Realistic camera flashes are called for a few different productions, and there are a couple different options that I have used to complete this effect.

The easiest method is to get a detachable flash from a regular film camera and to have someone press the button from the back of the auditorium. This will spread out quickly and fill the stage. Depending on the size of your auditorium it may become too dim to be seen with the stage lighting at higher intensities. 

The disposable cameras with a flash can be taken apart (Which it specifically says not to do, so proceed with caution) and be rigged to flash on your “remote” command. They will need an electrical current, which for me has always meant wiring connected to the device. I’m sure there is a wireless option, but I have never researched that specifically. With a short cable run I was able to set up a wireless doorbell that the actor could step on to activate the flash. The flash will need about 10 seconds to refresh. The battery in the doorbell will power the flash with a short cable run. I believe mine was about 8 feet. I was also able to use the bump button from the light board and a few extra floor pocket circuits to achieve this effect for multiple cameras on the edge on the stage. 

The disposable cameras work better than real cameras because they are more cost effective. The size is also easy to hide near the stage and the close proximity allows for a more focused flash on the actors. 

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