Costume department -- Wigs and hats -- Pointe shoe room -- Scenery department -- Prop department -- Armoury -- Ballet studio -- Costume hall of fame -- Rehearsal room -- Dressing room -- Orchestra pit -- Let the show begin! -- On the stage tonight -- Side stage -- Encore! How can I get involved?

"On opening night of The Nutcracker, the magnificent red velvet curtain is about to rise. The ballet dancers, singers, actors and musicians of the Royal Opera House are warming up in the wings and in the orchestra pit. Backstage, the crew prepares the lights, sets, props and costumes. Open this book and join Figaro the theater cat on a special backstage tour; where--from wigs and hats to scenery painting, ballet rehearsals to the orchestra pit, you'll find out how everyone works together to bring a performance to life."--