These are images of high school stage sets. I photograph just before the play begins, when the lights are set and the last prop has been put in place. On the surface these photographs look deceptively quiet, when in reality there is always a great deal of activity back stage and all around me. I have to shout out a warning when I am about to release the shutter, so that no one will run on stage or in front of my camera. Although some of the larger schools have hired full-time technical directors there are still the smaller schools with their old-fashioned sets that have been supervised by the school’s art teacher. This is definitely reflected in my photographs—some of the sets are very slick and professional, while other sets are more simple and naive. Although these photos are very formal in style, they represent all of the teen angst and anticipation that comes with opening night.