Noblesville High School’s production of Chicago had its opening night this past November, and students involved in the musical claim that an integral part of the show is often overlooked: the lights. 

Senior Jonah Charpie was one of the students responsible for the lighting that evening and he claims that it’s more involved than people might expect. 

“Actors perform what they rehearse, and of course we rehearse too, but we have to look at [our job] more analytically,” Charpie said. 

Manipulating the lighting can be very difficult. Senior J Herold speaks of the challenges they face with Charpie.

“Honestly, if [Charpie] has his ways too set, it can be kind of hard to tell him he’s wrong, but I know he tries to be flexible,” Herold said.

Spending hours practicing the same thing over and over with the same people can become stressful. Senior Trevor Greenlee explains what it’s like to spend hours in rehearsal with Charpie.

“There’s days where I can’t stand him, but other than that, it’s been pretty good,” Greenlee said.

Another detail that people might not think about when they enjoy the musical is that actors aren’t the only people that have to audition. 

“Even if they aren’t acting, people always have to apply for crew jobs. You’re not [going to] get what you want all the time, so it’s trial and error. You have to get your name out there and prove that your capable,” said Charpie.

Despite the many obstacles that come with operating the light board, Charpie persists.

“It’s artistic and I don’t have to talk to people. It’s just kind of fun,” said Charpie.