Announcing the Improv Cincinnati Community Cookbook!

We are seeking your favorite food and drink recipes to be included in this special digital publication.

This PDF cookbook will be lovingly compiled from your submissions and then made available for sale at a modest price. The sale of this cookbook will help Improv Cincinnati survive and thrive until we can all be together again!

We are looking for recipes for food and drinks (main dishes, sides, salads, condiments, desserts, cocktails, mocktails, etc.).

We would also LOVE it if you would include any preparation tips, notes, musings, memories, or stories you have associated with these recipes!

Email them to Colette Lindemann at cdmarine@gmail.com. Use the subject header "IC Cookbook."

Submission deadline is July 31. Please submit a maximum of 5 recipes per person.

How to Support Improv Cincinnati During the Pandemic

People ask how they can support Improv Cincinnati through the pandemic. Here's the short list:

1. Recommend your company an online team building or private comedy show 

2. Take a class. Classes via Zoom have exceeded all of our expectations, and outdoor classes IRL *may* be starting before long.

3. Buy a new baby-soft, navy blue, IC t-shirt

4. Make a donation: Venmo (@Improv-Cincinnati), Paypal (info@improvcincinnati.com), Cash app ($improvcincy) or online.  

5. Love the Improv Touchstones podcast? Rate it 5-stars on Apple Podcasts

6. Watch and join the conversation on IC's new home for shows - Twitch 

7. Connect us with a special guest monologist for upcoming Veracity shows. (Bonus: They no longer need to be in Cincinnati 🙃) 

Ideas for the Isolated: Solo Improv Practice

If you are reading this in the future, please note that it was written during The Great Pandemic Pause of 2020 when the novel coronavirus Covid-19 forced the entire world (except for select heroes) to isolate themselves via “social distancing”. Improvisers have been deprived of our IRL classes, our community of friends and teammates, and the laughter and applause we love from our live audiences.

But, that doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to grow as improvisers. By now, you know that every major improv theatre is doing classes/shows online via Zoom, Oozebear, and other platforms. You are truly missing out if you haven’t taken advantage of being taught by legends like Rich Talarico, Adam Cawley, and Will Hines. And while online improv shows are not a fraction of the real thing, there are now opportunities to see sets being done by impressive teams like Magnet Theatre’s Trike, and they’re being offered for a price that is truly affordable.

The #1 question that I receive from new students is “How can I practice at home without scene partners”? Honestly, improv is a team sport, and practicing alone is challenging. But, there are people who have perfected solo improv to the point where they have blurred the meaning of “team sport”. Andy Eninger defined the genre of solo improv with his form called “Sybil”. Jill Bernard’s “Drum Machine” and Stacey Smith’s Stacejam carried the genre forward and evolved the musical element.

I’ve listed a few ideas for solo improv below (thanks to Stacey Smith for contributing to ideas 5 and 6). You will also want to check out Jill Bernard’s article on the same subject. I hope you try some of these ideas during your quarantine. Let me know how it goes…

1. Mime Practice: One of the qualities that separate good improvisers from master improvisers is the strength of their skills at object work. The reason object work is so challenging is that the brains of new improvisers experience a creative dissonance when trying to mime objects while simultaneously improvising fictional dialogue. Often this dissonance is resolved by the improviser stopping their miming while they speak or starting their miming when they don’t speak. The best way to overcome the dissonance is to practice, practice, practice.

   Grab an object, examine it, assess it’s weight, explore it visually and tangibly , and then repeat the experience with an imaginary version of the object. Once you have a “feel” for imaginary objects, try to have an actual conversation while miming an activity (maybe while you’re talking to someone on speaker phone if you want to be sneaky). Then, progress to miming an activity while telling a fictional improvised story — be mindful that you continue the activity while talking.

2. Scenework: The #1 thing you can do solo that will improve your scenes is to practice mindfulness. Grab one of the many apps, such as Insight Timer , Calm, or Sam Harris’ Waking Up, and just listen to the guided meditations. Scenes are infinitely better when you’re in the present moment actively listening. I can’t recommend this enough, and bonus, it will help your ever-anxious mind during the pandemic.

   This might make you seem like an oddball, but it’s good practice having scenes with yourself (also who cares about being and oddball?). One tip, choose two characters with different points-of-view and/or opposite characteristics (like grandmother and grandson). Take your time improvising and allow for silence. Try to reset your brain with every new line of dialogue and continue to be in the moment even though you are playing both roles.

3. Character: This is the perfect time to be working on your characters. Study your face in the mirror and see how the changes in your facial features give you an altered persona.

   Watch movies/shows with different types of voices like Tiger King and repeat how they talk (note: your family will hate you for this). Or visit the Dialects Archive and listen to the thousands of examples of available dialects and try to copy them.

   Practice improvising a monologue but give yourself different emotions (perhaps from the wheel of emotions) as you go. Then start to combine emotions with different character archetypes. What does a proud farmer sound like? How about a curious soldier?

4. Finding Game: You will not find better examples of game/heightening than by watching sketches from Key & Peele. Pick a few of their sketches and see if you can spot the moment when something unusual happens and then how the scene heightens from that moment. As an added challenge, try to identify multiple games in a sketch because the best scenes have many playable dynamics that function as “game”. Once you have studied the masters, watch some improv sets on YouTube or Twitch and take notes on how well they are playing game. What would you have done differently?

