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