You sit down in your seat as the lights dim and the curtains part. The music swells, and the actors rush out on stage. Everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. From the audience, the show seems effortless, but behind the curtain, a tech crew is working hard to keep the magic of the theatre. The quick fixes, quiet cues, and constant focus are happening just out of sight. Among that team is junior Leah Stech, a dedicated member of the tech crew who takes on a variety of roles throughout each show she pours her heart into.
Stech does far more than what most people imagine when they hear ‘tech crew.’ From running sound and lights to managing microphones, props, and transitions, her work happens mostly out of sight, but the impact is obvious.
“Tech can get credit for a lot of things just because you don’t see them,” Stech said. “People don’t realize how much time goes into tech before the show even starts.”
Those who work with her notice that dedication immediately. Senior Bennett Farr, who works with Stech through Link Crew, described her as the grounding force of the room.
“She’s the person who makes the world go round,” Farr said. “She sets everything up, makes sure everything’s running smoothly, and keeps us from going insane.”
The calm presence is important, especially during stressful situations. Stech recalled one of her most chaotic experiences during last year’s production of Chicago, when a microphone broke moments before a solo. With less than a minute to fix it, Stech and her team swapped multiple mics among actors until the issue was resolved without any notice to the audience.
“She’s such a problem solver,” senior Zosia Borek said. “Whenever Leah’s on the bridge running lights or sound, everything is organized. She always knows what she’s doing.”
Stech joined the tech crew her freshman year. Inspired by her older sister, she quickly found her place. Her favorite part of tech isn’t the equipment or hands-on activities, but the people.
“You get to lock in during the show, but also just hang out with people who care about the same things you do,” Stech said.
Beyond theater, Stech’s commitment to service stands out. With over 350 service hours, she volunteers at middle school shows, the Huntley Library, Feed My Starving Children, her church, and school events. All while staying deeply involved in tech.
When asked what she would say to students thinking about joining the tech crew, Stech didn’t hesitate: “Join it.” From her work behind the scenes, it’s clear how meaningful that experience can be.