5. Song Practice: Musical improv is near impossible on Zoom because of the lag in audio. It’s 2020, you would think we could fix that by now. In the meantime, how can you practice improvising songs when you don’t have a musical director as a roommate? One idea you might consider is to use an existing karaoke track, except don’t sing the song that the backing track is meant for. Instead, imagine a suggestion and make up the words for a new song. There are plenty of karaoke versions of songs on YouTube if you need them.

6. Rhyme Practice: There is something truly thrilling about the risk of total failure when rapping without a script. Anyone who thinks they’re a good improviser will push their own limits by attempting to freestyle. Feeling off-balance by risking failure is a good thing for continued growth. If you want to take your rhyme game to the next level, download the Rap Fame app. It’s not the most intuitive app, but once you learn how to navigate it, you can start laying down beats to rap over. The app also allows you to battle others and to record your attempts. It even has an algorithm to suggest potential rhymes.

I hope these ideas are helpful. If you have ideas of your own, please post them in the comments. Stay healthy and keep your spirits up!

Improv Cincinnati is Hitting the Pause Button

Due to the coronavirus, IC will be postponing all classes and shows until, at least, after Easter. Those who can’t delay due to scheduling conflicts will be offered a refund or class credit. Anyone who has purchased workshop registrations or show tickets will be refunded. It is our hope and intention that classes will resume on the same days and times starting on Thursday, April 16. 

Why did we join the ranks of the NBA, MLS, local universities, etc? Well, we’re already experiencing students dropping classes. Show pre-sales will almost assuredly be reduced. Not to mention our class location at St. John’s Unitarian has notified us they are shutting down due to the pandemic concerns. We also checked in with our teachers, company members, and advisors, and just about everyone agrees: the safest thing we can do to mitigate the virus’ spread is social distancing. 

This decision was difficult - not only because of the financial challenge to our small business, but also because the result will separate us from the community and art form we know and love. 

On the bright side, we may use this as an opportunity to venture into the world of audio improv. We’re presently investigating the feasibility of holding online, audio-only classes to work on The Bat (an improv Harold in the dark) and character vocal work, and maybe some sketch or improv classes via video chat. More info on this soon. In the meantime, don’t forget performer Eric Holmes’ new audio-only improv platform called, Ooze Bear, which we plan on using during this unexpected break.

Lastly, we confess, we were both coronavirus skeptics - until certain resources turned us around. If you’re a skeptic too, consider reading and listening to the following resources:

• Listen to this interview with an internationally recognized expert in infectious disease epidemiology. 

• Read this article for the reasoning behind immediately implementing social distancing policies.

Stay healthy, everyone. We can’t wait to see you again soon.

Jon and Colin

Holiday Show Writing Contest

Do you have the perfect idea for a scripted winter holiday show? Are you a writer who wants to have your play professionally produced? Well, we have a contest that you will love…

The Holiday Show Script Contest

PHASE 1: Submit your idea for a show using the form below. Deadline March 31st.

PHASE 2: Three Finalists will be chosen to write a full script treatment. A script treatment works as a road map for the reader, producer, and director. It’s a detailed outline with synopsis, and samples of action, dialogue, etc. Finalists contacted early April, Treatment due April 30.

PHASE 3: One idea will be chosen to move forward with guidance from the IC writing team. If the idea is produced by Improv Cincinnati, the writer will be rewarded $500 upon the production’s completion.

See Colin and Brad from Whose Line

Colin and Brad are coming to the Aronoff Center in March, and we’ve got eight tickets to give away.
Click here to learn how to get them!

The debut of Elfish!

Merry Christmas!

The time has come for another hilarious holiday musical by Improv Cincinnati! Elfish makes its debut this weekend, and we are so excited to bring the premiere to our new stage at Clifton Performance Theatre.

Our beloved company member Tatum Hunter journeyed onward to Chicago where she has been training at the Second City Conservatory, writing clever articles for national publications, and performing in a sundry of improvised musicals. Most recently, Tatum wrote Elfish for Improv Cincinnati. Elfish encapsulates what Tatum does best: smart satirical writing, playfully clever lyrics, and a sense of unrelenting optimism in the face of despair.

Daniel Zimmer brings his jazzy songwriting and accompaniment to Elfish, and the resulting songs are undeniably infectious. Whether it's Santa (Tone Branson) singing about his rival Elon Musk or Dadbot (Jon Ulrich) singing paternally to the elves that created him, you will find yourself humming these songs for the rest of the holiday season.

Elfish has the spirit of the movie ELF, the comedic personality of Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt, and the social commentary of Second City's best sketches. Despite the comparisons, this musical is truly unique. The comedy is extremely topical, and yet it feels like a classic you've known for years.

Hope to see you at an upcoming performance of Elfish. Performances are the next three Friday and Saturday nights in December. Buy tickets here!

See you soon.
Colin and Jon

Community Announcements

**HIGHLIGHTS**

Help IC: There's a pizza and poster hanging party with cast members of Elfish at 1pm, Sat Nov 9. Interested? Respond here.

Help IC: Help build/paint the new permanent set at CPT on Mon, Nov 11. Help out? Respond here. (Thanks to current volunteers, Justin B, Tone B, Augustin, Matt Loch, Tonya!)

