Capturing the Star Stuff
I recently had an absolute blast photographing Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s summer performance of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Applause is a wonderful organization that empowers young people to imagine, create, and collaborate in a supportive environment. They are committed to fostering social connections, self-awareness, empathy, and personal resilience, and offer a range of programs in creative drama, acting, performance, musical theatre, technical theatre, design, dance, and more. In short, Applause gives kids and teens the resources to put on a show. They act. They manage the backstage shenanigans. They design the sound and lighting. They do it all because Applause gives them the space, tools, and encouragement to do so. I find their mission inspiring and feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with them once again.
“Peter and the Starcatcher” is a stage adaptation of a novel by the same title written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. This prequel to Peter Pan, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice, is a wildly theatrical high-seas adventure that tells the story of how a nameless orphan became the legendary Peter Pan. It’s imaginative and humorous and is known for its inventive use of minimalistic sets and props. Basically, it’s the perfect show for youth theatre and the Applause group knocked it out of the park.
Applause brought the swashbuckling hijinks to life with incredible energy and talent. I was especially impressed with the ingenuity of the costume designers. In one memorable scene, the magical substance “star stuff” transforms a group of fish into mermaids. So, here’s a question: What material is widely available to newly sentient fish, lacking traditional textiles, who need to make clothing? Well, unfortunately (but cheekily), all the plastic garbage floating in the ocean! It was both a humorous and poignant commentary on our over-polluted earth. Seeing the performers wearing tiaras made from salt shakers and water bottles and camisoles made from plastic Target bags, was a brilliant choice that added depth to the performance while also (on a very practical note) saving money in a time where arts projects (especially community theatre) are strapped for funding. Just brilliant.
I am beyond grateful to have been invited back to photograph my second show for Applause! Cary Youth Theatre. I hope the cast, crew, producers, and parents enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed working on them.
If you or your business need portraits, headshots, or event photographs, give me a shout! I would love to help capture your own star stuff.
Hi! I’m Dan from DC Chadwick Photography. I’m a family, portrait, and event photographer located in Cary, North Carolina, and serving the greater Raleigh-Durham area. I love photographing lovely people with the ones they love and doing the things they love. Simply put: I love capturing love! Couples and engagements, weddings, newborns, seniors and graduations, family reunions, sports, stage performances (theatre, concerts, recitals), professional headshots—whatever you need, I’m here for you. Give me a shout so we can talk about how we can work together to make your ideal photo session a reality!
