If Monday night at the State Theatre is about quiet focus, Tuesday is all about pure, electric excitement. Today is the day the tech week energy really starts to amplify as the nominated schools arrive for their very first stage run-throughs.

For a high school theater student, there is nothing quite like the moment you walk through those backstage doors and look out into the beautiful, historic auditorium of the State Theatre. For many, it’s a dream they’ve been working toward all year—or all four years of high school.

The Grand Transition

The logistics of Tuesday are a masterclass in theatrical coordination. The students from the nominated schools arrive at different scheduled and gets acclimated to the massive stage, and runs through their blocking. They are transitioning from their hometown high school auditoriums to a massive professional house, and you can see the sheer awe on their faces the second they hit the stage.

They work through their spacing, get a feel for the acoustics, and get a taste of what the live broadcast night is going to feel like. Alongside the individual school numbers, the opening and closing ensembles are right back at it, seamlessly fitting their massive choreography into the space.

Capturing the Awe

From behind the lens, Tuesday is a goldmine for genuine emotion. I love capturing the wide-eyed looks of the students looking up at the balcony, the backstage high-fives, the nervous giggles, and the sudden realization of “Wow, we are really here.” Even in their rehearsal clothes, the performances have an incredible spark of energy.

As we head toward the mid-week dress rehearsals, the excitement is only going up from here! Parents, cast members, and fans—don’t miss a single memory from this week or years past.

You can find all of our extensive event archives, and eventually all of this year’s fresh 2026 action, over at the Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery. Head over now to grab your keepsakes and bookmark the page for this weekend’s upcoming galleries!