Elfish Fundraiser Show with homemade drinks/bites on Sat, Nov 15

Guests from Impro LA visit MADCAP Nov 16-17

Shows: Improvised Tennessee Williams & Improvised Twilight Zone

Workshops: Overview of Improv's Approach to Improvising | Getting Unstuck and Uncovering the Story |

Being Dynamic / Discovery Before Invention

Community Potluck and Giving Circle - feasting and friending - Nov 24

Help IC: Volunteer at a show

ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

(Click here for the IC Public Calendar Here)

November
Sat, Nov 9 - Pizza and Poster Hanging Party (want to come hang?)

Show: Wampus, Half a Cannibal, Absolution Island

Mon, Nov 11 - New set build! Help us?

Fri, Nov 15 - Elfish Fundraiser

Sat, Nov 16 - Impro LA visits! - Tennessee Williams Unscripted and Workshops

Sun, Nov 17 - Impro LA visits! - Twilight Zone Unscripted and Workshops

Sat, Nov 23 - Show: Hot Mic

Sun, Nov 24 - IC Potluck & Giving Circle (12-3pm)

Sat, Nov 30 - Show: Cage of Fools (Whose Line? meets a talk show)

December
Sat, Dec 1 - Cincinnati Improviser's Guild: Feast of Friendship

Sat, Dec 1 - Intro to Improv Workshop

Fri, Dec 6 - Elfish Performance

Sat, Dec 7 - Elfish Performance

Mon-Fri Dec 9-15 - Game of the Scene Intensive

Fri, Dec 13 - Elfish Performance

Sat, Deb 14 - Elfish Performance

Sun, Dec 15 - IC Holiday Party

Fri, Dec 20 - Elfish Performance

Sat, Dec 21 - Elfish Performance

Mon-Fri Dec 30 - Jan 3 - Power Improv Intensive

Thanks for all you do to make Improv Cincinnati a multitude of masterful momentous minds.

Gratefully,
Jon and Colin

A message from Tracy Connor...

Dear Creatives,

I need your help. Bringing IMPRO Theatre here is something I’ve wanted to do for years. When a colleague at Wesleyan University told me her university was bringing IMPRO to Indiana and would I want to piggy back on their booking, split their airfare and have them zip over to CINCINNATI, I said YES! I didn’t think it through very well. I know these performers personally. I just thought GREAT, I won't have to pay their full airfare! That happened in August. I don’t have funding. I rented the beautiful pristine Madcap Education Center through Dylan Shelton at a great rate. (Thank you, Dylan!) and It’s happening NOVEMBER 16-17 and I need your help. I’m picking them up in Indiana, putting them up, feeding and transporting them and — after their 2 shows and workshops— after I take them to CCM and SCPA— I’m taking them to CVG and flying them back to LA. I’m doing this for one reason. I want to give my Cincinnati community what I experienced with IMPRO.

I know this: These improvisers are the best in the nation at what they do. They have NOT BEEN HERE BEFORE and so they don’t have the traction 2nd City or UCB have in this region but they are on a par with them. When I lived in LA and was in the company so was Wayne Brady and Brad Sherwood along with countless sitcom writers and actors and animation voices, etc.. I was trained by Dan O’Connor and worked with the IMPRO company for 12 years when it was called Los Angeles Theatresports.

I want Cincinnati improvisers/actors/educators/directors to have exposure to what IMPRO does. They improvise 90-minute plays in the styles of great writers/playwrights. They have strong ensemble training and it shows. We will see them do Tennessee Williams Unscripted and the next night, The Twilight Zone Unscripted.

This is the BEST thing I can offer to the community — and a spotty house or workshop attendance due to my lack of funding, advertising know-how about social media and PR just makes me shudder. Please spread the news. Please demonstrate the strength of grass roots community, please rise up and claim these artists and improvisers as your own. One thing that has always floored me is how Cincinnati supports the arts. Please support this effort to bring this theatre company from Los Angeles to town. They need to be experienced. No one will be disappointed.

Please buy tickets! Please get yourself and your students into their workshops! This is a great opportunity. If you can, buy SOMEONE ELSE a ticket or a workshop space! Give the experience to someone! PAY it forward!

PLEASE HELP ME GET FOLKS IN SEATS AND INSIDE WORKSHOPS WITH DAN, JO, STEPHEN and KARI!

I spent a lot of money to get to and stay in LA and do a 1-week intensive workshop with them in June 2017 as a refresher. It was an incredible influence on me as a performer and on HOW and WHAT I teach now. I would do that every year if I could.

If you wanted, you could spend $260 TOTAL and see 2 completely different shows and get 9 hours of intense work/training with them inside of 48 hours November 16-17.

Please like share engage cajole threaten entice the heck out of these! I need to get the workshops filled up! The theatre seats filled! HELP!
Please click on each of these links.

1 LOOKIE what IMPRO made for me! Please share!
https://improtheatre.com/cincinnati_madcap/

2 Sign up for the workshops.
http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/mec/News1.aspx

3 This is the Facebook event!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1241797372693201/

11/1 - Community Announcements

IC Community Announcement emails come out a couple times a month and provide the latest info on all the goings-on in IC.

Like this new streamlined version? Let us know!

**HIGHLIGHTS**

Help IC: Need a few more hands for the poster hanging party with the cast of Elfish on Nov 9. Pizza at Jon's place first @ 1pm. Interested? Respond here.

Help IC: Help build/paint the new permanent set at CPT on Nov 11? Help out? Respond here. (Thanks to current volunteers, Justin and Augustin!)

