Noel Lewis (X11) is a linesman for Newport News Shipbuilding, a role that requires precision and creative problem-solving. With a basis in measurement and surveys, a linesman must think critically to solve emergent issues and be ready to bring creative solutions to the forefront.

Lewis said that his background for this work comes from a place shipbuilders may not expect – the theater.

While in high school, Lewis attended the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk. “I originally went in for acting,” he said. “However, I did more technical work because my strengths are there and that was the direction I wanted to take my life.”

Technical work in a theater often means designing and building the sets used in plays and musicals, as well as building props to spec. This experience introduced Lewis to technical drawings and other parallels that he has used for his 16 years as a shipbuilder.

It wasn’t until adulthood that Lewis could dedicate some free time to return to his theatrical roots. Following some work with community theater, he saw the opportunity to create his own original work.

“I attend Westminster Presbyterian Church in Suffolk. They have an incredible audio-visual set-up that is only really used for Sunday services, so I took a chance and asked if they would be interested in having anything theatrical,” Lewis explained. “Luckily, they said yes.”

This led to Lewis producing his first script – a play centered on the story of Noah and the flood.

“It was important to me because it was around COVID, and I found the parallels between lockdown and Noah’s time on the ark powerful,” Lewis said.

The play was a success at the church. Lewis wanted more. “Hubris lead me to write a musical based on Exodus.”

Musicals differ from plays because they include many musical numbers in addition to acting and storytelling. Lewis knew this would be a challenge for him, because he had very little music background.

“Over the course of three and a half years, I’ve partnered with a number of musicians who could help me compose what was in my head. I would bring a melody and lyrics, and these partners could flesh these ideas out into full orchestral works,” Lewis said.

The first act of the musical, named Scourge of Egypt, is complete and was used as part of a summer workshop alongside another producer’s work. The workshop includes a shared cast that will present the first act of both works.

“Good, original work is based on real life experiences,” Lewis said. “Having a technical background with some experience in acting, and now music, allows me to better anticipate the needs of a successful show. On a larger level, my experience in theater impacts how I see my work every day in the shipyard, but I also take my shipyard experience into the theater with me. Every single experience matters.”

Scourge of Egypt, in association with King’s Players Community Theatre, premiers Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at Coastal Virginia Church in Norfolk. There will be two additional performances on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.