What I learned from the Theatre
In this deeply personal essay, filmmaker and director Theodora Voutsa shares how theatre shaped her philosophy on leadership, vulnerability and authentic storytelling. Drawing from her 25-year career and her legendary father’s legacy, she reveals how the stage taught her to live truthfully and how that same passion guides her work today, helping people be seen for who they truly are.
🎭 What I Learned from the Theatre
by Theodora Voutsa
“My name is Theodora, and I am an actress.”
From a young age, I knew what I wanted to do; I wanted to get paid to play.
But the fear of being compared to my father, Kostas Voutsas, an actor who became a Greek legend, starring in over a hundred films, with his own production company and known and loved wherever there are Greeks, didn’t allow me to say it out loud.
I kept that need hidden inside me, an unspoken truth that wanted to be expressed but was locked away by fear.
I was so afraid that the words would come out on their own that I began to “stuff” them down with food. By the time I was fourteen, I weighed 80 kilos. No one knew what I wanted, so no one could help me.
At fifteen, after my parents divorced, I found myself in a restaurant with my father to talk about my future.
This time, I could hide behind my size, behind the “shield” of my 80 kilos and finally say it: I want to become an actress.
Now, I know what my father already knew back then:
You don’t choose theatre, theatre chooses you.
Art is not a choice. If something can stop you from stepping on stage, then it’s not meant for you.
Knowing this, my father looked at me and said,
“You’re too short, too fat and too ugly to become an actress.”
In that moment, without realizing it, I chose love, love for my dream, my goals, and my life.
And love showed me the way.
At seventeen, I was in New York studying acting.
🌟 What Theatre Taught Me About Truth
Later, I understood that my father had always been my greatest supporter. When I would return to Athens from NY AND went to the theatre to see him (his dressing room being my favourite place in the world), everyone, from the cashier, to the ushers, the lighting technician, the woman at the bar would congratulate me on my successes or send their blessings when things weren’t going well.
That’s when I learned:
To be a successful actor, you must first be a successful human being.
You can’t express emotions on stage that you can’t feel in life.
How can you be sensual on stage if you can’t express sensuality in life?
Otherwise, you’re only pretending and that’s not art.
Theatre is built on truth.
To find truth in theatre, you must first find it in yourself.
People go to the theatre to watch others do what they’re too afraid to do.
Simply standing there, illuminated before an audience sitting in the dark, gives you power.
As Jerry Seinfeld put it, the greatest human fear is public speaking.
The second is death.
In other words, most people would rather be in the coffin than give the eulogy.
🪞 Knowledge, Self-Knowledge and Growth
Knowledge is power but self-knowledge is wisdom.
To last in theatre, you must know yourself.
The more I got to know myself, the more I appreciated myself.
The more I appreciated myself, the more I loved myself.
And the more I loved myself, the more I took care of myself; what I ate, read, watched and who I surrounded myself with.
I sought to be around the best, so I could learn from the best.
I learned my limits, so I could push beyond them.
I discovered what I truly wanted and I learned that the more specific you are about what you want, the easier it becomes to achieve it.
Theatre saved my life.
Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say:
Theatre taught me how to create the life I wanted to live.
🎬 Leadership, Choices, and Responsibility
To succeed in theatre, as in life, you must be a leader.
You must be dynamic, proactive and ready to make choices.
Everyone has talent. What differentiates a great actor from a good one is how they use it.
Marlon Brando said that what makes an actor a star is their choices, how they choose to interpret a role.
To have choices, you must love what you do and invest in your education.
The same applies to every profession. If you do not know what your options are, how can you choose?
A greengrocer is better than another if he opens first, closes last, cares for his customers, seeks the best produce and keeps learning. No one can do that for you.
You must become the leader of yourself, and convince yourself that you’re doing your best for you.
Once you believe in yourself, others will believe in you and they’ll follow you wherever you go.
🎭 Life Lessons from the Stage
Theatre taught me never to play the victim.
To take responsibility for my actions.
To stay flexible, if something doesn’t work, try another path.
To live in the now, the truth of the moment.
On stage, the most magical moments happen when you listen, just like in life.
To truly listen, you must be present, let go of your ego and give your full attention to the person before you.
Theatre taught me to ask:
“How can I help this situation and add to the solution?”
instead of
“What can I gain from this situation?”
🎭 Theatre as a Reflection of Life
I believe theatre is a miniature version of society.
If we applied its principles to our everyday lives, things might shift in perspective, perhaps even light up.
I’m not saying everyone should become an actor, after all, without an audience, there is no theatre!
But I do believe that business professionals should add art and theatre to their education.
To create spaces where they can experiment, connect, laugh and discover truth, both their own and that of others.
Because the secret to success, manifesting and attracting what you desire is joy.
And what better way to find joy than to play?
🎥 From Stage to Camera
This is exactly what I bring into my work today, whether I’m directing a documentary, a brand story or a portrait photoshoot.
When you work with me, you’ll experience the same process I’ve practiced for over 25 years; a blend of acting, storytelling and truth.
I help you discover your authentic presence, find the courage to be seen and create visuals that reflect your truth, your values and your light.
