Lagniappe is no longer under construction as the show dates are Oct. 6, 7, and 9.

Each show has the same cast, so regardless of the night, the audience will experience the same performances.

“It’s [a show] by my incredibly talented peers who all want to work with each other,” said senior head costume designer Sally Rubin. “We all want to put on the best show.”

The board members are selected months before the show begins, in the spring of the previous school year. Members work throughout the summer to prep for the much anticipated performance. Actors are selected later in the process since auditions are held a few days before school starts.

The show has a total of 26 cast members, 10 crew members, and 16 costume crew members. There are also three heads in charge of the entire show.

Writers are responsible for the overall foundation of the show. They create scenes and write scripts. Junior assistant head writer Beth Wall decided to join Lagniappe because she has always loved sketch comedy. “I wanted to improve my skills as a writer,” said Wall.

“Each writer initially comes up with the idea. The head writer and I approve or decline their idea. If approved, they continue to write their scene,” she explained. “The head writer and I also write our own skits.”

Writers come up with ideas by thinking about the unique things at New Trier. Senior Head Writer Sarah Africk started brainstorming ideas long before the show began. “It helps to have the writing staff because you get lots of ideas and you can see if the ideas are funny,” she said.

The theme of this year’s show is “Under Construction.” Although the title relates to the school construction, most skits are not related to it. Most focus on how a person changes throughout high school.

They chose the overall theme of “Under Construction” because it represented what students would relate with. “We wanted to focus on the changes that have happened within the school,” said Africk.

The skits have a different format this year. There are more scenes in the show; therefore, each skit must be shorter. “I think that the show will be a lot funnier this year,” said Wall. “The cast is great.”

Scenes include the health class experience  common to all sophomores, as well as skits focused on the Tinkle Times and the rowing team.

“I cannot wait to see Lagniappe,” shared senior Cameron Coughlin. “It’s always super funny.”

Many members of the crew have been a part of Lagniappe since the beginning of high school. Rubin has designed costumes for the show since freshman year. “Everyone in the company is here because they want to be,” she said. “It is a second home.”

The staff and cast must work closely together each day. “It is difficult to be working so closely with peers for such an extended period,” explained Rubin. “Tensions rise as people make sure their job was done correctly.”

The costume crew designed and created 140 costumes for the 26 cast members, which breaks down to 5-6 costumes per person. They also designate people backstage to ensure that each costume gets to its assigned cast member. Additionally, the crew must confirm that each costume correctly fits each cast member.

Members work each day after school at rehearsals from 3:30 to 6:00. They also work on Saturdays from 9:30 to 4:30. The cast must learn the lines and dance moves, and block scenes with the director and assistant director.

Head board members are in charge of the entire show. They were selected in early spring and picked the other members of the board. They facilitate and run the show, confirming that every part of the show is properly executed.

“I can’t wait to see how this year’s show will go. I’m excited to see it come to life,” said Africk.