Zavier Taksley, 5, stood quietly backstage, waiting for his cue. As a catchy Mexican song started up, Zavier grabbed hold of his sombrero and dashed on stage, followed by his fellow jumping beans.

Zavier is a kindergartner at North Casper Elementary and bean number one in the school's production of "Jack and the Beanstalk."

Being a jumping bean isn't easy. Since Monday, Zavier and nearly 80 other students have been in four-hour rehearsals for the play. They've learned stage right from stage left, and numerous dances, songs and lines.

The Missoula Children's Theatre, a traveling drama group from Montana, is the driving force behind the production. The group travels to schools across the United States, Canada and overseas bringing the performing arts to students.

In a week's time, students learn an entire musical production, said Elizabeth Pato, a teacher with Missoula Children's Theatre.

"They work so hard in school that they're giving us their last ounce of energy," Pato said of the students. "They just give us a lot."

MCT brings in everything needed for the play: makeup, props, lighting, music and scenery. Students are cast in roles through an open audition, and also work as directors, sound technicians and prop masters during the play.

Students put on two plays at the end of the week.

The group's mission is teaching life skills through the performing arts, Pato said. Teamwork is a big part of putting on the play. And students learn to respect their hard work, as well as their fellow classmates.

"It's been a wonderful experience," Pato said. "All their hard work is going to definitely pay off."

From merchants and farmers to jumping beans and Jack himself, the students pour themselves into their roles, said principal Phillip Hubert.

"By Friday, they're whipped," Hubert said.

Zavier practiced his jumping before rehearsal even started on Thursday. He showed off his hard work backstage, a little leap in the air, with a quick crossing of his ankles before landing.

"I can run and do it too," Zavier said.

Hubert said the annual play is a big draw for families. The school's first production brought in the largest crowd of parents Hubert had seen at the school. After five years, it's become a North Casper Elementary tradition.

"Parents love it," Hubert said. "Kids look forward to it. I really look forward to it because you get to see a side of kids you don't see in a classroom."

Reach Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@casperstartribune.net.