Behind the Scenes: The 2026 Freddy Awards Journey Begins!

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The air was electric at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA, as we officially kicked off the 2026 Freddy Awards season. As I walked through the doors for the first rehearsal, it hit me—this marks my 14th year as the official photographer for this incredible program. Seeing the talent, the nerves, and the sheer excitement of these students never gets old.

Checking In and Catching Up

A candid look at the professional preparation required for the 2026 Freddy Awards. This image shows key production leaders and music directors collaborating over their scores at the State Theatre of the Arts in Easton, PA. These coordination moments ensure a seamless experience for the hundreds of high school students participating in the awards program. Professionally photographed by DAVE DABOUR Photography.
Three high school students wearing matching yellow "Big Fish" musical T-shirts stand at a table and sign in during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal at the State Theatre.
A high school theater student in a green "Little Shop of Horrors" T-shirt leans over a table to sign her name on a check-in sheet during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
A high school student in a pink "Legally Blonde" musical T-shirt looks down at her phone with a focused expression while standing in a hallway during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
High school theater students, including a young woman in a light blue shirt and a young man in a white t-shirt, lean over a table to sign their names on attendance sheets during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.

The day began with the “official” side of show business. Students from high schools across the region arrived to sign paperwork and register, but the real magic happened in the hallways. It was a morning of “meeting old friends”—watching students from rival schools greet each other like family, bonded by their shared love of the stage.

The Work Behind the Magic

A wide shot from the back of a rehearsal hall at the State Theatre of the Arts, showing Shelly Brown addressing a large group of high school students seated in rows on the carpet during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
Kori, the Freddy Awards coordinator, stands in a rehearsal room wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, gesturing with her hands while speaking to a group of high school students seated behind her.
A high school student named Gabby, wearing an orange "Saucon Valley High School Presents" T-shirt, holds a music score and sings with a focused expression during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
A high school student with glasses and a denim jacket holds a music score and sings with a focused expression during the 2026 Freddy Awards music rehearsal.
A high school student named Riley from Phillipsburg High School, wearing a light blue "Frozen" theater T-shirt, sings with a focused expression while holding a music score during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
A male music director with glasses and a beard wears a tan jacket over a black shirt, standing with both arms raised and fingers pointing upward to lead a vocal rehearsal for high school students.

Once the paperwork was settled, it was time to get to work. The first rehearsal is always an intensive dive into the production:

  • Learning the Music: Music directors led the ensemble through the vocal arrangements for this year’s opening and closing numbers. There is nothing quite like hearing those first harmonies ring out in the rehearsal hall.
  • Choreography in Motion: Freddy Awards choreographer Stacy Higgins wasted no time getting the students on their feet. Watching the transition from tentative steps to a synchronized ensemble is one of my favorite things to document.

Words of Inspiration

Shelly Brown, President and CEO of the State Theatre, wearing a striped blazer and smiling, stands next to a piano while addressing a group of high school students during the 2026 Freddy Awards rehearsal.
A wide shot from the back of a rehearsal hall at the State Theatre of the Arts, showing Shelly Brown addressing a large group of high school students seated in rows on the carpet during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.

We were honored to have State Theatre President and CEO Shelly Brown address the participants. Her passion for the arts and her dedication to these students set the perfect tone for the season ahead.

A Legacy of Performance

High school theater students in casual attire perform a synchronized dance routine with their arms raised in artistic poses during the first rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards.
High school theater students in casual attire perform a synchronized dance routine with their arms raised in artistic poses during the first rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards.
High school theater students in casual attire perform a synchronized dance routine with their arms raised in artistic poses during the first rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards.
A male choreographer with a beard, wearing a grey zip-up jacket, stands in a rehearsal hall holding a black folder while gesturing with one arm raised during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
A professional director or conductor stands at a podium in a theater, pointing toward a group of students in the audience during the first rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards.
Stacy Higgins, the Freddy Awards choreographer, stands in front of a piano holding a notebook and gesturing while directing a group of students during a music rehearsal.
A high school student in a black T-shirt holds a music score and practices singing with a focused expression during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 7, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A high school student in a white T-shirt with a "The Prom" logo holds a music binder and sings with a focused expression during the first Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 7, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Documenting the Freddy Awards for over a decade has allowed me to see the profound impact this program has on our community. From the first signature at the check-in table to the final bow on the State Theatre stage, I am honored to capture every moment of this journey.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the rehearsals leading up to the big night!

All my Freddy Awards images can be found here. They are available for viewing and purchase https://www.dabourphotography.com/Freddy-Awards

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