We’re diving deep into virtual productions this year. Based on our virtual production experience we have some recommendations for the tech that makes & breaks great virtual shows.

The #1 question I get about virtual auditions is what technology do I recommend? My answer: whatever is most accessible to you and your actors.

For virtual auditions & rehearsals if you already have access to Google Hangouts or Teams because you're part of a school district or you've already paid for Gmail or Outlook then use the product that's already in your back pocket.

If you're planning on producing a live virtual show go ahead and start using Zoom or to get your cast and crew acclimated. It's the top virtual conferencing platform that offers the most integrations to live streaming services like Vimeo or OBS.

As far as hardware goes I have a few recommendations. These are Amazon affiliate links so if you do purchase Theaterish gets a tiny bit of the proceeds.

Here's the tech I am currently using (*starred) or have used for virtual auditions and rehearsals:

LIGHTS

1. NEEWER RING LIGHT

2. SOFTBOX LIGHTS*

3. DIMMABLE LIGHTING KIT

CAMERA

1. 1080P Webcam with Mic

2. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920*

3. Hrayzan 1080P HD Webcam with Privacy Cover and Tripod

MICROPHONE

1. TONOR Mic

2. Yeti Mic*

3. Amazon Basics Desktop Mini

TRIPOD 

1. Phone Tripod w/ Remote*

2. Desktop Tripod w/ Light

3. Flexible Tripod with Wireless Remote Shutter

SPEAKER

1. Conference Speaker w/ Microphone*

2. Pebble USB Speakers

3. Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone with 6 Microphone

Do your computer camera and mic work just fine for the job? They absolutely could!

Buy the hardware that feels like the best fit for you. If you'd like your actors to see and hear you better go with a camera and mic.

If you want to hear your actors better, definitely grab an updated speaker. Need your actors to have full-body shows on camera? Ask them to get a tripod, or for a free option those old textbooks they haven’t looked at since last year. :)