The 2019 Aquanut Ski Show, “Life’s a Beach,” marks the first show directed by Lexi (Bokos) Gaughan, a member of the team for 23 years who said it is an opportunity she has dreamed of since she was young.

The team is performing the show at its regular 6 p.m. Saturday performances at Lance Park in Twin Lakes and hopes it will propel the team to another state and national title.

Q: How old were you when you started skiing?

A: I started skiing when I was 5 years old. My brother threw me in the water and wouldn’t let me get out until I got up on two skis. Looking back, I’m pretty grateful that he pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Q: How did you learn about the Aquanuts and at what age did you get involved?

A: My older brother and sister skied with the Aquanuts before I was born. I started skiing with our junior team when I was just 7 years old. It has continued to be a family sport, and I currently ski with my younger sister and nephew.

Q: What types of ski show performances (ballet line, swivel ski, barefoot, etc.) have you been a part of?

A: I consider myself to be a diverse skier and participate in ballet line, swivel and pyramid.

Q: Why did you decide to get involved in directing the show?

A: The Aquanuts share a special place in my heart as it does to everyone involved. This team has given me 23 years of friendship and unforgettable memories. Directing a show is something I have dreamed about since I was a little girl on the junior team.

Q: What is this year’s theme and storyline and how did you come up with it?

A: The 2019 show highlights the talents of our skiers around the theme of “Life’s a Beach.” It is an expression I believe we can all relate to at some point of our lives. The show centers around our announcers, who become shipwrecked and must live on the beach until they can figure out a way off or be rescued. This has been a story that has changed, evolved and been tweaked over several months. Our theme was heavily influenced by the (television series) “Gilligan’s Island.”

Q: When did you start practicing the show?

A: We began skiing in early May, but started working on the show’s production last September. There is a lot that goes into organizing a show ski team, from creating a backdrop, searching for props, establishing music/ sound effects, sewing costumes, perfecting dances and practicing acts off the water.

Q: What part of the show are you the most excited about?

A: It is hard to pick one favorite act. The whole show is filled with excitement and non-stop action. My favorite is probably the acts that include the entire team — skiers, boat drivers and announcers.

Q: What is the most difficult trick performed in the show?

A: The most difficult is probably the one ski mobius off of the ski jump. We are very lucky to have Ethan Shulda on our team; he is one of the best jump skiers in the country, having won multiple individual freestyle jump competitions before the age of 18.

Q: Describe the music, costumes, number of skiers involved and other fun facts about the show.

A: Our team is composed of 70-plus members, ranging between the ages of 11 and 50. Many skiers even begin learning show skiing around the age of 10. Our junior skiers are especially essential for the succession of our team — the young ones learn and eventually join the seniors to perform for audiences.

Our music, costumes and show are all typically guided by a theme chosen months in advance. In preparation for the new season, script-writing occurs as early as September. We use a wide range of songs that are upbeat, fun and engage the audience. Costumes are bright-colored, sometimes sparkly, and workable to ensure the audience can see us from far away and we can ski with ease.

Q: When and where are the state and national competitions?

A: The Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championship will be held from July 18-21 in Wisconsin Rapids. The Division 1 Show Ski National Championship will be held Aug. 9-11 in Warsaw, Ind.