Shooting Theatre (on the cheap... ish)

My purchase of a shiny new video camera at the start of the year happened to co-inside with the start of rehearsals  for this year's production of my amateur dramatics group's show.

As I have worked with our producer to film and produce DVDs of the last few shows, I naturally decided that this would make a good first project to familiarise myself with the equipment and to get a, hopefully, better quality of video this year.

I soon realised that shooting theatre, especially the amateur kind, is very different from shooting for video. When shooting for film you can set up your shots as you want them and shoot in an efficient order. With theatre, you have to work with what you've got. You start at the beginning and continue to film until the end.

I'm learning as I go along, but here is a workflow I am currently using.

Record the Rehearsals
As I am appearing in the show as an actor, I have employed a cameraman to help out (I say employed, there is no money involved, just a willing volunteer). By watching the rehearsals and making notes, the cameraman gets to know the show and knows what should be happening when. Having watched some of the previous footage we have shot, the constant zooming and panning to catch entrances can be nauseating and is caused by the camera operator not being prepared for an event and rushing to catch up.
Review the Recordings
Obvious really, but having recorded the rehearsals take the time to review the footage and note where various camera moves can be made. Also note where close-ups would be nice to have, you may not be able to use them, but it is better to have shots you can't use than to miss those you can.
Take Time Setting Up
It won't be practical, or possible, to change things once the show has started so make sure you take the time to set things up right before it begins. Work with the sound and lighting guys, or gals, to get the everything as it will be during the show. Ideally, do this for the first time during a technical rehearsal so that you have time to iron out any bugs in the system.
Record Close-Ups Beforehand
Take the opportunity to record close-ups and other, non-standard shots, during the dress and technical rehearsals when there is no audience to restrict placement of the camera. This should give you material you can drop into the video during editing to improve the composition.
Record Every Performance
Always plan on recording all performances, these are the only times you will get to record audience reactions. Besides, things can go wrong, and if you only shoot the last show, that is the performance you are stuck with. Remember also, that the more material you shoot, the more you have to work with when editing.