Long Live the Performing Arts
Seattle High School Theater Photographer
The Sound of Music
Looking back at it now, I’ve always had a love affair with musical theater. The audiophile in me longed to be on a stage with incredible acoustics, belting out show tunes, and soaking in the roar of the crowd. It might be my biggest regret in life that I never pursued music. But, I decided early on that I was going to be a cartoonist when I grew up, and when I made up my mind, it was next to impossible to change it. Flash forward, I didn’t like animation, and I quit the Seattle Art Institute’s animation program only one semester into it. It’s funny how life turns out, isn’t it?
From Here to Eternity
When I was younger, I reenacted musicals in my bedroom for an audience of stuffed animals and dolls instead of on a stage in front of actual people. Wearing out cassette tapes of Fiddler on the Roof, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera, I tried to do every part until the tapes literally broke in my boom box or walkman. I would sing my butt off for hours in my bedroom, or my grandparents basement, but my voice rarely bellowed outside of those eight walls. Music lived in my soul, and theater was a life that lived in my daydreams but was never chased. However, my love for the performing arts continued to grow despite my lack of participation on stage.
Merrily We Roll Along
In 2022, the drama director of Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle saw one of her actor’s photos from a senior gallery that I had photographed, and she immediately got in contact with me. Kismet. The Performing Arts League was looking for a new photographer, and she wondered if I would be interested.
Interested?? I was thrilled. Of course I was interested.
I was asked to do two jobs that year: their annual Spotlight Cabaret, a variety show that highlighted all of BBHS’s performing arts departments, and the spring musical, All Shook Up. I leapt at the chance because theater had always been a dream I harbored deep inside, even when my dreams of being a cartoonist fizzled out, and through my lens was the only way to make that dream come true.
But, I had almost zero experience, and this was a large-scale production held at one of Seattle Theater Group’s most iconic concert halls—the 117-year old Moore Theater. The only real experience I had was taking behind the scenes and front of the house photos at my children’s former K-8th grade school plays. But you only learn by doing, so I took both jobs and prepared myself the best I could. Turns out, I was pretty good at it and soared beyond anyone’s expectations at both shows, so much so that the school hired me for six jobs the following year.
All Shook Up
My theater photography career debuted with an Elvis Presley-inspired show called All Shook up, and good lord, I was all shook up after this play. I attended both dress rehearsals at The Moore Theater, and lost my mind at the talent and pure joy of this show. I loved watching not only these amazing artists do what they do best, but I also loved to watch Ms. Taryn Darr, BBHS’s Drama Director, teach them how to hone and deliver the very best of themselves. Her zone of genius is making kids shine, just like me! I rocked that show and earned myself both plays the following year.
MiddleTown
This heavy-thinker of a show is not a musical, but that didn’t stop the talented actors of BBHS from bringing their all to this play. This play came with a warning because it’s themes were so heavy. It highlighted depression, drug use, loneliness, and suicide. I actually cried while photographing this show because the performances moved me so much. After this show, it was solidified. I wanted to do this more. I wanted to be a part of this world in any way that I could because theater fed my creative soul.
Camelot
I came in ready to nail this show. I had never seen it, but I taught the story of Camelot alongside one of the novels my seventh graders read, and I knew all the characters, the storyline, and what I was looking for. But oh my goodness, I was not prepared for the talent that was on that stage that night. I should have known what I was walking in to. I had been with these kids for two show seasons already at this point. But this show was beautiful in a way that I don’t think I could have ever fully prepared for. And just like they elevated their acting and singing, I elevated my ability to capture them.
Love Never Dies
Needless to say, this is a leg of my small business that I want to grow. I love theater and would love to work with production companies and schools around the Sound. So, if you are looking for an enthusiastic photographer with an eye for theater and unique lighting set ups, I am your girl! Hit me up and we’ll talk shop. I cannot wait to connect with directors and theater companies alike. If you know someone looking for this type of photography, send them my way. I am always so grateful for referrals. That’s how this all started after all.
A gigantic thank you to Bishop Blanchet High School, PALS, and Taryn Darr for your continued patronage and support of my small business. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all of you.
Want to see more from Camelot? Check out the full gallery below:
Interested in the play, Middletown by Will Eno? Check it out below:
Are you a Seattle-area high school or theater company looking to connect with a local photographer for your next play, recital, or event? Check out my School Events page below. I look forward to connecting with you:
Are you a Seattle-area parent looking to book your high school senior’s milestone session for 2025? Did you know I specialize in Senior Portrait Photography? Check out my Senior Portrait Session Page.
Have a beautiful week, everyone. I love you all!