Five Favorite Images from Theatre Performances in 2023 | South Bend, Indiana

“My Heart Says Go” performed at the South Bend Civic Theatre.

There is something magical about theatre. I may have ended my tenure as an actor after a third-grade performance. However, even with my limited experience, I have immense respect for those who portray characters so powerfully that it is impossible not to be captivated when viewing the shows.

In 2023, I continued photographing performances regularly. I worked to create images that not only highlighted individual characters in scenes but showcased more expansive sets and more dynamic interactions between characters, scenes, and lighting.

Above, a scene from “My Heart Says Go” elevated to a favorite due to the body language of the three actors. It is dynamic and also an easy visual read.

Below, from “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” the layering of the musicians in the blue light in the foreground and the singer in the background showcases a style of my photography that I use in commercial and editorial work. Additionally, the actor's expression adds energy to the frame. Finally, the simplified background lets the focus linger on the main singer.

“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” performed at the South Bend Civic Theatre.

“Guys and Dolls” performed at the South Bend Civic Theatre.

The above and below images demonstrate seeing the wider scene and incorporating a wider photo to emphasize the mood or feeling of the scene. In the scene from “Guys and Dolls,” I was blown away by this musical number, but the lighting also amplified the message.

Below, the outdoor environment of the St. Joseph County Public Library paired perfectly with the performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” We lucked into a lovely evening with a lengthy blue hour that allowed prop elements to be effectively utilized to create a magical feel in the courtyard.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” performed at the St. Joseph County Public Library.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” performed at the South Bend Civic Theatre.

In this final image, the use of light, layering, and expressions/body language leads to a compelling image that captures the essence of a moment on stage.

It was a successful year photographing performances, and I am excited about leveraging the experience and skills gained from 2023 into 2024!