Backstage: Dreamgirls 2023
Few people know that I am a founding member of Sarasota’s, Westcoast Black Theater Troupe (WBTT). I was one of its first performers, singing, dancing, and acting, working closely and exclusively with the company and its Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs, for nearly a decade. I stepped away for a while to develop as a photographer and content creator. Mr. Jacobs called me earlier this year to take on one of the principal roles in WBTT’s production of Dreamgirls. I always say yes to Nate. So, there it is.
During our run of 47 performances at WBTT’s theater, for three separate shows, I was granted permission and allowed to document the cast and some of the crew of the production. I brought my camera backstage during our show. Upon my arrival at the theater, and in between my scenes, I shot images and just captured moments of everyone’s process and interactions. I turned the electronic shutter sound off of my Sony A7iii and with 2 different prime lenses I tried to be invisible and, yet, visible. Here are the results. It may look like people are relaxed and laid back in a lot of these photos. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everything was very fast-paced.
I love theater but watching the growth of WBTT has been a very special blessing to me as a black artist. As everyone went through the usual process of rehearsals, costume fittings, lighting, and finally, the production itself, there’s a bonding process that happens. It brings a sense of trust and community quite unlike anything else I’ve experienced. These are some of the most talented and genuine people you would ever want to meet. My goal in shooting backstage was more than just documenting but trying to tell a story that captures what the spirit of this community feels like during a live performance. The excitement, laughter, and joy of it all. From the cast and crew arriving, to the rush and thrill of a live show. Of course, the last two shots happened when one of the performers got his hands on my camera. Not bad, Dale. Not bad. lol
