Behind the Scenes of the Olympics' Opening Ceremony: 1,200 Volunteers Take Center Stage
As the curtain rises on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan next Friday, thousands will be watching from around the world. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a massive production effort involving over 1,200 volunteers, who will take center stage for one night only.
Among them are dozens of students at Italy's prestigious La Scala opera house academy, who have spent weeks rehearsing choreography in secret. The company behind the ceremony, Balich Wonder Studio, has been working on a record-breaking show – a feat that includes 16 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies.
Professional actors and dancers will share the stage with amateur performers, all united by their excitement to perform for 60,000 spectators at San Siro Stadium. For some, like Ariel Fuchs from California, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the world's biggest sporting event. "San Siro is such an incredible stadium," says Fuchs, who has been working in Milan as a software engineer. "I went there to watch soccer games, so to actually be on the field is such a crazy feeling."
Behind the scenes, tailors are racing against time to create over 1,400 costumes, while makeup artists and hair stylists prepare for a record-breaking 110 artists. The soundtrack was composed by 500 musicians, making this one of the biggest shows ever staged.
The scale of the production is staggering, with creative director Lulu Helbeck describing it as "the biggest show on earth." With an expected global audience of hundreds of millions, the Olympics' opening ceremony is a spectacle that will captivate every age group from Taipei to Ohio. As the curtains open next Friday, these 1,200 volunteers will shine in the spotlight – their night to shine on the world stage.
As the curtain rises on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan next Friday, thousands will be watching from around the world. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a massive production effort involving over 1,200 volunteers, who will take center stage for one night only.
Among them are dozens of students at Italy's prestigious La Scala opera house academy, who have spent weeks rehearsing choreography in secret. The company behind the ceremony, Balich Wonder Studio, has been working on a record-breaking show – a feat that includes 16 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies.
Professional actors and dancers will share the stage with amateur performers, all united by their excitement to perform for 60,000 spectators at San Siro Stadium. For some, like Ariel Fuchs from California, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the world's biggest sporting event. "San Siro is such an incredible stadium," says Fuchs, who has been working in Milan as a software engineer. "I went there to watch soccer games, so to actually be on the field is such a crazy feeling."
Behind the scenes, tailors are racing against time to create over 1,400 costumes, while makeup artists and hair stylists prepare for a record-breaking 110 artists. The soundtrack was composed by 500 musicians, making this one of the biggest shows ever staged.
The scale of the production is staggering, with creative director Lulu Helbeck describing it as "the biggest show on earth." With an expected global audience of hundreds of millions, the Olympics' opening ceremony is a spectacle that will captivate every age group from Taipei to Ohio. As the curtains open next Friday, these 1,200 volunteers will shine in the spotlight – their night to shine on the world stage.
! And those students from La Scala academy are like, totally talented 
! I love how they're not just professionals but also amateurs who get to be a part of something so epic. San Siro Stadium is going to be electric next Friday, I can already feel the energy 
! The fact that there's over 1,400 costumes and 110 artists is mind-blowing 
. And Lulu Helbeck saying it's "the biggest show on earth" is not an understatement 
!
. And can you imagine seeing all those people from different places and cultures coming together? 
I mean, can you even imagine having to make 1,400 costumes for one night?! 
It's like they're trying to create a whole new wardrobe for every single person watching... and then some! 
And don't even get me started on the soundtrack – 500 musicians?! That's just crazy talk. I'm sure it'll be an epic production, but I need a nap just thinking about all those people involved. 
These volunteers are going to be under so much pressure for one night of performance... good luck, guys! 
think its kinda cool how they got all these students from la scala academy involved... gotta love that passion and dedication 
they're basically gonna be performing for like a billion people worldwide 
makeup artists too, I guess you could say its all about creating this big show with lots of moving parts 
I'm hyped for this! 1200 volunteers? That's insane! 
It's amazing that students from La Scala opera house academy got a chance to perform alongside pros. I wish I could be one of those tailors working overtime to create all those costumes 
. Can't wait to see the whole thing go down live! 
so like how do they even get all those costumes made and designed and stuff? i mean, 1400 is a lot of clothes! 
and what's with all the rehearsals for the students at la scala? are they gonna be on tv or something? 
does anyone get to hang out with the performers before the show?