Lights, camera, action! Mountain View’s theater productions owe their magic to the stage techs and backstage crew who keep everything running seamlessly. I recently had the pleasure of witnessing their hard work firsthand as they prepared for the first play of the year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. From painting bricks to the first run-through, I got a glimpse into the dedication it takes to bring these productions to life.

The makeup and costume crew play a crucial role in transforming the performers into their characters, while the prop master and run crew are essential to the show’s smooth flow. You might wonder, what exactly is a run crew? They’re the team responsible for making entire sets vanish between scenes during “blackouts.” Watching them in action during the run-through was nothing short of mesmerizing; they change the scenery with incredible speed.

Equally important are the lighting and sound technicians, who craft the atmosphere that transports the audience into the world of the play. Seeing the effort that goes on behind the scenes has left me with immense respect and admiration for everyone involved.

Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are now available for $7 each, with opening night on Thursday, October 10. Additional performances will be held on October 11, 12, 17, and 18, concluding the show’s run. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic!