Full disclosure, I'm going to highly recommend camcorders—I really suggest using one if you're serious about filming—but if you're not interested and would rather used your phone I have thoughts for that towards the bottom of the page.

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The current camera that I use is a Panasonic WXF991K with the viewfinder. It's my current favorite camera in terms of video and audio quality (brick size aside). Between 2018-mid 2019, I used a Canon HF R400 and then a Canon HF R800. The R400 filmed in 1920x1080p with 30fps, which was acceptable for what it had to do. It had a tendency to blur and come out of focus if I moved onto another subject too quickly, but it usually fixed itself in a few seconds. The R400 recorded in spanned AVCHD MTS files, which usually means you'll need ffmpeg / Handbrake (or even Adobe Premier / iMovie if you want to get fancy) knowledge to be able to use more universally. Or, just release the files as they are, you do whatever you want to do.

As a general consensus, please don't attempt to convert videos into an easier format to publicly post bootleg content anywhere.

One of the reasons I upgraded is because the R800 is able to run at 60fps with a better focus ability, and comes in a Black color that doesn't have any distracting silver on the outside. Interestingly, I have noticed that the audio may come out with very, very, faint noises of the optical stabilization system rattling during the show if I'm really shaky. Both Canon cameras I've used record in similar quality with 32x Optical Zoom, which is super fantastic. I usually push it with what Canon likes to call Advanced Zoom, which goes to a maximum of 57x. They both also tended to heat up during the show, which isn't fun, but it's unavoidable due to the length of the show.

For those looking to get into mastering with a budget, I really recommend the Canon HF R800. It records in full HD with 60fps and it records in MP4 files instead of formats that might confuse beginners like MTS. The colors are great, the washout is minimal, and it does exceptionally well in smaller theatres. A 32 GB SD card should be able to hold a one Act show fine, so make sure to bring two for Two Act shows. In case of emergencies, a 2.5 hour show can fit on one card, but then you're in more danger of losing the entire show in one card.

Starting in February of 2022, I started using a Panasonic HC-WXF991K and primarily used the spotlight video mode as well as limiting it to 20x optical zoom. Once I got the settings I wanted, I was really happy with the results, this is the camera I use to this day and I have no problem with it other than its huge size (but the quality makes up for it). This camera comes with a optical viewfinder which allows use of the LCD flip-out screen as well as manually looking into the eyepiece and turning off the LCD screen.

Regardless of the camera model, it is recommended to purchase dark or black-colored cameras, tape any visible features (LED lights, logos, etc.) with black tape.

And now for some filming history! most older camcorders used to come with optical viewfinders that you needed hold up to your eye to be able to see what the camera was seeing—LCD screens either didn't come with them or were unreliable. For a while, a lot of masters today relied on the LCD and most cheaper camcorders didn't come with optical viewfinders anymore, so filming techniques evolved in response. As a result, older videos are usually very well aimed albeit not a high quality as today. Now, with newer and more expensive cameras, viewfinders are coming back in popularity–slowly, that is.

It's almost impossible to come up with a singular fool-proof way to film perfectly and get away with it, so it's really all trial and error. There are just too many variables like audience type, seat location, usher movement, and rogue factors such as technological and even theatre emergencies. I dealt with an active fire-ant infestation during a show once. Always do as much research on a theatre as possible, avoid going in blind (previously existing videos of different shows in the same theatre are your best friend), and consider enlisting the help of trusted friends. No theatre is 100% impossible to film in—the community used to think it was impossible to film the 2017 Broadway Revival of Once on this Island due to the in-the-round staging, but it ended up happening several times anyways. Don't give up!

There are some almost universally agreed upon tips, though:

• Always conceal your camera in some way! I use a jacket, but any dark cloth should do as well. The camera LCD should always be dimmed to the lowest level, and if it's not dark enough consider using thin but semi-transparent cloth such as leggings to get that done. Remember to use both hands; your free hand should help hide the LCD screen.

• Distance is important. If you actually plan to aim and zoom, sitting up close or next to ushers is not the best idea. Consider seats with limited blind spots behind you, so you are able to actually focus on filming instead of worrying about everyone behind you seeing suspicious activity. As such, the last row of the mezzanine isn't out of the question.

  • Unless you're sitting at the back of the theatre, also avoid holding your camera up any higher than your chest. Fellow audience members behind you are more attentive and likely to spot you than stationary ushers, and it's like shooting fish in a barrel for roaming ushers.

• Consider your apparel and how it might help you stay incognito. Bright clothes in the dark are just asking to reflect the light from the camera LCD, so stick with dark colors.

From personal experience, there are five traditional means of filming a show. These five involve a camcorder, means of concealment, and the items previously listed. I've listed four methods here in my personal order of preference.

Tip: Remember to keep your screen dim, it's not good for anyone if there's a bright light in the audience of a dark theatre