On March 1, Lake Central Theater Company brought their spring musical, “Once on This Island,” to life. As the actors spun their stories onstage, plenty of other students clad in both stage blacks and peasant costumes worked their own magic behind the scenes.

“When you’re doing stuff backstage, you have to be very focused on what you’re doing. It’s very quiet, because the people in the audience might hear you, but it’s fun, too,” Nichole Heusmann (9) said.

The technical workers – nicknamed “techies” – have been at work since January. They’ve constructed platforms, programmed lighting and found sound cues to bring this island twist on Romeo and Juliet to a whole new level. However, even with all of the preparation, plenty of problems have had to be overcome.

“I would say that working with the microphones would be the biggest problem. Some don’t work well and some have broken. Without the mics, the actors wouldn’t be heard,” Aiden McCambridge (10) said.

With all of their dedication, though, comes plenty of rewards, like seeing the things that they’ve built, sewn and designed being appreciated by the audience.

“[Working with tech] has been stressful, but in the end, it really pays off. It gives you that silent satisfaction that people may not see me, but they get to see my work,” Heusmann said.

Once on This Island continues through March 9, including performances on March 7 and 8 in the Lake Central auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $7 for children 12 and under.