These photos are so special to me. This show was so special to me. As an actor, this was my first time playing a lead. To get to photograph this show from my points of view as both an actor and a photographer was a one-of-a-kind moment. These photos from these angles reflect what I got to see backstage every show. These memories I have from my 2024 eyes captured forever and I get to look back on them and feel them. That's cool.


There's something so real and vulnerable about capturing photographs of actors from the wings of a theatre. These are angles and proximity the audience never gets to see. There's an element of intimacy that comes from these angles and closeness. We're able to see just a hint of the inner workings of a production. There's something really unique and beautiful about that. It just feels like life, I suppose. I can feel life when I look at these. I often feel like standard production shots can feel very commercial and sometimes a bit lifeless. Theatre and arts are full of life and I think production photos should reflect that.


I'm not gonna lie to you though, getting the shots from these angles can be a bit treacherous. The wings and backstage of a theatre are a well-oiled machine and if you're in the way, you're roadkill. For an actor knowing first-hand the intricacies of a backstage environment, I feel right at home even with a camera in my hand. I get such a workout when I do these photos from the wings. I'm stealthy and fast; running as close as I get get and crouching down to get the shot and immediately jumping up and scurrying into the next wing so I don't get mowed down by an exiting set piece. Rinse and repeat for about 3 hours. It is THRILLING. And also exhausting. By the time intermission hits, I actually need a proper rest. Like a hard sit down and a water chug. I am w-o-r-k-i-n-g.


Doing that in its own is already crazy, but add into the mix also being in the show. This was my very first time doing these photos while also performing in the show. Most of these photos are actually taken while I was in costume in between my scenes onstage. What's extra extra cool is that I have photos of me onstage in the show as well. My husband, Devon, was the swing on this show and wasn't performing that night. I set everything up and talked him through my style and he was able to get some really beautiful photographs of me as well, so this is my first time having some of my classic 'from the wings' photos of myseelf.


These are photos I did just for the cast, not through the theatre. Actors don't often get enough photos of themselves onstage. They're usually very limited and are chosen by someone else, so they don't feel like they actually reflect us or our characters. I wanted to show the life and colour and freedom of this show and give everyone a way to look back on this show and be able to feel it through the images. I hope I accomplished that.


  • Heather