The closing of a show is an exhilarating finale to months—sometimes years—of work and bonding. Also, as any theatre person knows, it can be a long night as well.

This is due to strike, the process of taking down the set and restoring the stage to a blank state. It's an arduous process full of labor that usually occurs immediately after the show.

Though the process takes hours in real time, these incredible videos of the process sped up allow viewers to see all the action unfold in only seconds.

Take a look for yourself:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6nfYosIVGo

But if you find it disheartening to watch elaborate sets get taken down, feel free to watch them rise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80TmLRUSQC4

Thanks to CLOC Musical Theatre for these hypnotic videos!