Elfish Fundraiser Show with homemade drinks/bites on Sat, Nov 15

Guests from Impro LA visit MADCAP Nov 16-17

Shows: Improvised Tennessee Williams & Improvised Twilight Zone

Workshops: Overview of Improv's Approach to Improvising | Getting Unstuck and Uncovering the Story | Being Dynamic / Discovery Before Invention

Help IC: We need to borrow a few tables for the Nov 24 Potluck/Giving Circle. Have one to lend? Respond here.

Help IC: Volunteer at a show

ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

(Click here for the IC Public Calendar Here)

November

Sat, Nov 2 - Show: War Candy and Soup Buddies

Sun, Nov 3 - Intro to Improv workshop (We could use an alum or two for this. Want to come hang? Let us know)

Thurs, Nov 7 - Free Daytime Library Show

Sat, Nov 9 - Show: Wampus, Half a Cannibal, Absolution Island

Sun, Nov 11 - New set build! Help us?

Fri, Nov 15 - Elfish Fundraiser

Sat, Nov 16 - Impro LA visits! - Tennessee Williams Unscripted and Workshops

Sun, Nov 17 - Impro LA visits! - Twilight Zone Unscripted and Workshops

Sat, Nov 23 - Show: Hot Mic

Sun, Nov 25 - IC Potluck & Giving Circle (12-3pm)

Sat, Nov 30 - Show: Cage of Fools (Whose Line? meets a talk show)

December

Sat, Dec 1 - Cincinnati Improviser's Guild: Feast of Friendship

Mon-Fri Dec 9-14, 1-4pm - Game of the Scene Intensive

Sun, Dec 15 - IC Holiday Party

Mon-Fri Dec 30 - Jan 3, 1-4pm - Power Improv Intensive

Thanks for all you do to make Improv Cincinnati a breezy blizzard of bodacious blurbles!

Gratefully,

Jon and Colin

PS: Just let us know if you'd like to be removed from future Community Announcements

10/22 Community Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Last chance for Bootsie Coffins - This Friday is your last chance to the horror-inspired improv show that is KILLING audiences...with laughter! (also chainsaws). Buy tickets here.

2. Annual Halloween Costume Mixer - One of the most memorable mixers of the year - like a Secret Santa, but with costumes! This is our first official event at Ludlow Garage and we're hoping to PACK THE HOUSE. Want to participate? Get in touch with Sean Dillon ASAP (CC'd)! Reading this email on Sunday morning? Don your finest costume and come anyway. Sean Dillon Prizes (TM) awarded! Learn more here.

3. Impro visits from LA - Ever seen improvised Tennessee Williams? How about improvised Twilight Zone? You're in luck, as the improv greats from Impro LA are coming to Cincinnati in mid-November. Mark your calendars now, and learn more here.

4. The NEW set is almost here! - The new set is officially scheduled to be built Nov 11. If you've got wood working skills and tools, we sure could use you! If you don't, we could still use you! Come be a part of this momentous occasion. Let us know if you're interested and we'll keep you in the loop.

5. As always... - Improv Cincinnati is always in need of show volunteers. Mix and mingle with IC's finest and help welcome audience members. It's incredibly important and incredibly appreciated. Sign up to volunteer here.

Calendar

(Click here for the IC Public Calendar Here)

October

Fri, Oct 25 - FINAL Bootsie Coffins Fearscape Funhouse of Horror

Sat, Oct 26 - The (mini) Mighty Ohio Festival! - featuring Love Square (If you happen to be in Columbus)

Sat, Oct 26 - Hot Mic (If you happen to be in Cincinnati)

Sun, Oct 27 - Annual Costume Mixer! @ Ludlow Garage

November

Sun, Nov 3 - Intro to Improv workshop (We could use an alum or two for this. Want to come hang? Let us know)

Thurs, Nov 7 - The *FREE* Library Show! - You ain't never seen improv like this before! ((...at the library! ))

Sun, Nov 11 - New set build!!

Fri, Nov 15 - Veracity Show

Sat, Nov 16 - Impro from LA visits! - Tennessee Williams Unscripted

Sun, Nov 17 - Impro from LA visits! - Twilight Zone Unscripted

Sun, Nov 25 - Long Form Mixer (date not firm)

9/26 Community Announcements!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. IF Cincy starts TONIGHT - It only happens once a year. Come see shows and take workshops by performers from Chicago, New York, Atlanta and more more. Plus catch IC's own: Hot Mic, Bluetime, Uranium-235, Wampus, and War Candy. Learn more here.

2. Audition Results - IC recently held auditions. Big thanks and kudos to everyone who came out. We're pleased to welcome the following students-now-performers - as well as some familiar faces in new places! (Brand new performers shown in bold)

New House Team: Katie Garry, Evie Epifano, Cat Ward, Marian Espinoza, Erica Bauman, Alex Folk, Kurt Lindemann, Colette Lindemann
New Main Stage Project: CJ Wood, Josh Elstro, Mark Mascolino, Scott Hanbury, Emily Elma
Daddy Issues: Brenden Davis, Jackie Zhang, Joe DiSalvo, Chance Kilgour
And Then Cannibalism: Claire Wolterman, Tone Branson, Mary O’Connell, Chloe Kaplan, Matt Lochmueller, Jenna Yuenger, Kelly Morton
Wampus: Chris Wang, Jared Lutes, Dan Wasik, Peter Boylan, Cait Riley, Ada Cencki, Jonathan Duerbeck, Sam Dunlap
War Candy: Anthony Dalpiaz, Amanda Monyhan, Samantha Voigt, Miguel Trejo, Alex Morris, Des Morris, Josh Bush Erica Bauman, Alex Folk, Kurt Lindemann, Colette Lindemann

3. Elfish Auditions -

IC's next original specialty production is called "Elfish" and takes place in the Elf universe. This is going to be a phenomenal production (written by IC's beloved Tatum Hunter, no less), and we need actors! Auditions are Oct 5 and 6. Learn more and sign up here.

