'What you don't see backstage is what really controls the show.'
Sarah Sutton
Anyone who has worked in film or television, and anyone who acted on stage, knows the feeling of being backstage. For me, it's behind the curtain and behind the stage where the energy is most intense. When I used to act, all of my senses were usually triggered and on alert when I was backstage, in the make-up room or in the wings.
Besides the sites of sets and costumes, there's also the nervous energy of actors, crew and especially the stage manager prior to every performance. As an actor, you have to know exactly where to be, and where to stand at all times, and not get in the way of the prop people, and the crew moving sets on and off stage between scenes.
There's also a distinct smell, especially in the wardrobe and make-up area. It's a combination of old make-up, sweat from costumes, and the history of the thousands of people who occupied the space in the past.
Earlier this year, I noticed photographer Tony Xavier post these shots of Gymn0s earlier this year, I knew they'd be perfect to help celebrate Hollywood's biggest night. Many of FH viewers are familiar with both Tony's and Gymn0's from previous pieces spotlighting their work. If you follow Tony's work, you know he often shoots in LA, capturing some of the industries hottest adult film stars. Living in California, Tony often sees celebrities at the grocery store, but his closet connection to The Oscar's was attending the 2019 SAG awards. Tony says he loved every minute of it, especially the sights on the red carpet.
I can almost feel that backstage energy in Tony's shots with Gymn0s and the lights on the make-up mirror bring back a flood of memories of being backstage before a performance. From high school musicals, to University productions and plays at a local theatre, some of my favorite moments in my teens and twenties occurred back stage and in the winds. For most of this shoot, the star was alone backstage, but as you can see, near the end of the shoot, a co-star joined him the make-up room. I'd love to know what sort of performance they were getting ready for...
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