Recently the Lion Players of Spring High School enjoyed a nine performance run of Jack and the Beanstalk. As usual, every first and second grade student in the district was bussed to Spring High School for the perfromance. It took six performances and three days to complete. This was followed by three public performances. As always, it was difficult to tell who had the best time...the performers or the audience. Children's Theatre may appear to be simple, but nothing could be further from the truth for the backstage crew. There was a crew of 15 student required to operate the various effects of the show. Many times there was more action behind the scenes than on stage! We utilized four blacklight flood fixtures, one large strobe fixture, one external lighting control system with three fixtures, one smoke machine, one direct purchase block and tackle system, two large ladders, one follow spot, and eleven wireless microphones. The scenic units were mounted on seven wagons. The scene changes were carefully choreographed. In the end, over 4800 children enjoyed the show.

The cow costume and makeup was a lot of fun. Can you see the actor's face?

The beans were spattered with Wildfire paint, and when brought down in close proximity to the blacklight fixture in the footlight position, the literally glowed in her hand.

These scenes were played on top of a 6 foot platform at far stage right and light by a follow spot and one blacklight fixture.

The beanstalk was made of fabric and hoisted by a single line through a block and tackle. It was with lots of smoke and only under blacklight. The cloud units covered the stationary platform to give the illusion of being in the "clouds".

The confetti eggs filled with glitter were just too much fun. We used over 100 in the run of the show.

The Giant's wife demonstrates how she will slice the little oby up for supper.

The harp unit was constructed of 4" polystyrene foam. Once carved, it was coated with two coats of Sculpt or Coat and spray painted. The accents were done with large cut glitter.