4. IC September: Complete - We had a TREMENDOUS September! Four FREE shows, performances and workshops from Toronto's Orson Whales, a well-attended Town Hall (not to mention Company Member/Team IC Lunch + Performer's Caucus). Thanks to all who attended - especially to those who came to all four BIG Day meetings - and to everyone who volunteered at all the shows!

5. Need Volunteers - Speaking of volunteering, we've got a brand new volunteer sign up form. Want to help out IC? An easy and fun way is to volunteer at shows. Mix and mingle with IC's finest and help welcome audience members. It's incredibly important and incredibly appreciated. Sign up to volunteer here.

6. Skyscraper Challenge Video - Back in May, we (ie, Jon and Colin) promised we'd climb a skyscraper and do improv to say thanks for the tremendous Kickstarter support. Welp, we finally did it! Check out the video here.

7. Kickstarter Swag Update- To all Kickstarter supporters who indicated you would pick up your swag from CPT - you can grab it all (t-shirts, hoodies, bracelets, etc) at every Saturday show in October. Check in when you arrive, and we'll do our best to get it to you (worst case, you can grab it after the show ends). Note: This is for Saturday shows only. To those who are having them mailed, those will be going out in the next two weeks.

8. Classes start start Oct 7 - Are you ready?? Click here to register.

Calendar

(Click here for the IC Public Calendar Here)

September

Thurs-Sun, Sept 26-29 - Improv Festival of Cincinnati (IF Cincy!)

October

Fri, Oct 4 - Bootsie Coffins Fearscape Funhouse of Horror opens!

Sat, Oct 5 - Elfish Auditions

Sat, Oct 5 - Cavalcade Headlines

Sun, Oct 6 - Elfish Callbacks

Mon, Oct 7 - October classes start!

Fri, Oct 11 - Bootsie Coffins Fearscape Funhouse of Horror

Fri, Oct 18 - Bootsie Coffins Fearscape Funhouse of Horror

Sat, Oct 19 - Bucket List

Fri, Oct 25 - Bootsie Coffins Fearscape Funhouse of Horror

Welcome To Our New Performers!

We’re excited to announce our newest batch of improvisers to our house teams! New team members are in bold!

New House Team: Katie Garry, Evie Epifano, Cat Ward, Marian Espinoza, Erica Bauman, Alex Folk, Kurt Lindemann, Colette Lindemann

New Main Stage Project: CJ Wood, Josh Elstro, Mark Mascolino, Scott Hanbury, Emily Elma

Daddy Issues: Brenden Davis, Joe DiSalvo, Jackie Zhang, Chance Kilgour

And Then Cannibalism: Claire Wolterman, Tone Branson, Mary O’Connell, Chloe Kaplan, Matt Lochmueller, Jenna Yuenger, Kelly Morton

Wampus: Chris Wang, Jared Lutes, Dan Wasik, Peter Boylan, Cait Riley, Ada Cencki, Jonathan Duerbeck, Sam Dunlap

War Candy: Anthony Dalpiaz, Amanda Monyhan, Samantha Voigt, Miguel Trejo, Alex Morris, Des Morris, Josh Bush

Soup Buddies: Justin Boyle, Matt Spurlock, Katie Gayer, Chad Seiter, Josh Shreve, Eric Holmes, Zach Mingie

Announcing: Auditions for Elfish!

Improv Cincinnati presents auditions for Elfish, an original scripted musical written by Tatum Hunter and directed by Gauravi Shah! Auditions will be at Clifton Performance Theatre on Saturday October 5, 1-4pm. Musical callbacks will be Sunday October 6 3-5pm

Description: Charlie is a resourceful elf with an unwavering Christmas spirit, but she lives in a world that has increasingly become lonely and distant. Families are dysfunctional little drones who barely pull themselves away from their screens, Santa is a tech tycoon churning out the next product launch, and the World’s Best Parent is a robot engineered to be perfect. Will Charlie lift our spirits and make us feel loved and connected? Find out this December in Tatum Hunter’s hilarious satirical spin on the Christmas season!

CAST
Charlie: (female) A good little worker, wants recognition, success and pats on the back
Winston: Entrepreneurial spirit, loses interest in things once he achieves them
JT: A sharp-tongued trend-hater
Santa: Silicon valley founder, petty little bitch beneath a charismatic exterior, a man-child
Roxanne: Madly in love with Santa, mothers him
DadBot: Just so friendly
Ensemble

Sign Up Now To Secure Your Spot! If you can’t attend the audition on 10/5, please e-mail Gauravi Shah at gauravi.shah14@gmail.com.

Improv Cincinnati Auditions

Improv Cincinnati is excited to announce the upcoming fall auditions for our house teams on Sunday, September 15 from 10am to noon. We’re in search of talented performers who embody our values and touchstones. The IC house teams perform once a month on Saturday nights for our main stage performances.

