Wicked cast members share industry insights with Lincoln Prep technical theatre class

In their first week of class, technical theatre students at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy got to hear directly from industry professionals.

Pablo David Laucerica (Boq) and Adelina Mitchell (Elphaba standby) are members of the North American Broadway tour of Wicked. Laucerica's stage credits include Dear Evan Hanson, Jersey Boys at The Muny, and Queen of Versailles on Broadway. Mitchell has performed in Legally Blonde and Sister Act at The Muny, along with several other regional appearances.

a woman wearing a black t shirt with the logo for the musical wicked on the front speaks to a group of teenagers who are facing toward her and away from the camera. next to her, a man in a checkered button up shirt smiles at the teens

Although most of their time is devoted to what's happening on stage, Laucerica and Mitchell agreed that the work going on behind the curtains is equally important to theirs.

"Tech in theatre is something that can be overlooked," said Laucerica. "It's important to know that there are viable job opportunities in theatre that are not what people expect."

Across each department in any given theatre production—sound, props, wardrobe, hair, makeup, lighting, stage management, and more—dozens of artists pour hundreds of hours into their crafts.

Already, students at LCPA and other theatres across KCPS are benefitting from the ability to contribute their creativity and artistry to productions without necessarily having to be in the spotlight.

Abigail Wieck is one of these students. As a member of the LCPA theatre club, she paints set pieces with the set construction team.

"I kind of have stage fright, so being there and being involved in it even though I don't love being on stage is super fun for me," shared Wieck.

a group of teens sitting in chairs look up listening to an adult woman who is speaking with one hand on her hip and the other hand gesticulating in the air. she wears a black t shirt with the wicked musical logo on the front.

CJ Henriksen, theatre arts director at both LCPA and Lincoln Prep Middle School, said bringing role models like Laucerica and Mitchell into class gives students a "real, tangible goal to set for themselves." If they know about the opportunities available to them, he explained, they will hopefully feel motivated to work hard now.

According to Mitchell, the hard work pays off.

"To anyone interested in going into the field of theatre, I think it is such an honor and a privilege to be able to tell stories on stage," Mitchell began. "My biggest advice is just to keep going because there will be someone who sees you for who you are."

Laucerica and Mitchell's master class wasn't the only surprise for students. Thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the American Theatre Guild's "Staging the Future" fund and LCPA educators (including Henriksen and teacher Liam Dale), the theatre program received 30 free tickets for LCPA students to see Wicked. The Broadway tour ran a 2.5 week stint at the Kansas City Music Hall from August 12-30, 2026.