Sunday, June 12, 2011

Center School 5th Grade Presents: The Wizard of Oz

So, I followed the paving stone path on into Center School last Friday evening where I was treated to the fantastic 5th grade production of The Wizard of Oz. There were two significant challenges to photographing this event. First, there were very few lights on the actors for much of the production, which made it quite difficult to get clear pictures. And second, there is no air conditioning in Center School which resulted in some very hot and uncomfortable actors, audience members, and photographers. Seats by windows in the gymnasium were at a premium because the outside air provided some relief from the heat and humidity.

I found that there was lots more light near the back of the stage than there was up front so I ended up shooting some from backstage and from the wings to try and get some clear shots. This had the added advantage to putting me close to a few windows and open doors and the extra ventilation they provided(here I discovered a few of the more clever kids also trying to escape the heat while they waited for their next scene).

I was pretty happy with some of the pictures I got of the performance and I hope that the participants find the gallery enjoyable.

Here are a few of the highlights along with a link to the extensive gallery of the production and the after party.



Center School - Established 1935


Ding-dong, the witch is dead!


Munchkins!


More munchkins!


I'll get you my pretty! (And your little dog, too!)


If I only had a brain...


Follow the yellow brick road...


Please don't pull the mane. It's real!


I've meeeeeelted!


Clever kids escaping the heat

Farmer Joe tries on a top hat



My favorite picture of the evening. The curtain call began before everyone was ready. It was delightful to see the all-smiles cast scramble for their places. Bravo!

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2 comments:

Amy said...

your pictures turned out AWESOME! way to go manual. :)

Jake Egbert said...

Thank you every so much, Amy!
I'm glad someone (i.e., you) challenged me to make the switch! It has made a huge difference in the quality of my work and the level of enjoyment I'm getting out of it.