This year, we’re asking our graduates (and other qualified applicants) to perform a Harold. You may coordinate with your current class/team to register at the same time slot, or you may register as an individual and be placed on an ad hoc audition team. Applicants are expected to arrive 30 minutes early to discuss the format, play warm-up games, and run some scenes. A coach will be provided to help with warm-ups.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Improv Cincinnati equips our students and performers with the skills to succeed, the opportunities to try, and the freedom to fail. Anyone who doesn’t make a house team has the chance to gain experience by joining a performance-level class or retaking a previous class at half price.

We look forward to seeing you succeed at auditions. Good luck!

Jon & Colin

New Kickstarter Update

And a bonus update on performer portraits…

Read the whole thing here!

IC Community Announcements BONANZA

We send IC Community Announcements to students every other week or so. Here’s a look at the latest news!

1. Shhhh - We can see that some of you have figured out the secret show password. If you haven't yet, keep at it. In the meantime, mark your calendars for Saturday, August 31. Sure, the date isn't a secret but the location, time, and performers are. And we guarantee you won't want to miss it. Why? Well because Some People Are Comedic Events; Cause Amusing Tsunamis. (Right?) Click here for the secret show page.

2. It only happens 2x a year - TheTown Hall is coming! Come learn about what the future holds for IC, ask questions, give feedback, and more. More to come. Sunday, September 15 - (3pm to 4:30pm) Save the date!

3. The Long Form Mixer Returns - The #1 best way to get better at improv is to perform in front of a crowd. The next opportunity is the Long Form Mixer this Friday, Aug 23 at 7pm. Mark your calendars. Open to all. If you haven't completed 201-Theatricality, it may be a learning experience - but it will only help your improv journey (even if it's a little scary)! Learn more here.

4. Movie Nights - To prepare for our frightful fall Fearscape show, we’ll be hosting double-feature movie nights at CPT select Fridays in Aug and Sept. Each night will feature two monster/horror movies (one straight, one comedic). Come hang out with your IC pals, and share some laughs and screams! The first is Friday, Aug 30 for Poltergeist and Tucker & Dale vs Evil. Learn more here.

5. Improv Supercharge - This Sunday IC mentor, company member and Hot Mic performer Delmar Davis connects improv with Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Never heard of NLP? Learn about it here. If you use improv to for personal development, this is the workshop for you. Open to all students who have completed Improv 101. Learn more and register for Supercharge here.

Final Supercharge:

• September 8 - “Full Body Listening” with Susan Reuter Moser - This class on Kinesthetic Empathy will help you pay attention to body language in a scene.

6. IC needs help -

• Veracity is a monthly performance where guest storytellers tell true stories that inspire improv comedy scenes. Previous guests include City Councilman Greg Landsmen, Cincy Stories co-founder Shawn Braley, Happen Inc founder Tommy Rueff, TRUEtheatre founder Dave Levy, School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) executive director Nick Nissley and many more. Being a special guest is easy and fun! Do you know someone who might be a great fit? Can you connect us? Please let us know.

• For the upcoming Fearscape show, we're on the hunt for A) a bluetooth speaker that doesn't automatically shut off or disconnect, or B) a large mobile battery pack that you can plug an AC plug into (the kind one might use for a CPAP machine when traveling). Have a spare we could borrow? We'll love you forever.

• How are you at writing? Might you like to take a stab at penning these every-other-week IC Community Announcement emails? Eloquently hit us up!

• Like sales? As Fearscape approaches, we'd love if someone might tackle the task of gathering sponsors. Not only are you helping a great cause, we'll give you a percentage of each paying sponsor you get. Let us know.

• Is the new calendar (see below) helpful? Does it show too much? Not enough? What do you think?

7. Did you know? - Did you know that Improv Cincinnati...

- sent performers to the Detroit Improv Festival recently? And we'll soon have them in the Improv Festival of Cincinnati - and Dam Good Festival in Louisville.

- Class showcases start next week! Find them all here.

8. All shows in September are FREE - Thanks to your tremendous Kickstarter support, all shows in September are 100% free - including our special guests visiting from Toronto. If you have friends or family who could benefit from a free comedy show, please spread the word. Tickets will be available to reserve soon.

Calendar

Fri, Aug 23 - Long Form Mixer

Sat, Aug 24 - Show: Hot Mic

Sun, Aug 25 - Intro to Improv Workshop

Sun, Aug 25 - Supercharge - "NLP, Yeah You Know Me"

Tues, Aug 27 - Showcases 101 & 201

Wed, Aug 28 - Showcases 101 & 301

Fri, Aug 30 - Movie Night

Sat, Aug 31 - Secret Show

September - All shows free!

Thurs, Sept 5 - Showcases - 201 & 501

Sat, Sept 7 - Showcase 301 & 401

Sat, Sept 7 - Show: Cavalcade/ War Candy/ Girl Talk/ Soup Buddies

Sun, Sept 8 - Showcase 201

Sun, Sept 8 - Supercharge - "Full Body Listening"

Sat, Sept 14 - Intro to Improv Workshop

Sat, Sept 14 - Show: Shouting Clouds/Wampus/ Love Square

Sun, Sept 15 - Town Hall, Auditions

Fri, Sept 20 - Toronto's The Assembly Performs

Sat, Sept 21 - Toronto's The Assembly Performs and delivers workshops

Sun, Sept 22 - Toronto's The Assembly delivers workshops

Community Support:

Requests

• There's been talk of putting together a monthly/quarterly potluck at CPT. Does this interest you? Let us know.

