Tag Archives: NJ theater photography

Show Photography: Lopatcong Elementary School’s Production of Finding Nemo Kids

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There’s something special about watching young performers bring a story to life — especially one as colorful, heartfelt, and joy‑filled as Finding Nemo Kids. This week, Lopatcong Elementary School dove into the world of Pixar’s beloved underwater adventure, filling the middle school stage with bright characters, big energy, and a whole lot of heart. Their production runs through tomorrow, and it’s absolutely worth celebrating.

I had the pleasure of photographing this show from start to finish, capturing the excitement, the storytelling, and the incredible work these students and staff poured into every moment. From the vibrant costumes to the expressive performances, this cast made the ocean feel alive. And for this production, I also had the opportunity to film the show — giving families a way to relive the magic long after the curtain closes.

View the Show Photos

Digital images from the performance are now available for viewing and purchase here:
https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/FindingNemoKids

Purchase the Show Video

A full video of the production is also available:
https://bit.ly/LopatcongNemo

A School Full of Heart and Talent

Lopatcong Elementary has a long tradition of creating meaningful, memorable productions, and this year’s Finding Nemo Kids is no exception. The students brought so much enthusiasm to their roles — from Nemo’s determination to Dory’s optimism to the entire ensemble of sea creatures who filled the stage with movement and color.

Behind the scenes, the staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make this show shine. Their dedication is evident in every detail, and it’s always a privilege to help preserve their hard work through photography and video.

Why I Love Photographing School Theater

There’s a unique kind of magic in school productions — the mix of nerves, excitement, teamwork, and pure joy. These performances become core memories for the students, their families, and the community. Being able to capture those moments is something I never take for granted.

Closing Thoughts

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team at Lopatcong Elementary School. Your production of Finding Nemo Kids is full of charm, heart, and creativity. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your journey both behind the camera and behind the lens.

I hope these images and the show video help you relive the laughter, the music, and the magic of your time under the sea.

Screenshot

Some of my favorite images from the show:

Children on a stage during a performance of Finding Nemo Kids; one student in a blue ray costume stands center-stage with arms out, flanked by peers in bright orange, yellow, and blue outfits under hanging jellyfish decorations.
Elementary school performers in green costumes, some wearing safari hats and holding large green and gold balloons, posing together on a wooden stage for "Finding Nemo Kids."
Six elementary school students in colorful sea creature costumes performing on stage for "Finding Nemo Kids."
Three young performers on a wooden stage wearing white shirts, red or grey vests, and black top hats; they are posing mid-dance with black canes raised in the air.
A close-up of a child performing as Nemo; the student wears an orange and white striped shirt, orange overalls, and a matching cap, looking off-stage with a wide-eyed, surprised expression.

ARC Performing Arts Presents SpongeBob Youth Edition

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A young actor dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants stands in front of a large yellow pineapple house prop. Next to him, another actor is crouched on a skateboard, dressed as Gary the Snail with a pink shell and green antennae.
ARC Performing Arts presents ‘SpongeBob: Youth Edition’ March 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

The ARC Performing Arts community is buzzing with excitement as they open their bright, high‑energy production of SpongeBob School Edition tonight. I had the chance to photograph last night’s final dress rehearsal, and the cast brought so much color, character, and heart to the stage that it was impossible not to smile behind the camera.

This is my second production with ARC—their Matilda production was the first time I worked with them, and it was a joy from start to finish. If you’d like to revisit that gallery, you can find it here: https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/ARC-Matilda

A Creative Team That Brings Stories to Life

ARC has a gift for creating productions that feel both polished and deeply personal. Their students commit fully to their characters, and the creative team builds worlds that are vibrant, imaginative, and full of detail. SpongeBob School Edition is no exception—every scene is packed with movement, color, and the kind of joyful chaos that makes this show such a fan favorite.

Show Information

Performances begin tonight, with additional shows tomorrow. Ticket information is available directly through ARC’s website:
https://www.arcperformingarts.com/spongebob

You can also learn more about ARC’s programs and upcoming season at:
https://www.arcperformingarts.com/

A Look Inside the Final Dress Rehearsal

Below are several of my favorite images from last night’s rehearsal. They capture the energy, humor, and heart that this cast brings to the stage. From bold character moments to dynamic ensemble scenes, this group makes Bikini Bottom feel wonderfully alive.

A young actor from ARC Performing Arts wearing a bright red wig and a light blue short-sleeved button-down shirt, smiling while performing on stage for the SpongeBob: Youth Edition production.
A young performer dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants for an ARC Performing Arts production. The costume includes a yellow checkered short-sleeved shirt, a red necktie, tan shorts with brown suspenders, and black-rimmed glasses.
A young actor dressed as Patrick Star in a pink Hawaiian shirt and green shorts stands center stage, surrounded by a group of performers in shimmering turquoise costumes and pink beanies. They are performing a choreographed scene from SpongeBob: Youth Edition.
Two young performers from ARC Performing Arts on stage. One is wearing a silver metallic dress with futuristic white sunglasses, and the other is wearing a green sequined blazer with an eyepatch and dark glasses, performing in SpongeBob: Youth Edition.
A young actor performing as Squidward Tentacles from SpongeBob: Youth Edition. The performer is wearing a light orange polo shirt, teal pants with two extra stuffed "tentacle" legs attached, a sea-foam green wig, and round glasses, posing with one hand on their hip.

Closing Thoughts

It’s been a pleasure photographing ARC again, and I’m excited for audiences to experience the fun and creativity this cast has poured into the show. Break a leg to the entire team tonight and tomorrow!

Do you know of a show that could use great production photography or videography? I’d love to help bring their story to life. Feel free to share my work with them or send them my way!