✨ Book a photoshoot or documentary session with me — and let’s create the visuals you truly deserve.
Event Photography | Mornings in Motion
Event Photography by 88 Productions
It was a great pleasure to cover the event “Motion: For Impact - Sustainable Vitality: Owning your energy exchange” with Elika Tasker at Motion in Singapore.
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Event Photography | Collab by NTU
event photography by 88 productions - video and photography services
A year ago, 88 Productions was commissioned to create the promotional video for the new Bio MedTech Incubator at NTU; Collab.
Today we are back at NTU to photograph the event for the one year anniversary.
Photographing our visit to the storage room
photoshoot, photographer, photography
Photography by Theodora Voutsa or 88 Productions
(c) theodoravoutsa.com 2024
Morning Coffee Photographed by 88
photography by 88 Productions
Photography by 88 Productions
Covering the Nassummit
event photography by 88 productions
It was a great pleasure to attend the NasSummit in Singapore.
At 88 Productions- a videography and photography production house, we thrive on storytelling—capturing the essence of every moment, every emotion and every untold narrative. When we received the call from the esteemed gluten-free brand Schâr, inviting us to cover their exclusive event in Singapore, in collaboration with the Proud Potato Peeler and Agora Products, our excitement knew no bounds.
The event was not just a gathering but a celebration of innovation and dedication to gluten-free living. Schâr, a leader in the industry, showcased their commitment to quality and taste, alongside the creative prowess of Proud Potato Peeler and the premium offerings of Agora Products. It was an evening where flavors mingled with inspiration, and where every detail spoke volumes about craftsmanship and passion.
At 88 Productions—a powerhouse in video and photography production—we relish the opportunity to capture these defining moments. We believe in going beyond the scripted narratives to unveil the raw authenticity that defines your brand. Our lenses don’t just click; they capture the essence of connection, the value of experience, and the unspoken joy of your clients.
How can we support businesses like yours?
By delivering visual narratives that resonate. Our team specializes in crafting compelling photography and cinematic videos that document not just what happened at your event, but the ambiance, the interactions, and the genuine delight of your attendees. This is more than documentation; it’s a testament to the unforgettable experiences your brand creates.
Let us partner with you to create visual stories that encapsulate the magic of your events.
Together, we can ensure that every moment is preserved with the same care and creativity that defines your brand’s journey.
Contact us at 88 Productions, and let’s capture your next event in all its glory.
Experience the difference with 88 Productions—where every frame tells a story, and every story resonates.
Photographing the Wellbub Event
event photography by 88 Productions
88 Productions Capturing precious moments
at the WellBub event at Hegen.
At 88 Productions- a videography and photography production house, we thrive on storytelling—capturing the essence of every moment, every emotion and every untold narrative. When we received the call from the esteemed gluten-free brand Schâr, inviting us to cover their exclusive event in Singapore, in collaboration with the Proud Potato Peeler and Agora Products, our excitement knew no bounds.
The event was not just a gathering but a celebration of innovation and dedication to gluten-free living. Schâr, a leader in the industry, showcased their commitment to quality and taste, alongside the creative prowess of Proud Potato Peeler and the premium offerings of Agora Products. It was an evening where flavors mingled with inspiration, and where every detail spoke volumes about craftsmanship and passion.
At 88 Productions—a powerhouse in video and photography production—we relish the opportunity to capture these defining moments. We believe in going beyond the scripted narratives to unveil the raw authenticity that defines your brand. Our lenses don’t just click; they capture the essence of connection, the value of experience, and the unspoken joy of your clients.
How can we support businesses like yours?
By delivering visual narratives that resonate. Our team specializes in crafting compelling photography and cinematic videos that document not just what happened at your event, but the ambiance, the interactions, and the genuine delight of your attendees. This is more than documentation; it’s a testament to the unforgettable experiences your brand creates.
Let us partner with you to create visual stories that encapsulate the magic of your events.
Together, we can ensure that every moment is preserved with the same care and creativity that defines your brand’s journey.
Contact us at 88 Productions, and let’s capture your next event in all its glory.
Experience the difference with 88 Productions—where every frame tells a story, and every story resonates.
Brand Photography by 88 Productions
Brand Photography by 88 Productions, a video and photography production powerhouse.
Illuminating Elegance:
The Artistic Collaboration Between 88 Productions and Chrisaphe Fine Jewellery
The Sentosa Campaign
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In the vibrant realm of high fashion and timeless elegance, the fusion of visual storytelling and exquisite craftsmanship can elevate a brand to unprecedented heights. Such is the narrative of 88 Productions and Chrisaphe Fine Jewellery, a collaboration that has transformed the latter into a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
Founded by the visionary Mara Choo, Chrisaphe Fine Jewellery draws its name from the Greek word "chrysafi," signifying gold. This precious metal, known for its unparalleled durability and luster, mirrors the brand's commitment to enduring beauty and quality. Inspired by the fashion-forward pulse of London, the rich history of Athens, and the futuristic allure of Singapore, Maria’s designs embody a harmonious blend of precision and artistry.
