How to Start an Improv Troupe

Putting together a group of people to goof off with is easy. Building a successful Improv troupe takes focus and intention.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• At least Three people
• Patience
• A basic understanding of Improv games

1. 
   The guys in your Troupe must enjoy spending time together.

   Find a group of people who want to play.
   The act of forming a troupe is very Important. They must get along both on stage and off. One way to find them is to post a listing on Craigs list or other such site. If there is an Improv Troupe in your area that holds a free workshop, attend it! This is a great place to meet people who are already interested in Improv. You will also get a chance to see them in action. Don't just approach the funniest people. Try to pick people who you get along with.

2. 
   Your Troupe must be able to play together.

   Learn the games, TOGETHER.
   After you have brought a group together, the next step is to learn how to play together. Even if everybody knows how to play the games, you have to learn to play them with each other. Every Improviser will approach a game from a different angle. That is a good thing. Use this fact to put a twist on the games that only your Troupe does.
   Each member of your Troupe must be able to play every game on your Games list.

3. 
   Location is not as important as show quality.

   Find a place to play.
   Most start up Troupes start in High School. Ask the drama teacher for information about starting an after school Improv club. This is a great way to attract members and gain a place to play.
   If the High School method is not going to work for you, look for local theaters. Be warned, many theaters are apprehensive about having an unscripted show in their house. If you have a relationship with a theater manager, start there.
   Other options for a place to play include, Coffee shops, Restaurants and College theater spaces. Be creative. Many great Troupes started playing in out of the way places.

4. 
   Keep your flyers specific.

   Advertise
   Get people out to your show. A month of free shows will not hurt as long as you let people know the date you are going to start charging. I also suggest you put a lot of thought into how much to charge. Its hard to change once it is set.
   Get flyers posted all over town. This is not the best way to attract a crowd but it helps to build recognition. I expect One person to show up for every Hundred flyers I post. I am lucky because I manage the only Improv troupe in my area. If you have competition, your numbers may be different.
   Make sure your show is tight. Your guys should look like they know what they are doing. It does no good to get people to your first show if you can't make them come back.

Tips & Warnings

• HAVE FUN!! When you lose the fun, you lose your troupe.
• Focus on show quality. Nobody comes back to see a bad show.
• Find an Improviser who you trust to coach your troupe.
• Don't give it away for free for too long. A month of free shows is the most you want to do.
• Keep your ego in check. If you are successful, ego can destroy your troupe.

Resources

• Off the Wall Comedy Improv
• Josh Nufrio Improv Teacher
• Off the Wall Myspace
• Off the Wall podcast

[4theluvuvit]

on 12/4/2008 This is very well done. You cover info that most miss. Good Job!!

[iamageniuster]

on 10/28/2008 Splendid article. Great tips you give. 5 stars!

[amylaine]

on 10/27/2008 Very cool

[msaiz]

on 10/27/2008 I enjoyed reading this, Josh! Very good.

[billavis]

on 10/27/2008 Mandy & Josh, great article. It makes me want to start and improv troupe. lol Great work. Very informative and inspirational. Thanks! Bill