New to NY...anyone know free improv stuff -or want to hire me so I can afford class?

[elizabethbfa]

Hi! I'm new to NY (just moved here from Atlanta) and I don't have a job yet, so I'm looking for free improv stuff...people to practice with or classes that I could audit in exchange for volunteer work (does anyone do this here?)...Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've studied mostly short-form improv for the past 2 years at both Whole World and Dad's Garage Theatre in Atlanta. I'm looking to take classes at UCB, just as soon as I get a job...

Also, if anyone knows anyone who is hiring a video/rich media professional, please pass it on! I can do mostly everything in the video production realm and I know most art programs.

Thanks!

 

[Hal Phillips]

There are some open jams where anyone can play. I don't remember when they all are, but if you go to the theatres' schedules, look for:

UCB: Jammin' With Ralph
Magnet: The Magnet Mixer
PIT: Improdome or New Team Battle (the PIT ones are a bit different-- instead of picking random people, people form their own teams of 3 for Improdome or some larger number for New Team-- but you have the option of showing up alone and forming an impromptu team with people there, so it's still open to all).

That's all longform, by the way.

I think all three of those theaters have internship programs where you can take classes for free in exchange for volunteer work (I know the UCB and Magnet do, don't know as much about the PIT). But I think you probably have to take a paid class first, and get recommended by your teacher as a potential intern. Or something like that. I'm sure it's different at each theater. But yeah, you probably have to pay for at least your first class.

 

[mikelibrarian]

Gotham City Improv has a level 1 short form class coming up in October. They do give free tuition to interns, but I don't know if you have to at least go through level I first. Here's the contact information if you're interested.

GOTHAM CITY IMPROV
48 West 21st Street, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010
www.gothamcityimprov.com
(212) 367-8222

 

[HairballofDoom]

Both the Magnet and the PIT have drop in workshop classes on Saturdays. The Magnet's is from 10 to noon and the PIT's is 3 to 5pm, both cost ten bucks. So for twenty bucks you can have a full day of improv training at two awesome theaters. I don't believe that the UCB has a drop in workshop at this time.

A great little hint about interning though, if you make yourself known to the people working at the theater, go to the jams, see the shows, take the drop in classes and can show that you are smart and reliable then they may make an exception if you've never paid for a full class.

But yeah, welcome to New York! Come to a show!

 

[paulwielunski]

come to the PIT tonight for New Team Lunacy!
154 W. 29th st, btwn 6th and 7th ave at 11pm.

You can either come with a group and they'll make groups with everyone as well.
fun times.

good luck!
________
NO2 VAPORIZER

 

[mike short]

New Team is fun, but be forewarned that (as with any jam environment) some pretty nutty people show up that aren't fun to play with. Like, 95% are cool people who you'll do a good scene with, but there's always a 5% X factor.

 

[Hal Phillips]

New Team is fun, but be forewarned that (as with any jam environment) some pretty nutty people show up that aren't fun to play with. Like, 95% are cool people who you'll do a good scene with, but there's always a 5% X factor.

I think that's true of all open-house improv. It's not the best place to see or do the best work of your improv life. At best, you can fuck around a little and get some extra practice (as well as some practice dealing with players at different experience levels, both higher and lower).

But that's about all there is, in terms of free improv opportunities.

 

[elizabethbfa]

Thanks to all for the suggestions! I'm dying to get back into it!

 

[Ross Bergman]

Elizabeth,

You don't actually know me, but I promise you that what I'm saying is no bullshit. If you can find a class that fits your schedule and starts after the first week in November, I'll pay for it. (If you get an internship, obviously, this offer doesn't apply.)

Thanks,

Ross

 

[AlanStarzinski]

It is true Ross Bergman is the saint of the Improvisers everywhere*


*-Not a joke

 

[Hal Phillips]

Ross has paid for many people on this board to take improv classes (including me, for what ended up as one of my best classes ever), so I will vouch that he actually means it.

(Hey, Ross, thanks again! Am I still in the pool for more?)

 

[Ross Bergman]

Ross has paid for many people on this board to take improv classes (including me, for what ended up as one of my best classes ever), so I will vouch that he actually means it.

(Hey, Ross, thanks again! Am I still in the pool for more?)

Hal,

Yeah, your name's still in the hat. It's weird: Some people are randomly drawn the same week they enter... and others take months. Then there's people like Sarah Nowak (one of my top ten favorite performers) where I decided to pull her name out of the hat as a birthday gift... way back in August of '06, but she never actually followed up with me about it. I sent her a couple reminder e-mails since, but I guess she either hasn't had time to take another class or is mad at me or something. Oh well.

Ross

 

[benzado]

I second attending Improdome. Going regularly helped me learn a LOT through experience when I was starting out.

 

[Major Dude]

The Magnet Mixer is a great opportunity to get some stage time in a helpful environment. What they often do there is pair up new improvisers with experienced players to do scenes. Mucho support. And its on Wed, Thurs, & Sat at 11 or 12.

I wish these shows were around when I started out!