Theatre Backstage During a Scene Change

Backstage at a theatre, a scene change is in full swing. Stagehands in black haul rope and rigging near a red velvet curtain, while through an open flat a painted castle and sky show what the audience will see next. A golden dragon puppet, worked by two crew inside its long tail, crosses the floor past a dropped sword and shield. Nearby, a knight fumbles his helmet before a jester, ballet dancers rehearse on tape marking the set, and an orchestra tunes up in the pit below. To the right, a costume rack and lit mirror host a queen having her wig adjusted, a princess trying on a gown, and a cat curled inside an open trunk of fabric. A crew member sweeps spilled glitter from the boards while another notes cues on a clipboard, every corner of the wings holding its own small rehearsal before the curtain rises.