Pan Theater auditions are for spots on Pan Theater’s house teams. Members of Pan’s house teams get weekly practice and performance opportunities.
Teams are directed by senior Pan performers. Pan has been offering improv shows, training and workshops since February of 2002 (20 years as of February 4th).
Practices are blended. We have live practices and Zoom practices.
WHY?
• You want to perform on a regular basis (up to 4 times a month)
• You want to work with a consistent group of performers (your tribe)
• You want to grow as a performer
• You want more fun, friends and excitement in your life NEW: TROUPE MEMBERS May take/retake Improv 101/201 for extra practice -free.
QUALIFICATIONS
• A strong desire to perform on a consistent basis
• Team player with humility and a willingness to learn
• Prior improv training or scripted theater training (Improv 101/201 or Acting I and II) • An interest in improvised theater that is organically dramatic or comedic.
• An interest in Meisner Technique. • Have readthe Rules of Improv IandHow to be a Better Improvisor. • Have read the Expectations and Commitment Sections below. EXPECTATIONS • Want to perform on a regular basis • Able to attend practice 3 times a month (on average) • Want to participate and practice on regular basis WHEN
Live: October 1st: 4pm
WHERE Live: 20 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland CA. 30 seconds from 12th Street BART.
The auditions are a free, fun and friendly chance to try improv at Pan Theater.
Commitment if asked to join a troupe:
Pan Theater is supported by member dues. Troupe members pay dues to support advertising, coaching fees and related expenses.
Troupe dues are $130 per month. Troupe members practice once or twice per week and may attend our weekly Improv Dojos for extra practice (A $30 value).
Troupe members are expected to perform twice per month once cleared for performing.
Please email a recent headshot or picture to panauditions@gmail.com after registering. Remember to bring your headshot/picture to the audition.
FAQ About Troupe Membership:
What is a troupe?
Answer:
A troupe is a group of performers that work together on an ongoing basis to develop and further individual and group performing skills. Troupes members perform in Pan Theater improv shows such as: Imagination Unleashed and Dramedy and Comma.
What are the time requirements of a troupe?
Answer:
Potential troupe members should be able to commit to between three to four rehearsals a month and additional time for scheduled performances. Rehearsals are two and half hours long and cover basic skills, long form technique and acting technique for improvisers.
Why would I join a troupe rather than taking a class?
Answer:
Troupe members are interested in pursuing and practicing improvisational theater on an ongoing basis rather than for a set class. Troupe members have an interest in performing or working on their skills in a small group format. Troupes members have regular and ongoing performing opportunities. Or, more simply- you want to perform.
Do I need to have improv training prior to auditioning?
Answer:
No, but it does help. We usually have troupes of varying skill levels and often times give beginners with a sincere interest in doing the work a chance.
Do you accept people that have trained at places other than Pan Theater?
Answer:
Yes. Current troupe members have trained at Improv Boston, Improv Asylum, Second City, Improv Olympics, BATs, and SFSU and UC Berkeley Theater departments.
How long before I perform?
Answer:
It depends on your skill level and how consistent you are with attending training. Most performers with experience perform within two to three months.
Why do you charge dues?
Answer:
Dues support the our shows, advertising expenses, management and organizational costs and theater rental. Most professional improv theater charge dues of varying levels including: Groundlings, Second City and L.A. Connection.
Who are you guys?
Answer:
We are a group of people with a sincere interest in theater- especially improvised theater. We practice both short form and long form improv. We focus our work on scene based improv and finding the relationship and moment shift. We use techniques from Close, Spolin, Johnstone and related acting techniques.
Is this fun?
Answer:
Yes, most of our troupe members have been with Pan Theater for several years. Members have fun, improve their skills and are part of a supportive and growing artistic community. We often have post show events and members often meet outside of rehearsals to attend shows, see scripted work or hang out. Pan Theater provides a supportive place to practice, learn and perform theater.
What is the style of a rehearsal?
Answer:
Rehearsals provide a safe and supportive environment for taking risks, improving your skills and learning new improv and acting techniques. Each troupe director has their own style and focus based on their interest and prior training. We believe the arts are best practiced in a safe space the encourages risk taking, personal development and growth over time.
Do I have to be funny?
Answer:
It helps, but no. The best humor comes from following the scene and supporting your partner. The connections that arrive through the improvisational process create the humor. Also, not all scenes will be "funny". A good improvised scene can be emotional and dramatic. The best shows have a mix of funny scenes and dramatic scenes.
What is the audition process?
Answer:
You improvise with either current troupe members or other potential troupe members. It is a relaxed, fun and low key event. We usually require callbacks for those interested in joining an advanced troupe (initial audition and final audition). We notify those that audition within a week of auditioning. Auditions for new troupes/beginning troupes are usually a single audition process with a final screening audition after the first performance.
I'm an experienced performer- why should I audition for your group?
Answer:
You are looking for a place to perform, a community of performers and an opportunity to explore your skills with like minded people. Pan Theater provides opportunities for performing, directing, having plays read and produced.
I am a director or playwright- why should I audition for your group?
Answer:
Long form work is especially useful for those interested in directing and writing. The work provides the opportunity to practice, learn and evolve your understanding of what makes a strong scene. Pan Theater also provides opportunities for directors and writers to direct and produce. All of our troupe directors started as members of our performing troupes.
Commitment if asked to join a troupe:
Pan Theater is supported by member dues. Troupe members pay dues to support space rental, coaching fees and related expenses. Troupe dues are $130 per month. Work study is available if needed.
