TAMPA, Fla. — Before the first pumpkin smash. Before the fun and the fear. Before the vampires and the vikings.

Alex Crow brings Creatures of the Night to life at ZooTampa. One haunted area at a time.

Crow oversees the Halloween fun at ZooTampa — and Spectrum Bay News 9 caught up with them on their final run-through.

Families of employees are the test subjects.

“This is the first time our actors get to play with some guests, so we are making sure they are bringing the characters to life — and making sure every area feels alive,” said Crow.

Entertainer Amanda Kronhaus, the pumpkin-smashing baker Lucilla Lumpkins in the Scarecrow Junction, says introducing little revelers to theatre is a treat.

“Children may be getting to see a show for the first time,” said Kronhaus.

Crow guides his group of willing test subjects past the vampires at the zoo entrance and the clown at the carousel.

“Alright, our next stop is gonna be troll cave,” said Crow, as he ushered the group past a massive animatronic troll with smokey flatulence.

It was a hit.

“One of the little kids just told us 10 out of 10, so I will take this to my heart,” said Crow.

If you should survive the Troll Cave, you may also get to meet some Vikings.

After a few raucous beats, viking dancers rock out, do a kick line formation and then throw out a Tae Kwon Do- style sidekick.

Little costumed dancers vibe with the vikings as they break formation post-performance.

Crow is observing this all from the sidelines — giving a few notes and high-fiving a performer who then thrusts her hands in the air and lets out a “Woo!”

Crow says it’s great to see it coming together.

“You put it on paper, you plan it, plan it, plan it,” said Crow. “I’m just so relieved. This is amazing.”

The event Crow began spearheading in August is ready to open.