Tag Archives: performing arts photography

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

Show Photography: Voorhees High School’s Production of Into the Woods

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There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a high school theater program takes on a show as rich, layered, and beloved as Into the Woods. This week, Voorhees High School brings Sondheim’s iconic musical to life — weaving together fairy‑tale characters, heartfelt storytelling, and a talented cast that’s ready to take audiences deep into the forest.

The production opens tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, and runs through Sunday, April 19 at Voorhees High School. Tickets will be available at the door, or can be reserved by emailing jreynolds@nhvweb.net.

Promotional poster for Voorhees High School's production of 'Into the Woods.' The poster features the show title in large, stylized white and gold lettering against a dark, misty green forest background. It lists show dates: April 16, 17, 18 at 7pm and April 19 at 2pm, with ticket prices for adults, students, and seniors.

I had the opportunity to photograph the cast and crew during their tech rehearsal, capturing the energy, emotion, and behind‑the‑scenes dedication that make this show shine. Tech rehearsals are where the world of the production finally comes together — lighting, costumes, staging, and performance merging into something real. And this cast stepped into the woods with confidence, creativity, and heart.

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

From the Baker and his Wife navigating their quest, to Cinderella’s quiet strength, to Little Red’s bold spirit, every character brought something unique to the stage. The students embraced the humor, the darkness, and the emotional depth that make Into the Woods such a powerful story.

The tech team and directors have crafted a world that feels both whimsical and grounded — a perfect backdrop for Sondheim’s music and the students’ performances.

Why I Love Photographing This Show

Into the Woods is a photographer’s dream: dramatic lighting, expressive characters, rich costumes, and moments that shift from playful to poignant in an instant. Capturing those transitions — the laughter, the tension, the quiet beats of reflection — is what makes theater photography so rewarding.

Voorhees High School’s cast brought authenticity and enthusiasm to every scene, and it was a privilege to document their work.

See the Photos

I’ll be sharing a selection of my favorite images from the tech rehearsal below. These moments offer just a glimpse of what audiences can expect when the curtain rises this weekend. Here is the link to the entire gallery of images: https://proofs.dabourphoto.com/VHS-Woods

Final Thoughts

Congratulations to the entire Voorhees High School cast, crew, and creative team. Your dedication shows in every detail, and I’m excited for the community to experience the world you’ve built on stage.

Break a leg this weekend — and enjoy your journey into the woods.

Some of my favorite images from the show:

A young male actor on stage performing in Voorhees High School's production of 'Into the Woods.' He is wearing a tan long-sleeve shirt, a blue vest, brown trousers, and a beanie, looking upward with an expressive, singing facial expression.
Two female actors on stage during the Voorhees High School production of 'Into the Woods.' On the left, a princess in a gold gown and white gloves looks toward the Baker’s Wife, who is kneeling on the right in a dark blue hooded cloak with gold trim.
Three actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, a character in purple leans over a white cow prop; in the center, Jack looks at the cow with a surprised expression; on the right, the Mysterious Man in tattered brown robes and a wide-brimmed hat stands near them.
Two female actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, a princess in a brown checkered dress with long hair looks toward the right. On the right, a character portraying a fairy godmother figure stands on a raised platform wearing a flowing, iridescent gold gown and a matching headpiece.
A close-up of an actor portraying the Wicked Witch in 'Into the Woods.' She has long, messy grey hair, theatrical aged makeup, and a crown, holding a wooden staff while looking intensely toward the camera.
Three actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, a woman in a brown dress and white bonnet looks toward the center. In the middle, a young man in a blue vest sits on a chair with a contemplative expression. On the right, a character in a newsboy cap and plaid shirt stands next to a white cow prop.
Two female actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, the Baker's Wife in a brown dress and white bonnet looks upward while singing. On the right, Little Red Riding Hood in a red polka-dot skirt and grey fur shawl looks on with a concerned expression.
A young male actor on stage for 'Into the Woods' performing as Jack. He is wearing a brown flat cap, a tan button-down shirt, a brown vest, and brown trousers, with a burlap messenger bag slung across his shoulder. He has an expressive, singing facial expression with one hand reached out.
Two actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, the Baker sits on a stone ledge wearing a brown cap, tan shirt, and brown vest with a worried expression. To the right, the Mysterious Man in tattered brown robes and a weathered hat is crouched low, gesturing with one hand toward the Baker.
A full-length shot of the Witch from 'Into the Woods' on stage. She is wearing a dark, layered navy blue gown with a tattered hem, a long black cape, and bright blue high-heeled boots. She has long, curly dark hair and stands with her arms outstretched in a dramatic pose.
Two female actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, Little Red Riding Hood in a red patterned skirt and grey fur shawl looks upward with a wide-eyed, fearful expression. On the right, the Baker's Wife in a dark blue dress and brown shawl stands with her mouth open in a gasp, looking in the same direction.
A young female actor performing as Rapunzel in 'Into the Woods.' She has very long blonde hair styled in thick braids and is wearing a peasant-style tan dress with a purple and brown knit shawl. She has a shocked expression with her hands raised to her head.
A young female actor performing as the Narrator in 'Into the Woods.' She has long, wavy brown hair and is wearing a red long-sleeve shirt under a blue vest with gold buttons. She is smiling behind a large, open storybook resting on a dark wooden podium.
Two actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, Jack in a purple shirt and dark vest sits on a wooden chair next to a golden harp. Behind him on the right, his mother stands wearing a green floral dress and a white bonnet, looking upward with a hopeful expression.
Two actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, the Baker stands in a brown vest and white chef's hat with a singing expression. To the right, the Baker's Wife, wearing a red long-sleeve top and long grey skirt, cradles a white bundle representing a baby while singing.
A young female actor performing as the Princess in 'Into the Woods.' She is wearing a large, regal red velvet gown with thick white fur trim and a matching hooded cape. She is also wearing a sparkling tiara and white evening gloves, looking upward with a joyful, singing expression.
A group of actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' In the foreground, a Prince in a blue and gold military-style jacket sits next to a Princess in a regal red and white fur-trimmed gown. Behind them stand three other characters, including a young man in a black suit and two women in elegant gowns, one wearing sunglasses.
Two actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, the Wolf stands in a long dark velvet coat, brown trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat, gesturing toward Little Red Riding Hood. On the right, Little Red Riding Hood wears her signature red hooded cape over a white and red dress, looking toward the Wolf with a curious expression.
The full ensemble cast of 'Into the Woods' on stage during a curtain call or finale. A large group of actors in diverse fairytale costumes—including the Witch, the Baker and his Wife, Jack, and Cinderella—stand together in front of a forest and castle set. An orchestra is visible in the pit in the foreground.
Two actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' On the left, a Princess in a tan and red peasant dress looks with a concerned expression toward the Baker’s Wife on the right. The Baker’s Wife, wearing a dark blue dress with gold trim, holds a white bundle (the baby) and looks back with a matching worried look.
A group of four actors on stage for 'Into the Woods.' From left to right: the Prince in a red and gold regal coat; the Witch in a dark purple gown and cape; the Narrator in a blue vest and plaid skirt; and Little Red Riding Hood in a fur shawl and red patterned skirt, looking at the Narrator with a concerned expression.
Two male actors performing as the Princes in 'Into the Woods.' They are both wearing royal blue military-style jackets with gold embroidery, white gloves, and dark trousers. Both have their mouths open in a dramatic singing expression with their arms gestured outward.
Voorhees High School theater presents “Into the Woods” April 2026. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Celebrating World Theatre Day with a Look Back at the Freddy Awards Gallery

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Happy World Theatre Day!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that theatre isn’t just a performance — it’s a community, a heartbeat, and a place where young artists discover who they are. I’ve had the honor of photographing the Freddy Awards since 2013, and every season reminds me just how much talent, passion, and joy lives in our local high school theatre programs.

Each year, several of my Freddy Awards images were featured in the State Theatre Center for the Arts Gallery in Easton, PA. Seeing those moments — the emotion, the storytelling, the pure electricity of live theatre — displayed on the walls of such a historic venue was incredibly meaningful. It’s one thing to capture a performance; it’s another to see those images become part of the theater’s visual history.

This year’s gallery installation is already up, and if you’re curious which images made the cut, you can check them out any show night at the State Theatre. I’ll also be sharing some of them here on the blog in the coming weeks.

To celebrate World Theatre Day, I’m offering a special 10% off coupon for any previous Freddy Awards gallery items.
Use coupon code FREDDY10 at checkout — valid now through Sunday, March 31, 2026.