• Student Brenden Davis, is looking to further his career in the media world. He has experience in videography, filmmaking, audio editing, graphic design, public speaking and voice over work. Know of media department who could benefit from this young go-getter? Contact brendend211@gmail.com. (If you watched the Kickstarter launch and Sith videos, you’ve seen his work!)

• Have a Request or Opportunity for the next IC Announcements email? Contact us!

Thanks for all you do to make Improv Cincinnati an epic asteroid of comedy gold.

Gratefully,

Jon and Colin

Fearscape Auditions Are Here!

LATE NIGHT FEARSCAPE AUDITIONS

Announcing auditions for Improv Cincinnati’s October spooktacular, Late Night Fearscape!

Improv Cincinnati is producing an homage to the classic late night, low-budget, hosted creature feature shows of the 70s and 80s (think Elvira, The Crypt Keeper, and Svengoolie). Our creepy hosts will present a few shorts (short-form improv games) and a feature (a long-form improv performance).

Show runs every Friday in October (10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25).

Most of the show will be improv, with some scripted elements for the hosts. There will be some musical improv for a few of the performers, but most of the improv ensemble will not need to sing.

Improvisers of all experience levels are welcome to audition!

ROLES

The Host: A TV weatherperson for ICTV who got roped into hosting a TV horror show in a cheesy vampire outfit. He/she might be a little resentful of their career status, but ultimately really loves being an entertainer, and sometimes amps up the overboard cheese factor by a lot. Modeled after the classic “horror hosts” of the 70s and 80s (e.g., Elvira, Svengoolie, Count Floyd, The Cryptkeeper). Actor should be comfortable with improvised banter and jokes. Ideally also comfortable with light crowd work, and possibly musical improv.

Bob, Co-Host: An animatronic pirate skeleton who will be operated and voiced by an offstage actor. The improviser operating Bob should be OK with puppetry voicing and improvised banter, and have a tiny minimum of hand-eye coordination (though it really won’t take much).

Improv Ensemble Member: Eight improvisers who will perform in the improvised short-form games and long-form feature.

Musical Improv Ensemble Member: A 2- to 3-person subset of the main Ensemble who will perform in show segments that involve improvised singing.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals will be held twice weekly: Sunday nights, and one other evening to be determined based on cast availability. Cast members are expected to be available to attend most rehearsals. A couple of missed rehearsals are not a big deal (especially if we know about them in advance), but please make an effort to block off the rehearsal dates on your calendar.

Rehearsals will begin Sunday, August 11.

CONTACT INFO

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Phone:

Is it OK to text this number?:

ROLES

The Host

A TV weatherperson for ICTV who got roped into hosting a TV horror show in a cheesy vampire outfit. He/she might be a little resentful of their career status, but ultimately really loves being an entertainer, and sometimes amps up the overboard cheese factor by a lot. Modeled after the classic “horror hosts” of the 70s and 80s (e.g., Elvira, Svengoolie, Count Floyd, The Cryptkeeper). Actor should be comfortable with improvised banter and jokes. Ideally also comfortable with light crowd work, and possibly musical improv.

Bob, Co-Host

An animatronic pirate skeleton who will be operated and voiced by an offstage actor. The improviser operating Bob should be OK with puppetry voicing and improvised banter, and have a tiny minimum of hand-eye coordination (though it really won’t take much).

Improv Ensemble Member

Eight improvisers who will perform in the improvised short-form games and long-form feature.

Musical Improv Ensemble Member

A 2- to 3-person subset of the main Ensemble who will perform in show segments that involve improvised singing.

Which roles are you interested in (check all that apply)?:

HostVoice of Bob, the Pirate SkeletonImprov Ensemble MemberMusical Improv Ensemble Member

EXPERIENCE

Describe your level of improv experience (classes, workshops, performance, etc.):

Do you have any favorite horror movies, shows, or books? Favorite horror villains? What do you like about them?:

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals will be held twice weekly: Sunday nights, and one other evening to be determined based on cast availability. Cast members are expected to be available to attend most rehearsals. A couple of missed rehearsals are not a big deal (especially if we know about them in advance), but please make an effort to block off the rehearsal dates on your calendar.

Rehearsals will begin Sunday, August 11.

In addition to Sunday nights, please indicate which of these times you are available to rehearse:

Monday nightTuesday nightWednesday nightThursday nightFriday nightSaturday morning

Which of those potential rehearsal times (including Sunday nights) are absolutely impossible deal-breakers for you?:

Do you have potential scheduling conflicts that you already know about? If so, which dates?:

AUDITION TIMES

Please choose your preferred audition time:

• 10:00 am Saturday, August 3

• 11:00 am Saturday, August 3

• 10:00 am Sunday, August 4

• 11:00 am Sunday, August 4

We’ll email you a packet of information prior to the auditions to help you prepare.

SAFETY NOTE

Because of the nature of this show, there is a chance there will be some spooky strobe lighting effects. You cool with this?

I acknowledge the production I'm auditioning for may involve flashing/strobe lighting. I do not, to the best of my knowledge, have any medical conditions that would prevent me from safely performing in such an environment.

Kickstarter Campaign ends TONIGHT!!!

