Comedy showcases encompass a variety of formats. A showcase may include a group of comedians doing sketches, comedians doing stand-up, or podcast recordings with a talk-show style environment.
Research the show name and comedians on your assignment to get an idea of what to expect on stage. This can be via the SXSW schedule or a quick Google search. Knowing whether the assignment is a simple stand-up or an elaborate sketch show will inform how you approach it.
Comedy showcases take place in two venues: Esther’s Follies and the Hideout. Both are intimate venues, but the Hideout is tiny. You will not have many vantage points from which to shoot in either venue. You will want to arrive early and stake out the spots that will yield the best photos.
Once the show starts, try to be unobtrusive. DO NOT use flash.
Stand-up
Each comedian on stage delivering their set
Capture gestures, physical comedy, but also include facial expressions that are more natural and not overtly comedic
Sketch shows
Funny poses, situations with the comedians on stage
Podcasts/Interview shows
Singles of Host
Host with guests
Singles of Guests
Everyone on stage
Audience
Audience laughing with view of the comedian
Audience laughing/clapping/doing something in unison