You can browse the full collection here:
https://www.dabourphotography.com/Freddy-Awards

Whether you’re a performer, a parent, a theatre fan, or someone who just loves the magic of the stage, thank you for supporting the arts and the incredible students who bring these stories to life.

Dance Ambassador Spotlight: Emma (@extendandelevate)

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A young ballet dancer in a white tutu performing a grand jeté leap across a dark stage. Her arms are extended gracefully, and she is framed by warm stage lights and deep blue theater curtains in the background.
Dabour Photography dance ambassadors at the State Theatre of the Arts on September 23, 2025. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

Some dancers grow in front of your lens year after year, and watching that evolution is one of the best parts of what I do. Emma (@extendandelevate) is absolutely one of those dancers. Even though this is her first year as one of my dance ambassadors, I’ve been photographing her for years—and every session reminds me just how much talent, drive, and personality she brings to her art.

Emma is known for many things, but her incredible flexibility is always front and center. She gets into poses that make my back hurt, and I’m not even the one doing them! What amazes me most is how effortless she makes it all look. One moment she’s a poised, elegant young woman; the next she snaps into a bold, sassy pose like she flipped a switch from 0 to 100.

A young dancer, Emma, sitting on a stage floor in a white Clara ballet dress and a sparkling tiara. She is smiling while holding a wooden Nutcracker doll, captured against a blue and black smokey background with professional studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, in a white Clara ballet dress and pointe shoes, performing a graceful arabesque while holding a Nutcracker doll. She is captured in profile against a dark, smokey background with a bright rim light highlighting her silhouette.
A young ballet dancer, Emma, sitting gracefully on the floor in a white Clara costume with blue trim and a bow in her hair. She is smiling and leaning toward a tall wooden Nutcracker doll, set against a dark, atmospheric studio background with cool-toned floor lighting.

This past season, Emma stepped into the iconic role of Clara in her studio’s production of The Nutcracker. I had the chance to create some beautiful, artistic portraits of her in those costumes, and she brought such grace and storytelling to every frame. It’s a role that demands both technique and heart, and she delivered both with maturity beyond her years.

Emma is also one of those dancers who starts doing the pose before I even finish asking. She listens, interprets, and moves with instinct—and that makes every session with her a creative joy. Whether we’re working on clean classical lines, dramatic lighting, or something playful and expressive, she brings her whole self to the moment.

I’m grateful to have Emma in this year’s ambassador team, and I’m excited for all the portraits, ideas, and creative adventures still ahead. Watching her grow as both a dancer and an artist has been a privilege, and I look forward to photographing her for many more years to come.

Know a dancer or studio looking for artistic dance portraits?
I’d love to help bring their vision to life—feel free to share my work or send them my way!

A ballet dancer in a white leotard and a voluminous white tulle tutu stands on pointe on a dark stage. She has her arms crossed over her chest in a graceful pose against a backdrop of deep blue velvet theater curtains.
A young dance ambassador, Emma, performing an athletic stag jump in an open field at Spruce Run. She is wearing a seafoam green long-sleeved dance top and a black tutu, captured mid-air with a lake and sunlit trees in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, standing confidently on a rock in the middle of a lake. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and blue shorts, posing with hands on her hips against a background of sparkling water at Spruce Run.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a graceful leg extension (arabesque) while balancing on one leg on a sandy shore. She is wearing a black dance leotard and a light purple wrap skirt, with the blue water and a cloudy sky of Spruce Run in the background.
A young dancer, Emma, performing an advanced leg extension (scorpian pose) while balancing on one foot. She is wearing a dark, sequined costume with a fringe, captured against a dramatic black background with yellow backlighting and atmospheric fog.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a full straddle split on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black sleeveless dance top and leggings, smiling with one arm arched over her head, captured against a misty grey background with soft studio lighting.
A young dancer, Emma, performing a deep lunge on a reflective studio floor. She is wearing a black dance outfit and is captured in a silhouette-style pose with a bright white light shining from behind her, creating a glow through the atmospheric fog.
A young female dancer in a grey top and black leggings performing a one-handed floor balance on a stage. She has one arm on the ground and one leg extended horizontally in a "needle" or tilted scale position, set against a rustic brick wall and colorful blue and red stage lighting.

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!