Tag Archives: Freddy Awards 2026

Showtime! Live from the State Theatre for the 2026 Freddy Awards

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The wait is over. The red carpet is rolled out, the “on-air” lights are glowing, and the energy inside the State Theatre in Easton is absolutely off the charts. Tonight is the culmination of months of hard work, talent, and passion from high school theater departments across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

It’s the 2026 Freddy Awards, and there is truly nothing like it.

The Electricity of Live TV

Walking into the theater on show night is a sensory experience. You have the roar of the student sections, the flash of the paparazzi on the red carpet, and the silent, focused intensity of the WFMZ-TV crew as they prepare for a three-hour live broadcast. For a photographer, this is the ultimate challenge and the ultimate reward.

From the second the opening number begins until the final trophy is handed out, my goal is to capture the raw, unscripted emotion of the night. Whether it’s the tearful embrace of a supporting actor winner, the sheer athleticism of an ensemble production number, or the quiet moment of a soloist taking their final bow—these are the memories that deserve to be preserved forever.

A Community United

What always amazes me about the Freddys is the community. While these schools are technically “competing,” the atmosphere backstage and in the house feels more like a massive family reunion. Rivalries are set aside for a shared love of the stage. Watching 31 schools come together to celebrate each other’s successes is what makes being the official photographer for this program such an honor year after year.

Relive the Night: The 2026 Galleries

The show may end tonight, but the memories don’t have to. I am working around the clock to process and upload the thousands of images captured throughout this week—from the early soloist rehearsals to tonight’s grand finale.

Parents, Cast, and Crew: You can view, share, and purchase your favorite moments from tonight’s historic show, as well as our complete archive from years past, at the link below:

👉 Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Hub

Keep refreshing the gallery throughout the weekend as new batches of 2026 photos drop!

Congratulations to every student, teacher, and volunteer who made the 2026 Freddy Awards a night to remember. Now, let’s get the show started!

Some of my favorite images from last year’s 2025 Freddy Awards

Tech Week Day 2: First Steps on the Main Stage for Nominated Schools

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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.

Nazareth Area HS ‘Seussical’ rehearse for the 2025 Freddy Awards on Tuesday, May 12 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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!

Tech Week Begins: The Soloist On Stage with Tech & The Calm Before the Freddy’s Storm

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There is a distinct shift in the air at the State Theatre in Easton when Freddy Awards tech week officially kicks off. The marquee is lit, the energy is building, and Monday night brings a very specific, focused kind of magic to the stage.

Tonight, the theater isn’t packed with cheering fans or school sections chanting their rallying cries just yet. Instead, it belongs to the soloists and the hardworking members of the opening and closing numbers.

The Art of the Polish

Monday is all about precision. The soloists return to the stage to fine-tune their performances, adjusting to the massive scale of the State Theatre lines and getting a feel for the space. Watching them command that stage completely on their own is always a reminder of the immense talent anchoring this entire event.

Alongside them, the massive ensembles for the opening and closing numbers are busy polishing their routines. Without the costumes, the orchestra, or the television cameras rolling yet, you get to see the raw dedication that goes into this show. It’s a night of counting steps, adjusting formations, and finding that perfect synchronicity.

Capturing the Focus

As a photographer, I love the quiet intensity of Monday night. The lighting is being dialed in, the kids are in casual clothes or rehearsal gear, and you can capture genuine moments of concentration, backstage encouragement, and the sheer grit it takes to put on a broadcast-level production.

While I’m gearing up to capture all of this week’s incredible moments, the archives are fully open! Parents, cast members, and theater fans can relive the magic of past ceremonies right now.

Head over to the Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery to view and purchase images from previous years, and make sure to bookmark the page so you’re ready when the 2026 galleries start to drop!

Behind the Scenes: The Soloist Rehearsals Begin!

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On Monday evening, the theater was buzzing with a special kind of electricity. This wasn’t just any rehearsal—it was the first time this year’s nominated soloists stepped onto the stage to work with the live band.

The atmosphere was a mix of intense focus and pure talent. Each performer, both male and female nominees, had just 60 seconds to make their mark. Watching them distill their character and vocal power into a one-minute solo is always a highlight of the season.

These “mini-performances” are high stakes and high energy, and capturing those raw moments of preparation—before the costumes and the stage lights take over—is truly special.

I’ve selected a few of my favorite shots from the evening below to give you a glimpse of the hard work happening behind the curtain.

Want to see more? To view and purchase more Freddy Award images from this year and past years, please visit: Dabour Photography – Freddy Awards 2026

A female nominated soloist for the 2026 Freddy Awards performing her musical theater solo rehearsal with a microphone on stage.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Patrick from Southern Lehigh, a 2026 Freddy Awards nominated soloist, singing during his first rehearsal with the band in the theater.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A female nominated soloist wearing glasses and an olive jacket singing at a microphone during the 2026 Freddy Awards theater rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Nick from Bangor Area High School, a 2026 Freddy Awards nominated soloist, rehearsing his performance with a microphone on stage.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A female nominated soloist with a long braid and navy hoodie performing her one-minute musical theater rehearsal for the 2026 Freddy Awards.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
The music director and choreographer addressing a group of nominated soloists in the theater seats before the 2026 Freddy Awards rehearsal begins.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Joshua from Lehigh Christian Academy, a 2026 Freddy Awards nominated soloist, performing with a microphone during a theater rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Joshua from Lehigh Christian Academy discussing his musical solo with the music director during a Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Persia from Emmaus High School, a 2026 Freddy Awards nominated soloist, singing with emotion during her theater rehearsal with the live band.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A male nominated soloist in a tan hoodie singing with great energy into a microphone during the 2026 Freddy Awards theater rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A male nominated soloist in a baseball cap and white sweatshirt performing with expressive hand gestures during the 2026 Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A female nominated soloist with glasses and a braided hairstyle wearing a striped sweater and singing into a microphone during a Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A bass guitar player wearing a green feather boa and glasses playing from a music score during the 2026 Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A female nominated soloist in a grey lifeguard sweatshirt performing her one-minute musical solo during the 2026 Freddy Awards rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
A male nominated soloist in a black t-shirt singing with high energy and hands clasped during the 2026 Freddy Awards theater rehearsal.
First rehearsal for the solos in the 2026 Freddy Awards on May 11, 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

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