Presenting the Pan
Theater Performing Troupes 2007:
Presenting the Pan Theater Cast:
Ralph Elizabeth Sonia Kyle
Theresa Tony Katy Gomez
Steve Anastasia Alison Cynthia
Elizabeth Jonathan Monte Walt
Sylvia KC Renee Mathew
Segal Virginia Mia
(Not Pictured: David, Al, Vanessa, Bobby, Aaron, Leah and Super Aaron.)
Pan Theater is comprised of several performing troupes. Troupes are formed based on prior improv training, and how long performers have been with Pan Theater. Our advanced troupes include: Improv Mojo, and Final Cut (our directors' Troupe). Our intermediate troupes include: the Improv Brigade and Wednesday is for Lovers. Our beginning troupe (not pictured) is: the Improv Recess. The Improv Recess is open to those without prior improv training, or those just beginning to explore improv and theater.
California, Rhode Island, Ohio, Oregon, New York, Illinois, Texas and a few other places.
Where we come from artistically: L.A. Connection, Groundlings, Second City, Bay Area Theater Sports, Comedy Sports, Studio ACT, East Bay Improv, Life Plays, Bay Area Acting Studio (Meisner Technique), San Francisco State, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Improv Asylum, Improv Boston, IO (formerly Improv Olympics), the Next Stage, Improv Works and a few other places...
Short Form Improv (Whose Line is it style theater games), Improvised Plays (the Harold, Montage and Tableaux long form formats) and shorter scripted pieces (sketch, and ten minute plays).
We rehearse in Oakland, California at 1611 Telegraph Avenue, #702. We also have rehearsals in San Francisco at various locations. Our performances are currently held at the Blue Bear Performance Hall, Fort Mason, Building D, 2nd Floor.
Our practice and training includes: Spolin based improv games, Johnstone based exercises, exercises from traditional acting including the repetition exercise from Meisner Technique and games and techniques from other improv training centers- especially L.A. Connection. We also incorporate our own exercises and games.
Pan Theater has auditions on a regular basis. It is recommended that those auditioning have the equivalent training of Improv Basics. Potential troupe members should be interested in improv acting, traditional theater and performing improv for the local community. Our shows are held in Oakland and San Francisco.
Creative release, to explore theater and acting, to explore artistic expression, to prepare for Groundlings and Second City Conservatory programs, to keep improv skills sharp for auditions, to perform, to direct, to be part of a community of artists, to practice and grow as a: performer, therapy without having to sit on a couch, to further my skills as a director/writer...to meet cool people, to find ms. or mr. right, to get out of the house, to have a place where everybody knows your name...and their always glad you came and of course to have fun.
Artistic:
To create: improvisational theater and shorter scripted work based in truth, and exploration while pushing the edge of the performer's ability and limits.
To Do: work that is unique, bold, funny, honest, truthful, obvious, scary and real within the circumstance and style created. Work that is on the edge of the performer's comfort zone and ability.
To take risks: not to judge the process, each other, or the work. We actively seek to make mistakes, fail, learn by doing and pushing the performer to do before being ready- to perform on the edge.
To embrace fear and failure: we seek to run to the places that challenge, scare and push our growth as people and performers rather than being tepid, safe and mediocre.
To train: in established methods and develop our own training methods that foster artistic freedom, exploration and growth.
To support and encourage: each member's artistic voice within the larger artistic frame work of the theater.
To allow: the work to be what it is- whether it is funny, serious, abstract, absurd or any combination of possibilities.
To foster an open environment: a place where performers are encouraged to contribute, lead, collaborate and explore both within Pan Theater and within larger theater community. Pan Theater is a place of friendship, trust and mutual support. Many of our performers often take part in outside performances (both scripted and improv). We actively encourage attending these events either as a group or individually.
To support the larger theater community: We also attend both scripted and improv performances at other venues throughout the Bay Area. We are always interested in supporting other groups.
General: Our goals include continuing to grow as an artistic improv theater serving our local communities in the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, Concord, Dublin, Walnut Creek and other local cities) and San Francisco. Starting in the Fall of 2006 we will offer a San Francisco based rehearsal troupe.
January 18th, 2002 Troupe Founded by David Alger, Skip Evans, Patti Cleary, Antonio Morton, and Ana Elizondo
February 2002 Pan Theater (then unnamed) begins Tuesday night workshops at the 21 Grand Art Studio in downtown Oakland
July 2004 Performance season begins at the Egypt Theater
August 2004 Performances at Blue Bear Theater in Fort Mason/SF commence
November 2004 Al Bowen becomes Pan Theater's Artistic Director
December 2004 Standing room only season finale at Blue Bear
December 2005 Pan Theater performs for Wells Fargo
February 2006 Pan Theater performs for the Drew School
February 2005 Pan Theater celebrates three year anniversary to standing room only show at the Blue Bear. Pan Theater presents first all female Dramedy and Comma Set
July 2005 Anything Can Happen Ten Minute Play Festival: A sell out both nights
September 2006 Anything Can Happen 2006 presented Join our email list to receive Pan Theater class, show and audition updates. List members also get free intro to improv classes, and free articles on improv theater, and free and discounted show ticket offers.
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Email- pantheater@comcast.net : Phone- (415) 261-1641 |
