In short
- Decide whether you need complete performances, a short recap, or both.
- Rehearsal and public-show recordings serve different uses.
- Performers, parents and rights holders may each have a say in what is shared.
- For multi-act shows, name each act and version before the day.
A stage show happens once, in order, with no retakes. The video plan has to be settled before the curtain, because nobody can ask the performers to do it again.
Start with the record you need
The first choice is between a complete record and a promotional recap. Complete performances serve performers, families and archives. A recap serves publicity. Read choosing complete performances or a promotional recap to see what is lost if you pick only one.
Then decide rehearsal or public-show recording. Rehearsals are calmer. Public shows carry the audience. The right answer depends on how you will use the video.
Pick the guide for your type of show
| Your show | Read |
|---|---|
| Concert | Planning live concert videography |
| Dance school or recital | Dance recitals and showcases |
| Cultural or heritage dance | Cultural dance and heritage performances |
| Choir or orchestra | Recording choir and orchestral performances |
| Comedy or spoken word | Stand-up comedy and spoken-word shows |
| Talent competition | Video for talent competitions |
| Theatre or musical | Theatre and musical videography |
| Fashion show | Fashion runway videography |
Questions that cross every show
Who is in the programme? For a showcase with many groups, deliver separate records for each act and name each one in advance.
What happens backstage? Decide which areas and people stay outside the brief. See planning backstage filming.
Who may reuse the footage? Performers often want clips afterwards. Read using event footage in performer portfolios for what to confirm first.
What about sound and lights? Stage lighting changes quickly and venue sound may not suit recording. The audio brief builder and the run-sheet filming planner help you raise this with the venue early.
Our performing arts videography service describes how we plan and film a show.
Tell us the show, the venue and what you want to keep afterwards. We will suggest how to cover it and check whether we can be there on your date.
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