Walterdale has materials saved for archival purposes from every show which include:
- Professional photographs as further outlined below
- Two programs
- One poster
- Press clippings or similar materials
Professional Photographs
For every show, Walterdale brings in a professional photographer to take photos of the cast, crew and set. This is done at a Photo Call. Some points about the Photo Call:
- It is always held after a performance, usually on a Friday night or after a Sunday Matinee
- The Production Manager is responsible for scheduling, and should contact the photographer about six weeks before the run of the show. Try to give the photographer a couple options for dates. Two complimentary tickets for the photographer should be arranged for the night of his or her choice. Remember, trying to please everyone in the cast and crew in regard to scheduling is difficult.
- It is important that as many of the cast and crew attend as possible
- For one thing, you want photos of the entire play, which is impossible without the full cast. For another, when you’re looking back on this in twenty years, you will want to see all those faces of the people you worked with.
- The play is usually photographed in chronologically reverse order
- This way, the set, costumes and props used for the last scene are still in use, and you don’t have to change them to begin the photo call
- The photographer usually takes about 40 photos
- These shots should include the principle set configurations, striking or unique costumes, props or lighting design elements, and at least one shot of the entire crew.
- The Director is responsible for picking the line-up of shots, and should have this list to the Stage Manager well in advance of the Photo Call
- The Stage Manager is responsible for organizing the Photo Call, which includes:
- Posting a list of the photos for the cast so they know what costumes to be in
- Arranging beforehand to keep any crew that might be needed for lights, sets, props, etc.
- Running the cast and crew through the photo tableaux in a timely manner.
- After the Photo Call, all further contact with the photographer should be handled by Walterdale Archives to maintain the consistent flow of photos and related information
- Walterdale Archives will make a CD copy for the Director and will display the lobby photo as soon as possible
- Copies of the photos should be made available to any production member who requests them. The cost for those copies is the responsibility of the person requesting.
Given the nature of digital media, Walterdale cannot be held responsible or liable for any unauthorized use of archive photos. Walterdale reserves the right to utilize the materials for Walterdale purposes.
Current Contact Information
Walterdale Archivist
Lance Dittrich
Phone: 780.461.7681
E-mail: GMLWD@SHAW.CA
Bill Hill Photography
Phone: 780.453.3333 (during business hours)