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Shakespeare didn't know it at the time, but when he wrote "all the world's a stage" in 1599, he could have jumped ahead a few centuries to reference the multi-faceted career of Jakob Plummer '14.
Plummer's busy life easily aligns with another verse from that famous Shakespearean monologue in "As You Like It" that reads: "And one man in his time plays many parts."*
And though Plummer's optimistic personality doesn't align with the broody character Jaques, who notably proclaimed that monologue from the play, Plummer can readily lean into the world of theatre with a bit of wit and a keen sense of candor. After all, wit and candor can bring a little levity to the long hours, hard work and patience that are often needed for behind-the-scenes activity in theatre.
"I am a freelance stage and events manager," noted Plummer. "Throughout the year, I can work on 20 different projects. I've worked many Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. I was the original production stage manager for the creation of the musical 'Gun & Powder' (now titled 'Wanted' and on Broadway this fall)."
"I have worked all across the country and on remarkable, unique events, including the Grammy Awards, the U.S. Open, TED Talks Conferences and the Met Gala," he added.
"I was able to return as a stage manager for the most recent Met Gala, where I can be seen catching a guitar for the opening red-carpet performer [Grammy Award-winner Joshua Henry] as well as serving as a backstage stage manager for the headlining artists, Sabrina Carpenter and Stevie Nicks," remarked Plummer.
"It's one of my favorite gigs — not just for the glamour of it all, but for the humbling experience of having come from a small Ohio town to the most well-known night in fashion with so much hard work and support from those around me," said Plummer.
Currently on his list is being the stage manager for a new musical at Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) that was written by and stars Grammy Award-winner Jennifer Nettles. The show is called "GIULIA: The Poison Queen of Palermo."
"My path at BW was quite non-conformist," he admitted. "I created my own major that I felt would give me the skills I wanted for production management. I blended coursework in theatre, business, management and conducting."
"Over the years, I've gotten to work with many Baldwin Wallace graduates — usually those who majored in theatre and musical theatre. I always love that," said Plummer.
He went on to say that the knowledge he gained from some of his professors has been instrumental in helping him navigate his career as well as how to be an exemplary human.
Among the lessons learned, he cited an "incredible class about the Supreme Court" that taught him how to argue from the side you don't agree with — which he described as "an invaluable skill."
Another professor taught him how to hold himself to the highest of standards, while another individual taught him how to demand his own attention and worth — knowing those won't likely be provided ad hoc in life.
*Quoted from "All the World's a Stage" by William Shakespeare.
