LONGMONT, Colo. -- Behind every good thespian is an equally talented back stage team.

That's certainly the case at the Longmont Theatre Co.

"You can be the best actress in the world and if someone doesn't turn the lights on you're not very good," said actress Sharon Sheets.

Take Judy Ernst, for example, she's the costume designer at the Longmont Theatre Company.

She has volunteered there for 27 years, putting in hundreds of unpaid hours for every production.

"I can sometimes work 12-hour days for three weeks straight for a big show like Brigadoon," said Ernst.

"I asked once why she does this. I mean I am an actor. I want the applause. And Judy said she feels it's her job to give back to her community," said colleauge Stephany Roscoe.

"There is something so magical about the stage and to be a little part of that magic it's just good for my heart," Ernst explained.

Her part also includes working the box office, chairing the production committee and sitting on the board, all for no pay.

"Her work ethic is just incredible," said cousin and actor Brian Ernst.

"She brings drive, and passion and organization. She's one of the forces that keeps this theater going," said Roscoe.

As Judy put it: "I love theater - in any shape or form."