There’s so much going on, we just had to make the latest Community Announcements internal email public. Buckle up!

1. The Ballad of Improv Cincinnati - The Improv Cincinnati Kickstarter ends tonight at 10pm! To celebrate crossing the $10k thresh hold, we've released the footage "The Ballad of Improv Cincinnati", a Delmar Davis original song also featuring Tone Branson and Mary O'Connell. We love it so damn much! Watch it here

And just a friendly reminder: There are a handful of rewards our students in particular may enjoy (outside of the swanky IC-branded swag), such as the original improv guides. They'll be short PDFs, co-written by Jon and Colin and packed with helpful knowledge, tools and techniques: 

• Overcoming Fear – A brief guide to help new improvisers overcome fear, shame, and performance anxiety. Provides tips on how to navigate a scene when you're in your head. Lists several common fear-based defense mechanisms, how to notice them, and how to avoid them. 

• Game Styles and Strategies – What is game? Different theaters and teachers have different opinions! This short guide will tell you all of the game definitions we've learned as well as how to execute them. 

• Forms From Around The World – A brief introduction to signature improv formats from theatres across the globe. Useful if you are or would like to one day become an ongoing performer. 

• Saving The Scene – In a stalled improv scene that feels impossible to salvage? "Saving the Scene" will provide tips and tricks on how to revive any failing scene. 

Only $10 each - or $25 if you buy em all. If you'd like to purchase one of these individually - or add it to your existing pledge, it's easy. Just follow the instructions here.

1. Did you know? - Did you know that Improv Cincinnati has...

- Student IDs that let you get into Saturday night improv shows for free? If you're an active student and haven't received one, please reply to this email.

- A sketch comedy writing group? All are welcome, just let us know if you'd like to join. First you'll need to sign into the IC Slack Channel…

- An improv team that features a music producer, a beat boxer, and a free style rapper? It's called Cavalcade and it's happening this Saturday.

2. Give back and support PFLAG - The next Improv(e) Cincinnati event is TOMORROW at 9am @ CPT. We'll be assembling PFLAG bracelets w/support group info to be given out at the PRIDE parade. Improv Cincinnati Founder and big shot Jon Ulrich (ie, me) will be there. He will be requesting autographs.

Learn about the event here & Join the Improv(e) Cincinnati FB group here.  

3. Improv Supercharge - One of the coolest electives we've ever offered. Seven teachers are teaching seven different workshops. You can also register for your favorites a la carte. This week's is "Improv for Commercials and Bookings" with Jess Harris. Jess has trained at every improv institution and spent years in the trenches of Hollywood. Learn more here 

4. Cincinnati Sketch Contest and Show - This summer we launch a brand new sketch comedy review focused entirely on Cincinnati. And a great show needs great sketches. Want to try your hand at sketch writing? Learn more here.

5. Final performance of "Live from Jabba's Palace" - IS SOLD OUT. Hope you snagged your tickets! This was such a fun, epic, and hilarious production. Huge thanks the production team, cast, and volunteers who made it happen. The Force was strong with this one!   

6. The Long Form Mixer Cometh - The #1 best way to get better at improv is to perform in front of a crowd. The next opportunity is the Long Form Mixer on Friday, June 7 at 7pm. Mark your calendars. Open to all. If you haven't completed 201-Theatricality, it may be a learning experience - but it will only help your improv journey (even if it's a little scary)! 

7. Laughing the Night Away - Improv Cincinnati is pleased to host "Laughing the Night Away", a fundraising show for Alzheimer’s Association of Cincinnati. This is a comedy show for everyone, but it’s dedicated to the caregivers and families of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Special thanks to Tom Badger and Emily Elma for leading! Learn more here.

April and May 2019: Our Busiest Months Ever

There is SO much going on in April and May. Take a gander below:

1. Long Form Mixer is here! - The Mixer is a beloved IC tradition, however it only focuses on short form Whose-Line style games. The new Long Form Mixer will be long form only. (Shocking.) First one is this Friday night, April 12. All are welcome. Learn more here & find Facebook event here.

2. Give back - This Saturday, April 13, Improv(e) Cincinnati participates in the annual Cincinnati Parks GreenUp Day at California Woods Nature Preserve. Come mingle and give back in the great outdoors! Learn more and register here.

3. Three Year Bash - Just a reminder that April marks IC's Three Year Anniversary (!), and at the end of the month we're doing it up right with three different events! Tickets are free, limited, and going fast. Join us! Learn more and grab tickets here. 

4. New competitive improv show - The Bucket List is unlike anything IC has done before: Led by Charlie Roetting, two improv teams are determined randomly from a pool of registrants. Each team gets 20 minutes to win over the audience. The winners get an actual prize worth actual money (!). Want to play? You gotta register first. All skill levels welcome. Learn more and throw your name into the hat here.

5. Star Wars Variety Show - "A Night at Jabba's Palace" includes improv, sketch, stand up, and more  all through the Star Wars universe. IC original productions consistently sell out, so if you want to attend learn more and buy tickets now. (Seriously). Get in free if you volunteer. Interested?  

6. Cincinnati Sketch CONTEST and Show - This summer we launch a brand new sketch comedy review focused entirely on Cincinnati. And a great show needs great sketches. Want to try your hand at sketch writing? Learn more here.

We’re so grateful to have such a terrific community who can make all of these things happen. Hope to see you there!