Tag Archives: theater photography

Tech Week Day 3: Where the Magic Happens—Dress Rehearsal & TV Prep

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If you ask anyone involved in the Freddy Awards which day is the most pivotal, you might hear “Thursday.” But if you ask me the Freddy Awards photographer, the answer is always Wednesday.

Wednesday is where the magic truly happens. It is the bridge between the raw rehearsals of early tech week and the high-octane live broadcast of the awards ceremony. It is the day the State Theatre transforms into a full-scale television studio, and for me, it is the most rewarding day of the year to be behind the lens.

The Professional Shift: TV Prep

Walking into the theater on Wednesday evening feels different. The WFMZ-TV crew is all set up, their cameras positioned, and the production team is in “watching and learning” mode. They are mapping out every camera angle and every lighting cue, following a nearly identical tech rehearsal of the entire three-hour show. Watching the synergy between the theatrical performers and the television professionals is a masterclass in production.

The Visual Explosion: Full Costumes

This is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Wednesday is the first time all the actors, soloists, and ensembles are in full costume performing together on the State Theatre stage.

The transition from rehearsal hoodies and sneakers to vibrant, theatrical costumes is an explosion of color and character. It changes the way the students carry themselves—they aren’t just rehearsing anymore; they are the characters.

Why It’s My Favorite Day

As a photographer, Wednesday is my “gold mine” day. Because it is a dress rehearsal and not a live broadcast with a seated audience, I have the flexibility to capture the best possible action shots without the constraints of a live crowd or the strict sightlines of the actual ceremony. I get to document the sweat, the smiles, the intricate details of the costumes, and the peak energy of the routines. This is where I capture the “hero shots” that end up being favorites for years to come.

Dress rehearsal photo of the 2025 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography
Dress rehearsal photo of the 2025 Freddy Awards. Photo by DAVE DABOUR Photography

The countdown to the red carpet is almost over! If you’re a cast member or a parent, make sure you have the link ready to go. You can view all the magic from this week and our entire history of the Freddy Awards right here:

Dabour Photography Freddy Awards Gallery

Keep checking back—as soon as the magic from today is processed, it will be landing in the 2026 gallery!

Molly: A Decade of Movement and Grace

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There’s something incredibly special about watching a performer grow up through my lens. Molly is no stranger to my camera—I’ve been photographing her since she was a young girl, and it has been a privilege to document her evolution into the dancer she is today.

In the world of dance, Molly almost had a “destiny” on the stage. With both of her older sisters being dancers—and now both teaching at Showbiz Kidz Dance Center in Lopatcong, NJ—Molly was practically born into the studio culture.

Beyond the Recital Schedule

A flexible dance student named Molly H performing an advanced floor pose during the Showbiz Kidz Dance Center 2026 portrait session. She is wearing a modern black and white patterned dance costume and is arched backward with one leg extended vertically while balanced on her knees and forearms.
Early SBK 2026 dance portraits by Dave Dabour Photography

While picture days at the studio are always a whirlwind of energy, the tight schedule often means we have to move quickly. To really capture the range and artistry Molly is capable of, I offered her some additional dedicated studio time.

This allowed us to slow down, experiment with lighting, and create the specific images we both had in mind. The results are some of my favorite portraits to date! The extra time truly let her personality and technical skill shine without the rush of a standard rehearsal day.

What’s Next?

Molly H performs a cabaret-style dance pose with a white chair during the Showbiz Kidz Dance Center 2026 portrait session. She is wearing a black lace leotard, fishnet tights, and red gloves, holding a red top hat while arching back in a dynamic split-legged stance.
Molly H, a dance student in a black sheer costume, performs a dramatic backbend on the floor, arching her body with her head tilted back and hair flowing, while balanced on one hand and her knees during the Showbiz Kidz Dance Center 2026 portrait session.

I am so thrilled with how these turned out, and I’m even more excited for the future. I’m hoping to have Molly join us as a Dabour Photography Ambassador for the upcoming season. She represents everything I love about dance photography: dedication, history, and a true passion for the craft.

