New S5200. Shooting show next week. Help

[squirrelza]

Hello Everyone,

With much help from numerous forums I have picked out a Fuji FinePix S5200/S5600 and a 1GB card. I haven't been taking any serious pictures with it yet, mainly because I want to use it for shows, but the first one comes up next week and I need to help! I am overwhelmed by everything on the S5200 as this my first SLR-like camera. I am used to those normal point and shoots with limited settings.

About the venue. It is an indoor sports club with a little light coming through the windows on the side. I will be there the whole day so lighting will vary throughout the day. At night they usually have coloured lights. The venue is very small so I will be able to get in front, on the side of the stage and even on the stage if I want to. I plan to mainly take "still" shots during the day, and use the lighting at night to my advantage and mainly do "trail lighting" like I've seen numerous photographers do. I am also able to use flash if needed.

I am just looking for some idea of what settings to start off with. I will definitely be testing numerous settings as I just want this to be my "trial" shoot.

Check these links for pictures I've taken with my horrible old camera at the same venue:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergDay.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergDay2.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergNight.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergNight2.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergNight3.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergNight4.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a173/mwbarge/wynbergNight5.jpg

Thank you!