Improv "Jams"

[proofred]

I didn't put our regional designation because it's more of a question geared towards other "Other Regions".

In South Florida we are holding our 3rd Annual Improv Jam. Trust me, I'll post details later.

I'm just curious about experiences in other areas with "Jams". What are the problems and pitfalls we should worry about. We've had "mixed teams" and "showcases" and have dealt with "political" issues, but I thought there might be an opportunity for people to talk about Jams here.

Thanks,

Todd Rice
ProofRed
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I B Jammin'

 

[Sean_Taylor]

What works:
- Encouragement up top for everyone to be involved
- Reminding everyone to have fun
- Reminding everyone to respet the stage and abuse the opportunity
- Few (vs. lots) people in charge (ideally one...and his name is Billy Merritt)
- Interviewing audience members to get information to play with

Pitfalls:
- Too much alcohol
- Having no way to deal with someone who abuses stage time
- Bad improv moves tend to get rewarded - Talking over people/too many layons/ oneliners/ breaking character vs staying true/ dirty in place of funny

 

[EpicZero]

Its the vietnam of improv. So prepare for war when you go in. Since you are one of a few experianced players likely to be in the show, your support moves are going to be like your m16 rifle. A lot of your unit is going to be scared. Make sure ALL of your troops get combat experiance as soon as possible, and always be ready to give them some back-up. The media is going to turn against you after seeing the reality of war. Half of them will leave at intermission if they see a village full of women and children explode! Your mission is to prevent all villages from exploding. Audience member Interviews are a good cease-fire allowing everyone 5 to 10 minutes to be able to reload and regroup. Good luck, keep your casualties down, and dont expect a grand welcome home parade at the end of the war.

 

[proofred]

EZ, brilliant!

Todd Rice
ProofRed
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Waiting to Di-Di from the LZ.

 

[proofred]

It's still over a month away. It's going to be September 18th near the FIU campus.

One troupe has dropped out and 2 new ones that didn't exist before joined.

There are going to be some 4-5 directors each coaching members from other troupes and the directors will put up their own sets as the evening progresses.

What other formats for Jams have you seen work?

Todd Rice
ProofRed
---------
Jammin' it in hard.

 

[cdcarter]

Well its not much of a "jam" in the common sense but every sunday night here in Minneapolis we have improv a gogo where 4 groups do a 30 minute set and entrance price is $1. You do have to register in advance but anyone can get in if they send the e-mail in eairly.

 

[proofred]

Well, we just had our Jam down here. It was run by Impromedy, and it kicked us. It was tons of fun and everyone came out of it more enthused.

Format:
Five troupes officially involved (4 troupes and 1 duo).
Four of the troupes provided a director.
Each director was assigned members from other troupes.
That director taught a little of what their troupe does and sets up a 25 minute set.
First two performances, 10 minute break, second two performances.

It was tons of fun.

Info? www.improvmiami.com/sfij.htm

Todd Rice
ProofRed
---------
Jammin'

 

[Gnome]

Sounds cool Todd - glad it worked out well.

 

[proofred]

I had my concerns. It worked out great.

We even raised over $1,000 for the Chris Farley Foundation.

When I say "we", by the way, I mean that my troupe participated as well and so was part of it. Impromedy ran the show and deserves most of the credit!

I have to say things like that because somehow I'm getting a reputation for not saying stuff like that.

Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Todd Rice
ProofRed
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Putting the "I" in improv? Nah!!!

 

[upAnotch]

JammyJammJamm

I gotta tellya.....
these Jam's are great ways to get the "community" together and rock the improv out of each other.....
theres no other way to get so much ego out of the way and have everyone participate in a jamm-borie of talent and laughs.....

takeit from me, all that take part in inter-troupe gaming, survive the "Improv Vietnam"

__________________________________
IM RICH, BIATCH
elJefe :up: :up: :up: