I got hired as a deck hand at The Blue Man Group over a beer and a giant pretzel. It was my first professional theater job after working as a costume PA in television. I loved the community at The Astor Place Theater and even though I only worked there for 2.5 years of it’s 34 year run- I felt as though I was a part of an greater institution and a well honored staple in New York theater. So when they announced the closure of Blue Man NYC I was beside myself. I knew that there was going to be an influx of photographers and journalists coming to immortalize the last performances of The Blue Man Group’s original show but none would ever capture it in the way that I experienced the show.

One evening, after my second to last show- I took as many photos from my favorite backstage vantage points as I could without impeding my coworkers. Because even though it all seems silly- these are artists who’s great love is to make a great show happen.

Backstage, Blue Man Group at The Astor Place Theater, 2025.

-Olivia