Endgames Improv’s updates regarding COVID-19

Update from Tuesday, July 21st

Hey, long time no see!

Endgames is still (obviously) not putting up any in-person shows or classes, but we do have virtual shows going on, and just now, we’re announcing our virtual classes! That’s right, if you’re interested in doing some classes you are in luck. Jump over to endgamesimprov.com/classes to see what we have going on.

Update from Monday, March 16th

The San Francisco Bay Area is expected to enact a shelter in place order starting at 12:01 am tonight (Tuesday morning, March 17th). Endgames is suspending all classes and team practices as a result. No activity will happening at any of our locations as a result. We have delayed all classes which are currently ongoing and will resume them when it is safe to do so. Our House Team sessions will be extended to make up for the lost time. Our shows were already suspended, but now will continue to be suspended through at least April 7th.

Reach out to us if you have questions, or ideas. We’re thinking about how we can weather this bad time. Some improv groups have already been having virtual gatherings, and we’d love to hear about them in the Endgames Community. The more we can keep talking to each other, the more we can help each other through this.

Thank you and be safe.

Update from Friday, March 13th

As of March 11th, the state of California has released new guidelines affecting gatherings throughout the state. Though these guidelines are not backed by the force of law, we have decided to make some changes to our classes and shows.

From this moment forward, at least until March 25th, all our shows at both Stage Werx and the Endgames Training Center will be canceled. Stage Werx may be closed through the month of April, we will provide updates as they become certain. Any ticket sales already made are being refunded. We are disappointed that we have to do this, but given the size of our venue and the number of people who are frequently seated in our audiences, we cannot justify the dangers of creating opportunities for the disease to spread. The current guidelines are in effect until at least March 25th, and we will provide updates if the situation changes.

While our classes and house team practices are not large enough to fall under the guidelines, we are voluntarily taking steps to reduce the size of our classes to 10 (the understood limit for even those in populations at risk). Communication has already been sent out to current students offering deferments for delayed classes. We do not want to ignore the dangers, but we do not want to completely suspend our services, as we know that for many, this is valuable time. We will be spending extra time each day disinfecting our space and cleaning all surfaces. Our teachers are being provided extra guidance for how to manage the classroom in this situation.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions at info@endgamesimprov.com.

Update from Monday, March 9th

With the outbreak COVID-19 affecting more and more people, and so much of Endgames’ business being driven by activities that bring us all into physical proximity, we felt like we had to speak up about our plans. Our hearts go out to everyone who’s affected, and we want to do everything we can to help slow the spread. The work we do is great because it brings us together, but at a time like this we don’t want that to become a vector for the spread of this.

For all of you, please stay home if you’re sick. It’s always best to isolate as much as possible as soon as you exhibit symptoms, and until you are completely recovered. This goes for students, teachers, performers, stage managers, and even audiences. We will be taking extra precautions by cleaning our classroom spaces daily, and working with Stage Werx to ensure that the theater is also kept clean.

In all of our spaces, we will be cleaning every day. We ask everyone to be extra mindful of their garbage and to please wash hands regularly. We’ll attempt to procure hand sanitizer, but it’s in very short supply right now, so soap and water are recommended.

Classes and practices

For teachers: the regular sub procedure is still in effect, please email as early as possible. If you are teaching and want to step back, please let us know as soon as possible. If you are coaching, we ask the same. If a house team coach needs to step down for reasons related to the outbreak, we will take steps to find a temporary replacement. There may be a period of delay in this case, and we will maintain communication with all house team members in that case.

When teaching, we’d like to encourage a no touching in class rule for the time being. Start every week by reminding people, and don’t be afraid to mention it again if it happens. Improv obviously benefits from physical closeness, but in a classroom environment it is not worth the risk.

Shows

Producers should let us know if they want to cancel shows. The more notice we can get, the better. We don’t want anyone to feel forced to come to the theater if they want to socially distance themselves. This goes for all performers, and house team members will not be looked at unfavorably during this time for sitting out practice or shows. If you’re not well, or if you just don’t want to increase your risk profile, a live comedy show is not the best place to be.

Stage Managers should not come in to work if they are not well. We will work to find people to cover shifts. Again, the more notice we can get the better. If shows don’t have a stage manager, we may have to cancel. Scott, Kari, and myself will be doing everything we can to ensure shows continue whenever possible.

In summary

Let’s all make the best decisions to reduce the dangers. We will do our best to manage the company and keep our spaces clean. You should do your best to stay isolated if you are exhibiting symptoms or trying to protect more vulnerable people, and to practice good hygeine for everyone’s benefit.

As a business that runs on bringing people together in public, this will be a tough time for us. Our first priority is everyone’s health and safety, so we hope that by being extra mindful we can weather this storm. We will remain vigilant, and as the situation changes, we will provide additional updates. I am available for any questions you might have.

I know we could all use something to distract us, and good comedy should be that for many of us. Here’s hoping we can safely continue to provide that to San Francisco.

Max McCal
Director, Endgames Improv