I made the first photographs in the new essay I am shooting called Backstage at the Theater last night. With this work, I am hoping to capture what it is like to be an actor or crew member at local community-based theater.
This is important documentary work for me. It is a challenging subject because these actors are rehearsing or dressing or otherwise preparing for their roles, and there is the sense that the image - that shows a person doing something - may get mixed up with a real scenario from life. There is also the idea that some actors my "act" for the camera if when they are standing down in rehearsals or when preparing for their roles.
Acting, especially for these actors, is a lonely business. Surely many of them do it because it is part of their social process and it is always enjoyable for them to be among like-minded people doing interesting things. But, ultimately, they are alone with their characters and they stretch themselves as people, entertaining us with everything they do. I have great respect for them and the work they do and hope the photographs reflect that.
This is important documentary work for me. It is a challenging subject because these actors are rehearsing or dressing or otherwise preparing for their roles, and there is the sense that the image - that shows a person doing something - may get mixed up with a real scenario from life. There is also the idea that some actors my "act" for the camera if when they are standing down in rehearsals or when preparing for their roles.
Acting, especially for these actors, is a lonely business. Surely many of them do it because it is part of their social process and it is always enjoyable for them to be among like-minded people doing interesting things. But, ultimately, they are alone with their characters and they stretch themselves as people, entertaining us with everything they do. I have great respect for them and the work they do and hope the photographs reflect that.