The Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts (GISPA) class last week began what they call “collective creation”, the building together of a June performance. The large group of students and their three instructors work together (on music, dance and acting) to create original productions. GISPA is unique at the high school level and their productions are not to be missed.

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Photographer’s note. This student, a dynamite dancer, is not posing for the camera; she didn’t know I was there. She’s in character and is staying in character as she moves, even when facing backstage. So a lucky shot really. (ISO 6400 35mm f1.8 1/60)

It’s end of semester time at Gulf Islands Secondary. The music department always surprises with an astonishing depth of talent. If only you could hear this photo! This is one of the GISPA students (Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts) who go far beyond what you’d expect from high school—even in an arts community like Salt Spring Island.

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photographer’s note:
You might have noticed this photo has been tagged as a favourite. This one’s a bit of a personal thing; you kind of had to be there. There’s no tech/dress rehearsal for this show so I had to shoot during the performance. I arranged for the best seat a month ago. But one minute before the sold-out show was to start, a couple of tallish chairs were brought into the theatre and placed directly in front of me. Then two tallish teenagers parked themselves on the chairs.

I scrambled to the sound/light booth at the far back of the theatre and managed to get some shots from there. The photo info below will show that the limits were pushed.

Canon 1D MKIV ISO 6400 300mm f/2.8 1/160sec 0 ev
(handheld, no room for tripod in the booth)

So that’s why it’s a favourite.