Jimmy Bernatowicz
Go Behind the Scenes of Jacked! with Stage Manager Jimmy Bernatowicz
As a pre-pandemic stage manager, what were some of your responsibilities?
The stage manager is there to help run rehearsals, be the main point communication for everyone working on a production, document and record the production for remounts/revivals, and run all performances. Before the pandemic, I recorded the show's blocking and tech cues, created paperwork for running the shows, made sure we stayed on schedule for rehearsals and performances, and called each show (meaning I would cue tech elements and actors onstage).
What qualities help make a good stage manager?
A good stage manager has to be good at communicating. They have to think about not just what you're saying, but how you're saying it and who you're saying it to, and how to phrase notes/requests in a way that avoids confusion. With this, they have to have to be a welcoming and warm presence so people can offer feedback and air any concerns, and be the ultimate cheerleader so the ensemble feels supported, respected, and ready to create. Also, being good at time management and organizing information is key, to keep your artistic collaborators on track!
For a streaming production, like Jacked!, what were some of your stage managing activities?
With a production like Jacked!, I felt more hands-off than I do with live theater. With live theater, the stage manager is running the show, but with something like Jacked!, there are no cues to call. My role became about communicating with actors and designers, making sure that when we met in-person we were being responsible and safe, and creating documents for the ensemble to make things run more efficiently when we recorded. Instead of run sheets with cues, I was creating sheets tracking sounds we wanted to add and what music we were using for certain sections. Since everything was digital, I also had to maintain an online drive so everyone could pass materials back and forth with ease.
What were some unique challenges that came with creating the show virtually?
Communicating entirely in the virtual world proved to be a challenge. You couldn't just hold off things until you see people in person, everything was either via email or text or the occasional phone call. With most of everything being online, the fatigue of being in-front of a screen is very, very real. I had to figure out how to make my communication thorough yet brief so people could read it, get what they needed, and move along with their days.
What were some of your favorite moments during the creation process of Jacked!?
Being in the recording studio was super fun! I had never had that experience, and getting a peek into the world of music production was awesome! It helped me appreciate the art of music production so much more than I had pre-pandemic, and makes me want to explore management opportunities in film, music, and animation. Seeing the parts of the production come together also touched my heart. Whenever we would get test footage of Nick's images with Michael's animation and Jackpot's music, it felt truly collaborative and innovative. When I watched Jacked! all the way through for the first time, it brought me to tears because it was truly amazing and humbling to work with everyone involved on the project.
Any words of encouragement or wisdom for young people who might be interested in stage management?
Know your value, be confident, be a warm presence, and be organized! It's never too early to begin working towards a career in any art form. Look for opportunities to shadow professionals, as this is how I learned the most about stage management.