Arts Videobridge Hardware and Software Setup

[wombat pete]

For a wonderful arts non-profit I need to create a portable set up for events built around a video bridge.
The performer is abroad; the audience & presenters are in-house.
The performer needs to see the audience & presenters on screen; the performer will be on screen in-house, visible to the audience & presenters.
The event needs to be broadcast over the internet simultaneously; we also need to have the separate video & audio from the audience, presenters and performer feeds recorded for later editing.
So the questions are:
1.) What video equipment makes sense? What cameras, in particular?
2.) What sound equipment makes sense? What mikes - and what board... and what else?
3.) I'm presuming a dedicated computer for this. What computer makes sense? What other equipment along those lines?
4.) What software makes sense? In particular, should we stick with skype to bring the performer in? Google hangouts? Is there something better?
5.) Any other advice, recommendations, etc.

Our profound thanks in advance!