They also need to know how to carry props out at certain angles so they don't expose certain things.
Best of luck to you.
Bob.

And choose your assistant carefully.....
So many assistants I have worked with think it is an easy job - it is not - they need to really concentrate on what it is they do and they must be able to take constructive criticism well.

How strong is your relationship with your fiance? Will she be able to do things as you want them done? Can she take constructive criticism well? Sounds as if you might have a 24/7 relationship in the making. That takes a strong commitment, not that you can't pull it off. Just saying that you are going to be together working, practicing, and on your off time as well. I hope it works out for you, Good luck.