BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Gymnasts from around the world are here for Baltimore’s premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion.

As Jessica Kartalija reports, a Maryland native has one of the most crucial roles in the performance.

They say the best lighting during a performance is when you don’t even notice the lighting at all.  The lighting director for this show is from right here in Maryland.

A 3,000-year-old tradition comes to life, combining Chinese acrobatics with Cirque du Soleil. Dralion makes its arena debut in Charm City.

“It’s wonderful. I am really excited to be here in Baltimore,” said Josh Mowczko, lighting director.

Frederick native Mowczko has been touring the world with Cirque for more than four years as the head of lighting–that he controls from an iPad

“I’ve been through all of North America and Canada, Europe, Scandinavia and later on we will be traveling many other places in the world, which I am really excited for,” Mowczko said.

The Linganore High School grad has a crucial role in every performance.

“Everything I do is to add warmth to the act, a little bit of coolness, a little drama, a little here, a little there,” he said. “It’s the spices that go along with the show.”

The safety is also Mowczko’s responsibility. Performers rely on him to guide their movements through a dark arena.

“They need to be comfortable with what they are doing.  I spend every week working closely with them, making sure they are comfortable doing what they are doing,” he said.

Working for Cirque is no 9 to 5. It’s a lifestyle, and Mowczko says he loves every minute of it.

Tickets are still available at 1st Mariner Arena for the show that runs through next week.

Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion includes 50 performers from around the world.