From its inception, Chrisaphe’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of perfection. Enter 88 Productions, a creative agency and production powerhouse helmed by the dynamic Theodora Voutsa. A filmmaker, director, producer, and photographer with over two decades of experience both in front of and behind the camera, Theodora has an intuitive understanding of visual storytelling. Her agency, distinguished by its female-led team, is dedicated to weaving compelling narratives through video and photography.
Campaign #2
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The collaboration between Chrisaphe and 88 Productions began with a vision—to craft a visual identity that would not only showcase the elegance of Chrisaphe’s jewellery but also narrate its unique story. With a meticulous approach, 88 Productions took the initial brief and transformed it into a comprehensive visual strategy. This included everything from on-camera presence and editorial photoshoots to engaging social media content and captivating videos.
Each piece of Chrisaphe jewellery is designed to capture timeless elegance, and 88 Productions ensured this ethos was reflected in every visual asset. Through expertly orchestrated photoshoots, the agency highlighted the intricate details and natural beauty of the jewellery. Their videos, a blend of documentary-style storytelling and high-fashion cinematography, offered an immersive glimpse into the artistry behind each creation.
Social media, a crucial platform for modern luxury brands, was handled in collaboration by 88 Productions. 88’s visuals showcased the jewellery but also engaged and inspired Chrisaphe’s audience, and Maria fostered a community of devoted followers. This holistic approach to branding and storytelling has positioned Chrisaphe in prestigious retail locations like Design Orchard in Singapore, a testament to the brand’s elevated status.
Campaign #3
All images belong to 88 Productions. | (c) theodoravoutsa.com 2024
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Collaborating with 88 Productions offers brands a unique advantage.
With Theodora Voutsa at the helm, clients benefit from her rich experience and keen eye for detail. Having started as an actress, Theodora understands the nuances of performance and direction, enabling her to elicit the best results from her subjects. Her multifaceted expertise ensures that every project is executed with precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of the brand’s vision.
For brands aspiring to elevate their visual identity and storytelling, partnering with a company like 88 Productions can be transformative. Their comprehensive services, from concept development to execution, ensure that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations. Under the guidance of Theodora Voutsa, 88 Productions continues to set new benchmarks in the realm of creative production, making them an invaluable partner for any brand seeking to make a lasting impact.
In a world where first impressions are often visual, the collaboration between 88 Productions and Chrisaphe Fine Jewellery stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when artistry meets storytelling. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
Campaign #4
All images belong to 88 Productions. | (c) theodoravoutsa.com 2024
do not share or copy without written permission.
thank you.
Campaign #5
All images belong to 88 Productions. | (c) theodoravoutsa.com 2024
do not share or copy without written permission.
thank you.
Campaign #6
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do not share or copy without written permission.
thank you.
Editorial Photoshoot | Girl in Chinatown
editorial in Chinatown, black and white photography by 88 Productions
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In the heart of bustling Chinatown, Singapore, a visual narrative unfolds through the lens of 88 Productions, renowned for their mastery in photography and videography. The editorial photoshoot titled "Girl in Chinatown" transcends mere imagery to evoke a sense of profound storytelling, capturing the essence of tradition and modernity in a captivating manner.
One of the standout features of this editorial is its choice of black and white photography. Here, the absence of color paradoxically enriches the narrative, allowing the viewer to focus on the interplay of light and shadow, texture, and the timeless elegance of the subject. Each frame seems to whisper secrets of heritage and aspiration, echoing the cultural tapestry of Chinatown against a backdrop of urban sophistication.
Editorial photoshoots like this are not merely about capturing beauty; they serve as cultural artifacts, encapsulating moments that speak to the collective consciousness of our time. They allow us to delve into narratives that transcend language and cultural boundaries, offering a window into the soul of a place and its people.
At the core of such visual storytelling lies the importance of narrative. Photography, especially in editorial contexts, becomes a vehicle for conveying ideas, emotions, and societal reflections. Whether it's a fashion spread or a lifestyle feature, each photograph weaves together elements to craft a compelling story that resonates with its audience.
For brands seeking to harness the power of visual storytelling through editorial photoshoots, connecting with 88 Productions offers a gateway to creating memorable campaigns. With their expertise in both photography and videography, they bring a nuanced understanding of aesthetics and narrative depth to every project. Whether aiming to capture the vibrancy of a locale like Chinatown or to showcase a brand's ethos through innovative visuals, 88 Productions excels in translating concepts into captivating imagery.
To embark on your own editorial journey with 88 Productions, brands can reach out through their website or social media channels. Collaborations are tailored to meet specific creative visions, ensuring that each photoshoot not only meets but exceeds expectations. Whether you're envisioning a bold fashion statement, a cultural exploration, or a narrative-driven campaign, 88 Productions stands ready to turn your concepts into timeless visual stories.
In a world where visual storytelling reigns supreme, "Girl in Chinatown" serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of photography. It reminds us that beyond aesthetics lies the art of capturing moments that resonate, inspire, and endure—a testament to the enduring allure of editorial photography in today's dynamic landscape.