Unbidden ~ portraits in the wings

We, the audience, face the darkened stage while the actors wait in the wings. What happens in those moments before they enter from left or right?

Veteran Broadway producer David Black once asked this of actors
William Hurt and Lois Smith in The Magic of Theatre: William replied he would go very quiet and Lois waited “for that which comes unbidden”.

I am capturing portraits of performers as they stand in the wings, waiting to go on stage. Expectation, calm, energy, focus, fear - the aim of this project is to uncover the myriad emotions that performers of all disciplines go through moments before they walk into the spotlight. We are party to a very private moment of preparation.

Photographed only with existing light, I'm very careful not to be seen or heard; I'm extremely conscious of rhythm and energy. I work closely with the performers and stage management so not to disturb the magic moments of preparation.