State of the Theatre 2020
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By now, you already know the innumerable ways that 2020 sucked. In the spirit of improv, let’s focus on 2020’s positives and the plans we have for 2021.
One of our long term goals is to become a Cincinnati comedy destination. IC has always had an awkward charm (and we never want to lose that!), but we felt it was time for the theatre to start dressing for the job we want. That meant several notable improvements. Thanks to 2019’s Kickstarter fundraiser we were able to incorporate:
Dedicated ticketing software
New box office with procedures for house staff volunteers
New tech booth (nicknamed Locknuts Lindemann) with updated procedures for our tech volunteers, AKA “vibe curators”
New speakers and microphones
A new modular set design with walls, doors, and windows that are interchangeable.
More weekly shows and more efficient scheduling.
Another major 2020 achievement was the creation of a standardized reporting procedure for the safety of our students, performers, and staff. To that end, we created a web page where anyone can make an anonymous report. All reports will be thoroughly investigated by our student safety committee, which is filled with passionate members of the community who care deeply about this topic.
On the front end, we now ask everyone involved with IC to sign a pledge that defines our culture and expectations. We want improv to be fun and welcoming to everyone. IC has zero tolerance for bigotry and sexual harassment. Pump your fist and say “Hell yes!” if you agree. We’re imagining everyone doing this, and it feels good.
We’re glad we reached these achievements early in the year because the pandemic then simplified our focus to: keep the theatre alive! We're still in the midst of this mess, but here are five ways we've survived so far
The Revolution Will Be Zoomified: We switched to performing on Zoom with weekly broadcasts to Twitch and Facebook. Admittedly, the magic is not always the same when improvising over the internet, but our teams made the most of the circumstances by creating new formats and developing creative solutions. Honestly, these performers kept the engine running, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude. And a huge shout out to Brenden Davis, Josh Elstro, Mark Mascolino, and Tone Branson for producing those shows!
The wise and lovable Sean Dillon helped us learn improv class can work surprisingly well on Zoom! His weekly drop in class, Zoomtopia, helped spearhead the way for other IC classes to be held online. (Sean also did a bang up job of hosting the recent IC Holiday Party).
It’s a Small World: We turned the limitations of the pandemic into advantages by connecting our community with world class performers and teachers. We had masters and improv legends on our Zoom stage and in our virtual classroom; these are opportunities we likely would not have had without COVID. Silver lining.
New Mediums: We launched two new podcasts. Improv Touchstones is an interview podcast with notable Improvisers who talk about their lives and the quality ingredients of good improv. It's pretty cool that we had the chance to interview our heroes. Worth a listen!
Yeti Or Not is an audio enhanced improvised performance podcast that is inspired by the discussion of a suggested question. It's a really slick show filled with talented performers. Please subscribe and enjoy.
Uncle Sam and Gaslight Properties: We would be in bad shape without the PPP loan and Hamilton County Cares Grant funding. We're thankful for these boosts to our financial morale. We also received much-needed rent reduction from Gaslight Properties. The owners love the idea of a comedy club in Clifton and have treated us very well. Grateful!
New Faces: OSU (and IC) student, Audrey Neyer, volunteered to be our marketing intern, and we’re pleased as punch. If you notice any new marketing efforts, it’s thanks to Audrey.
The Community Has IC’s Back: Despite fewer in-person opportunities, we’re still feeling the love from the IC community. We have much to be thankful for - the many students who braved our outdoor, socially-distanced classes. Everyone who attended the regular Friday lunch Zoom calls or watched (or performed in) one of the online shows. The incredibly thoughtful and generous participants in the recent Secret Santa gift exchange. And everyone who has donated money to keep IC going. It’s clear that this community is involved for more than just laughs. You all are the fuel that keeps IC going and we could not have done it without you.
As we move into 2021, you might be wondering how we will continue to evolve and how you might help. The downtime has made us ponder how to bounce back. Here are some goals…
An Official Bar - No news to announce, but we thought we might as well speak this goal openly so that it will manifest into reality.
New Staff - Jon's having a baby, which means we will be needing to hire a Chief of Staff who can keep us organized while Jon focuses on his growing family. He’ll still be working his magic as Executive Director, but we might see less of him for a bit.
Patreon - a monthly membership where your donation becomes a win-win. Your monthly contribution will help IC thrive, and in return, you will receive rewards and benefits like merchandise, monthly workshops, and other exclusives. Check it our here!
We will get through this together. If you are ever feeling down, just know that we have your back. Improv Cincinnati has become a family where we have a “Yes And” spirit -- this is the way.
Our gratitude,
Colin and Jon