Essex Improv House Team Auditions

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What is a House Team?

• House Team members are cast by Essex Improv
• House Teams are coached by an Essex Improv coach
• House Teams regularly perform at Off Cabot Improv Night and other events (TBD)
• House Teams practice and perform longform improv

How is this different from an Indie Team?

• Indie Team members are self-selected
• Indie Teams are not coached, or are coached by a non-Essex Improv coach
• Indie Teams perform at Off Cabot Improv Night in rotation with other Indie Teams
• Indie Teams practice and perform any style of improv

If you're on an Indie Team and want to perform at Essex Improv's monthly show, Off Cabot Improv Night, fill out this form!

What will auditions be like?
The two hours (7–9PM) will be divided into blocks with 6–10 performers each, depending on the number of registrants. (We will email you with your audition block time on Sunday April 12th.) During these blocks, each person will perform a 2-person scene, followed by a self-edited series of scenes as a group.

How are House Teams cast?
Essex Improv instructors will be at the audition to make casting decisions. They will use the same scoring system to evaluate each auditioner on:

• Longform improv skills (base reality, framing, heightening, worldviews, etc.)
• Ability to work well with the group (yes-anding, support, sharing the stage, etc.)
• Humor and entertainment (Are you fun to watch? Can you make people laugh?)
• While not required, involvement in the Essex Improv community is beneficial (Have you taken classes, attended shows, participated in a jam or workshop?)

We may or may not have callbacks. If so, those would take place on Tuesday, April 21st @7PM.

What are House Team expectations?

• A 6-month commitment. Essex Improv will cast new performers and/or House Teams as needed every 6 months. Performers and/or House Teams are not guaranteed to be renewed at the end of each season.
• Rehearsals. House Team rehearsals will be held twice a month with a dedicated coach. Teams are provided a coach and rehearsal space for a fee of $100 for each 6-month season. (If you're cast and unable to cover that fee, we don't want that to be a barrier to your participation! Reach out to esseximprov@gmail.com and we can discuss options and support.)
• Performances. House Teams will regularly perform at Off Cabot Improv Night and possibly other events (TBD).
• Regular attendance. House Team performers are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of their scheduled rehearsals and shows, excluding reasonable exceptions for illness, family emergencies, or other personal reasons.
• Consistently high-quality improv. Essex Improv and House Team coaches will track teams' attendance, collaboration, and quality of performance. 
• Respect for the community. House Team performers are expected to maintain a professional and respectful relationship with their teammates, coaches, Off Cabot staff, and others in the community. 

Any questions about auditions? Email esseximprov@gmail.com.

Registration has closed

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