The Players' Ring Pitch 2016

Monday night was a big night for the Seacoast theater scene. The Players’ Ring had their annual pitch night. Unlike most theaters, The Ring (as we affectionately call it) allows actors, writers and directors to pitch the shows that should be considered for the season. They can be original pieces that have never been on stage before or established shows. This little black box theater nestled on the corner of Prescott Park, puts on 14 mainstage and 6 Late Night productions keeping the theater running year round. It is a breeding ground for talent to take root. If you don’t have experience but want to get involved, this is the place to be nurtured.

The Players’ Ring has been a second home for me since I moved to Portsmouth in 2002. It’s where I started photographing people. I’m an introvert, but you wouldn’t know it, because after acting and directing, I have by far more confidence than I would have otherwise. I didn’t pitch anything this year, I am laser focused on my business, but I went to watch and make a record of the night. It was one of the most exhilarating pitch nights I have seen. The amount of talent in this area is staggering. Over 46 new productions were pitched and it will be tough to narrow it down to the 20 final pieces that make it into the 25th season. I can’t wait to see which one’s they are!

In order to challenge myself, and to keep from distracting the packed room, I only used light that was available. I did not use a flash. Being that I was in a dark theater, it limited my options if someone wasn’t standing on the stage, but I found other light sources, like electronic devices that audience members were using. I also used my 50 mm 1.8 lens to allow in as much light as possible. Take a look through some of my favorites from the night.