Eric Davis co-founded freefall Theater Company in 2008 after moving into the former Second Church of Christ Scientist building on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. As the artistic director, his works are sometimes mainstream, often edgy and provocative. He trained as an actor and singer in California, was a resident at the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater, and is a former high school instructor. His current title is artistic director for Freefall.

When I approached Eric about making a portrait, I wondered how we could put his history in the photograph. Then, he invited me to the theater's props warehouse, where I immediately got lost in all of the magnificent contents. Along with hundreds of props and costumes, there was a beat-up light stand with a cage on it, and I asked him about it. He told me the origin and importance of a ghost light in theaters. Briefly, it has some practicality, but it has more to do with strong superstition in theater circles. I made it a key element in his photo and dressed him up as theater royalty. Eric is very modest for a performer but is a kingly sport about donning the robe and crown.

Tech info: Gear: Canon EOS 5D MK IV, Canon EF24-70 f2.8L USM @24mm

Exposure: 1/100s @ f/4.5 ISO 100   Lighting: 1 practical, 3 studio strobes, one gridded