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

Final Bows in Arendelle: Catch SKIT’s ‘Frozen’ One Last Weekend

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The Magic Continues at Voorhees High School It has been an incredible journey bringing Arendelle to Hunterdon County. After the success of our Charlotte Cast’s opening performances, the spotlight now shifts to the talented Sophia Cast as we head into our final weekend of production.

As a photographer for SKIT for over 30 years, I’ve seen countless stories come to life on the Voorhees stage, but there is something truly special about the energy this cast brings to these iconic characters. From the sisterly bond of Anna and Elsa to the hilarious antics of Olaf and Oaken, the Sophia cast has delivered a performance you won’t want to miss.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: The Sophia Cast

An actress portraying Elsa from the Sophia cast of SKIT’s Frozen performs on stage, standing atop a shimmering ice staircase with her arms outstretched in a powerful pose.
A performer portraying Olaf the snowman stands center stage in a plush costume with large coal-style buttons and a carrot nose during the Sophia cast production of Frozen.
Kristoff kneels on stage playing a lute while Sven the reindeer stands beside him with a comical, wide-eyed expression during SKIT’s production of Frozen.
An actress portraying Anna in the Sophia cast of SKIT’s Frozen performs a dance move in her coronation gown, while Hans stands in the background smiling.
A young actress portraying Young Anna in the Sophia cast of SKIT’s Frozen stands on stage with a joyful expression, wearing a long-sleeved grey and green Nordic-style dress with her hair in two braids.
Young Elsa and Young Anna stand center stage in traditional Nordic-style dresses, with King Agnarr and Queen Iduna standing protectively behind them during the opening scenes of SKIT’s Frozen.

Don’t Miss the Final Performances Time is running out to see this “Frozen” phenomenon in person. We have three final shows remaining this weekend:

  • Saturday, May 9th – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, May 10th – 2:00 PM (Final Performance!)

Whether you’re coming to see your favorite performers for the first time or returning to relive the magic, we can’t wait to see you in the audience!

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!

Creating the Banks Family Portrait for SPAC’s Mary Poppins Jr. — Why Historical Accuracy Matters

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Stewartsville Performing Arts Club SPAC will be performing 'Mary Poppins Jr. Jan 16-17, 2026 at 7 pm and 2 pm

Stewartsville Performing Arts Club (SPAC) is bringing Mary Poppins Jr. to the stage this weekend, with performances on Friday, January 16 at 7 PM and Saturday, January 17 at 2 PM and 7 PM. As part of the production, I had the opportunity to create a special photo prop: the Banks family portrait that appears in the show.

At first glance, it might seem like a simple family photo. But for a story set in the early 1900s, authenticity matters — and that’s where experience in theater photography makes all the difference.

Honoring the Time Period

Family portraits in the early 20th century looked very different from what we’re used to today. Photography was formal, deliberate, and often reserved for special occasions. Smiling was uncommon, not because people were unhappy, but because long exposure times and cultural norms encouraged a more serious expression.

To create a believable prop for Mary Poppins Jr., I needed to match that historical style. That meant:

  • A black‑and‑white aesthetic
  • A formal, structured pose
  • Expressions that reflect the era
  • Lighting that mimics early studio portraiture

These details help the audience feel grounded in the world of the show the moment they see the portrait on stage.

Why Experience Matters in Theater Photography

An inexperienced photographer might simply gather the cast, say “smile,” and snap a quick picture. But theater photography requires intention. Every image — whether a promotional poster, a headshot, or a prop — becomes part of the storytelling.

My background in theater and performance photography allows me to approach these moments with the right blend of research, technical skill, and artistic sensitivity. The goal is always the same: support the production and help the audience step fully into the story.

A Sneak Peek at the Final Portrait

I’ll be including the finished Banks family portrait in this post so you can see how it all came together. It will also be on display above the fireplace during the performances this weekend.

Historical Banks family portrait prop for Stewartsville Performing Arts Club's production of Mary Poppins Jr.

See the Magic Live

SPAC’s Mary Poppins Jr. opens Friday, January 16 at 7 PM, with additional performances on Saturday the 17th at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are available online or at the door.

I’m proud to contribute to this production and excited for audiences to experience the charm, nostalgia, and heart that make Mary Poppins Jr. such a beloved story.