
Photo Call provides FREE theatre production photography to Maryland Public High Schools that capture the energy, urgency, and potency of live theatrical storytelling with impossibly sharp, incredibly vivid imagery. The program was created by Kiirstn Pagan, lead photographer, and is made possible with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council.
How does it work?
Fill out and submit this form. A school representative can submit for multiple productions happening during the 2023-24 school year. 10 productions from 10 different public schools will be selected by lottery. By submitting, the school representative agrees to the Program Conditions, which can be read in full below.
Fill out and submit this form. A school representative can submit for multiple productions happening during the 2023-24 school year. 10 productions from 10 different public schools will be selected by lottery. By submitting, the school representative agrees to the Program Conditions, which can be read in full below.
2023-24 School Year Schedule:
Aug 1, 2023 - Announcement and open enrollment for 2023-24 school year
Oct 1, 2023 - Close enrollment; Select schools
Oct 15, 2023 - Notify school representatives
Nov 1, 2023 - Deadline for school representatives to accept
Aug 1, 2023 - Announcement and open enrollment for 2023-24 school year
Oct 1, 2023 - Close enrollment; Select schools
Oct 15, 2023 - Notify school representatives
Nov 1, 2023 - Deadline for school representatives to accept
By submitting the Participation Form, applicants agree to the following Program Conditions…
Photo Call Requirements:
Photos will be captured at 1 final dress rehearsal of the production on 1 day not to exceed a period of more than 4 hours. The agreed upon photo call date must fall before July 1, 2024. The final dress rehearsal should be performed under “show conditions,” which means that all technical aspects of the production are (mostly if not totally) complete (IE: lights and sound cues have been set, set and costume transitions have been rehearsed, actors are off book and know where to find their light, etc.) and the performance space is no longer a working space (IE: tech tables, ladders, lights, cables, etc. have been cleared from at least the first 3-4 rows of the house for the photographer). Director/s, choreographers, designers, invited guests, etc. at final dress should sit toward the back of the audience so that the photographer has the ability to roam freely to capture the performance. All students appearing on stage/being photographed must complete and sign a photo release form.
Photos will be captured at 1 final dress rehearsal of the production on 1 day not to exceed a period of more than 4 hours. The agreed upon photo call date must fall before July 1, 2024. The final dress rehearsal should be performed under “show conditions,” which means that all technical aspects of the production are (mostly if not totally) complete (IE: lights and sound cues have been set, set and costume transitions have been rehearsed, actors are off book and know where to find their light, etc.) and the performance space is no longer a working space (IE: tech tables, ladders, lights, cables, etc. have been cleared from at least the first 3-4 rows of the house for the photographer). Director/s, choreographers, designers, invited guests, etc. at final dress should sit toward the back of the audience so that the photographer has the ability to roam freely to capture the performance. All students appearing on stage/being photographed must complete and sign a photo release form.
Gallery Delivery and Photo Licensing:
A minimum of 50 high resolution, edited images will be provided via an online gallery available for download to the school representative (the person who submitted the Participation Form). The gallery link may be shared with students involved in the show and with any creative staff (think of anyone listed in the show program). Schools and students involved with the show will be granted a non-commercial license for photo use. Photos can't be resold or used for commercial or advertising purposes. Photos may be used by the school in school newsletters, email blasts, and on social media to promote the show during its run. Photos may be used by the school in the school’s yearbook. Students may use photos in personal portfolios and on personal social media accounts. Students and schools agree to have these photos displayed on the photographer’s and grant officer’s websites and social media channels for purposes of promoting the project.
A minimum of 50 high resolution, edited images will be provided via an online gallery available for download to the school representative (the person who submitted the Participation Form). The gallery link may be shared with students involved in the show and with any creative staff (think of anyone listed in the show program). Schools and students involved with the show will be granted a non-commercial license for photo use. Photos can't be resold or used for commercial or advertising purposes. Photos may be used by the school in school newsletters, email blasts, and on social media to promote the show during its run. Photos may be used by the school in the school’s yearbook. Students may use photos in personal portfolios and on personal social media accounts. Students and schools agree to have these photos displayed on the photographer’s and grant officer’s websites and social media channels for purposes of promoting the project.
School Selection Process:
Aug 1, 2023 - Announcement and open enrollment for 2023-2024 school year
Oct 1, 2023 - Close enrollment; Select schools
Oct 15, 2023 - Notify school representatives
Nov 1, 2023 - Deadline for school representatives to accept
Aug 1, 2023 - Announcement and open enrollment for 2023-2024 school year
Oct 1, 2023 - Close enrollment; Select schools
Oct 15, 2023 - Notify school representatives
Nov 1, 2023 - Deadline for school representatives to accept
10 schools will be selected to participate by lottery in 2 phases. In Phase 1, 5 schools who have submitted Participation Forms with 50% or more students receiving free & reduced meals will be selected by lottery. In Phase 2, the lottery will expand to include ALL entries, including unselected schools with 50% free & reduced meals.