OKC Improv CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Fall Run, September 7-October 12!

[OKC Improv]

Hello performers,

We had a wonderful summer run, had a fantastic time with Craig Cackowski, and now it’s time to start thinking about the Fall! 

OKC Improv is now accepting submissions for the Fall Run, Saturdays, September 7--October 12, which will be held at Reduxion's Broadway Theater. Six nights of improv fun! 

PLEASE NOTE: Performance times are changing! OKC Improv will now have our Saturday shows at 8:00 P.M. and 9:30 P.M., with a late night improv jam at 11 P.M. in the theater, open to improvisors and to the public.

OKC IMPROV PRIMETIME: 8 o’clock Primetime Shows will be divided into 3 groups at 20 minutes each. This time slot is our bread and butter; established groups go here.

OKC IMPROV LATE NIGHT: 9:30 late night shows will be divided into three sections: an opening group for 20 minutes, an OKC Improv-run competition [Cage Match, Lottery Show, King of the Hill (see below for more information)] for 30 minutes, and a headliner at 20-30 minutes, depending on existing time constraints. This show is designed for new groups, old groups trying new things, as well as headlining established groups.

Please note: OKC Improv Mainstage will be performing October 5th in the PRIMETIME SHOW, in addition to October 12th in the LATE NIGHT show, with a special preview on September 28 during the late night improv jam.

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To submit, please send an email to okci...@gmail.com (DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL) with the following:

1. Troupe Name, location

2. Bio of troupe (to be used in a program -- around 100 words)

3. Description of your performance/form

4. Names of performers

5. Contact name, phone number, email

6. Troupe website/social media

7. Performance date/time preference (8 p.m. vs. 9:30 p.m.)

8. Link to video performance

9. Technical requirements (lighting cues, sound, etc.)

10. A group photo to be used for publicity. This is required. PLEASE NOTE: All groups must submit a photo this run, even if you have sent one in in the past. A month ago, we were hacked, and lost our archived data from previous submissions.

11. Note: Is this a new project? Our Artistic Directors are interested in showcasing new material. If you do have a new project, they will be contacting you with further inquiries.

12. Is your team interested in participating in the 9:30PM Late Night Improv Cage Matches? (see below for more information)

SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE AT 11:59 P.M, SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH.

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NEW SHOW INFORMATION:

OKC Improv Cage Match: 

inspired by Cage Match @ iO & Upright Citizens' Brigade Theatre

The Cage Match is not an Improv Format, but rather a show concept, involving a competition between long-form improv troupes. It was developed by Kevin Mullaney, and the idea is the following:

- 2 teams compete for the audience's vote

- each team gets 15 minutes to perform. A timer is provided on-stage

- each team can call one 30 seconds time-out

- each team needs to bring a song/CD/cassette for their entry - for teams that don't bring their own song something lame will be played

- each member of the audience gets one ballot as they enter the theater

- in order to be allowed to vote, the audience member must see both teams perform

- the performers are not allowed to vote; anyone else present is

- the host is responsible for counting the votes. Team with the most votes wins and returns next time (against another team). Host decides who is the winner in case of a tie.

- decisions of the host are final. The host can make up rules and dish out punishments at his sole discretion.

- stacking the audience is not only allowed, but encouraged

- apart from the above, anything goes, as long as it's long form improv.

- The "official" rules can be found on www.cage-match.com/rules.php.

KING OF THE HILL: 

A competition inspired by Keith Johnstone's "Maestro."

Description (from improv encyclopedia)

Comparable to Gorilla Theatre , but a bit easier, and can be played with a fairly large number of players (up to 20), and 2 directors.

The names of all players are on a big score board. The directors choose for every game the appropriate number of players, perhaps by fishing name tags out of a hat. The directors explain the improv game to be played, perhaps ask the audience for suggestions, direct and correct the scene.

After each scene or game the audience decides, by cheering or applause how many points the scene should be awarded. Each player gets as many points as the scene he or she played in was awarded.

Once everyone has played in a scene, the players with the lowest score drop off, and the whole thing starts again. The directors ensure that (certainly with large groups of players) that there are more group-games at the start of the evening, and more 2-person scenes or even monologues toward the end of the evening.

This is a fun format that can be played with mixed bunches of experienced and not-so- experienced players. Since players are immediately judged, it is perfectly possible to pitch a start player after the first round. Since this system is basically somewhat unfair, and everybody knows this, no one should take elimination too personal (well, that's the idea anyway).

For beginners it's a nice format, as the directors will correct obvious blunders. And since all players in a scene get the same score, this format limits competition between players in a scene.

OKC Improv Lottery Show:

inspired by festivals @ Dallas Comedy House, Seattle's Wing-it Theatre, & Austin's Hideout Theatre.

Sign up individually for a chance to play on All-Star teams with fellow students, players, and the best in town!

2 teams per show, 15 minutes to perform. A timer is provided on-stage

You'll be put on a team at 9:30, you'll have 30 minutes to come up with a show and perform.  It's fun!

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Let us know if you have questions about submitting or performing.

Many Thanks,

OKC Improv

Phone: 405.456.9858

E-Mail: okci...@gmail.com

okcimprov.com

OKC Improv is Oklahoma's premier performance showcase and teaching institution dedicated to the art of improvisational comedy and theater. In addition to producing regular shows featuring the best local and regional improv acts, we work to raise awareness and understanding of improv among audiences and practitioners through publicity, outreach, and education including ongoing classes and workshops.