JAMS
Improv Jams are a great way for new performers to get some stage time, and for seasoned veterans to get practice in, and meet new improvisers. Our weekly Up Till Midnight Jam is a hub for our community. People meet, relax, get on stage, try new things, and show off their new teams and ideas. Come and sign up on the day of, right before the show starts at ten for a team slot (bring your own team!) or a mini team (a very short set for experimental and weird ideas), or just as an individual. Everyone who signs up as an individual gets to perform with a hand-selected group of improvisers in one of our Chunks.
Keep an eye out for more info about jams on our calendar, Facebook, or Twitter. Hear everything first by following along in Facebook community, too!
Image Credit Michael J. Astrauskas
PERFORMANCE
Endgames Improv puts on more shows than any other improv company in San Francisco. We know that the secret to growing as an improviser is to perform. Classes are wonderful for learning new skills, but only confronting the stage lights and standing in front of audiences will ever truly make you a performer. Here’s how you can get involved.
Auditions
Any improviser of any skill level is welcome to request to join a Endgames House Teams. Our House teams perform every other week at Stage Werx and are coached every other week by an experienced Endgames improviser. House team members receive comps for friends and family to their shows, and are able to see other Endgames shows free of charge. Endgames promotes the shows through websites, social media, and some advertising. House team members sign up for a six month stint with a team, which can be renewed as long as the performer remains in good standing. Biannual dues are $600. You can read everything about how the audition process works and what’s expected of team members in our FAQ. Watch our Facebook, Twitter, and community group for postings (or sign up for our newsletter). Auditions are held four times every year.
Every week at the Up Till Midnight Jam, one team is selected to open the show. Openers get featured and promoted as the headliner, and start the show off right. It’s a great way to show off to your community of improvisers! You can reach out to the jam through their Facebook page.
Thunderdome is a weekly cage match style competition. Two teams go head to head for audience approval and laughter. Each week’s winner comes back week after week until they are dethroned. Contact info@endgamesimprov.com for more info or to sign up.
Image Credit Michael J. Astrauskas
PITCH A SHOW
Endgames second stage, ETC South, produces shows on Fridays and Saturdays. We want to see the best improv comedy on our stage at all times, and that means we are always open to proposals. Many of our shows were pitched by graduates of our programs and many others by improvisers from other programs. If you’d like to pitch a show, reach out to us at info@endgamesimprov.com for more information.
Generally speaking, if you submit a show to us you will hear back within a few weeks. We schedule shows in three month cycles for the four quarters of the year, so depending on where we are in our cycle it may take more or less time to get you on stage. Normally we offer shows that interest us one or two preview dates, to see the show and offer feedback. If we like the show, we may offer you a run of shows.
Endgames is interested in all kinds of ideas, and forms of improv, but our tendency is toward shows that feature character driven improv, a comedic bent, and diverse teams of performers. We weight a clear theme that appeals to audience members, and consistent coaching and practicing very highly when making decisions about scheduling.
All shows need to have a producer, who serves as the point of contact for our Artistic Directors. If you’re the producer, you’ll help us promote the show, provide graphics and write blurbs, and be responsible for the vision of the show. Learn more about producing in our FAQ.
Image Credit Michael J. Astrauskas
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Creating good improv and sketch comedy requires real humanity from a variety of experiences and backgrounds. It also needs collaboration and inclusion. If you are financially limited, apply for our financial assistance. Endgames values writers and performers from all backgrounds, and we believe that our stage should reflect the diversity of the Bay Area.
We will notify all applicants of our decision via email. Selected financial assistance recipients progress through Endgames entire five level curriculum with their tuition covered in its entirety (along with a make-up class if needed). We also offer assistance for house team dues.
Contact info@endgamesimprov.com for questions or to apply. A simple email explaining your financial situation and making the request is all we need!
Image Credit Michael J. Astrauskas
RECOMMENDED READING
Want to learn more about improv, and help Endgames out just a little when you do? These are some books we think are informative, and written by people who know what they’re talking about. From the grandmother of improv, Viola Spolin, to the masters of slow, relationship driven improvisation, TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi, there are some really formative voices represented here. Some friends of Endgames have written excellent books as well — including Will Hines and Bill Arnett. Check them out! These Amazon Affiliate links mean a tiny portion of the sale goes to Endgames.
TJ & Dave
Mick Napier
Viola Spolin
iO Theater
UCB Theater
Will Hines
Bill Arnett
