Rookie Tryouts!

by Katherine Weaver on 19 September, 2014

Impro Melbourne is excited to announce Tryouts for IM's Rookies.

An Impro Melbourne Rookie is an improviser who would like to train and perform with Impro Melbourne. Rookies must be committed to developing their improvisational & performance skills, share the same creative goals as Impro Melbourne, and have strong interpersonal and group skills.

Rookies receive performance opportunities on group projects plus with IM's performance company in the main season. Rookies also receive personal guidance and feedback on their work and discounted training.

To become a Rookie we require interested individuals to attend a Try Out session. The Try Out is a structured jam working with members of Impro Melbourne so we can get to know each other. Successful individuals will receive a formal invitation by the Artistic Director.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please read the information below then copy and paste the registration form into an email and fill it out to sign up for the Tryouts at

3pm Sunday 19th October at The Space, Carlton street Prahran.

We look forward to seeing you there!


Rookies

What is a Rookie?

Rookies are the apprentice group of Impro Melbourne. 

How do you become a Rookie?

You become a Rookie by invitation from the Artistic Director(s). 

How is someone invited?

We invite people to Rookies when we feel they meet the following criteria

They have

  • A compatible impro philosophy to ours
  • Personal artistic goals which are in line with Impro Melbourne’s Mission Statement
  • A rehearsal, work and performance ethic which is in line with Impro Melbourne’s
  • A strong skills base, narrative technique and some performance experience

How do you learn this about people?

In general we invite people we’ve met in one of the following ways.

  • Through the various levels of our workshop system
  • During our IM Tryout jam (see below for information)
  • Someone known to us from another company or who has moved here from another city

How does the Artistic Director(s) get to know me?

Our workshop teachers keep the Artistic Director(s) informed as to how individuals are doing in the classes.  Also the Artistic Director(s) teach which allows them to spend time getting to know the students. 

Usually (but not exclusively) an individual isn’t invited until they’ve spent some time in the Impro Gym, where the Artistic Director(s) get to see how they work in a group dynamic and on a project. 

Artistic Director(s) also get to know individuals interested in becoming an Impro Melbourne Rookie through our Tryout jam.

What is an IM Tryout?

It is an impro jam session lead by our Artistic Director(s).  It is open to anyone who would like to join Impro Melbourne’s Rookies.  The jam will also include Impro Melbourne ensemble players.  During the jam we play a series of games and scenes in pairs, groups and in front of each other.  It is a chance for us to get to know people and how they play in a fun stress free environment.

If I become a Rookie, what does IM offer me?

  • Half price training
  • Personal guidance and feedback on your work
  • An Ensemble player as a Mentor for further direct personal feedback on your playing and development
  • At least 1 Rookie Showcase season (4 – 9 show block)
  • Opportunity to play in other Impro Melbourne shows throughout the year
  • Company privileges such as
    • Training with special local, national and international guest instructors
    • Tickets to all Impro Melbourne shows
    • Consideration to be cast in the Impro Melbourne Ensemble

You can also expect Impro Melbourne to

  • Honor and respect your commitment to the company
  • Have strong professional management and administration
  • Provide strong leadership through its Committee, Artistic Director(s) and General Manager

What are your responsibilities?

  • Commit to the pursuit of excellence in the craft of improvisational theatre
  • Strive for continual improvement in improvisation skills and performance
  • Respect Impro Melbourne and its players
  • Display a professional attitude when representing Impro Melbourne
  • Actively participate in achieving Impro Melbourne goals
  • Value the contributions of all Impro Melbourne players
  • Be an ambassador for Impro Melbourne in relations with other impro
  • organizations locally, nationally, and internationally
  • Contribute volunteer time to Front of house, show set up, show strike and other areas of the company

Are there future opportunities?

Yes, Rookies are a part of the Impro Melbourne Company.  We invite people into Rookies with the hopes of finding and developing future Impro Melbourne Ensemble players.  As our company works with a particular style and ethic, we like to get to know people and their work before inviting anyone into Ensemble.  We feel our Rookies process allows us to get to know you and you to get to know us.  During this time Rookies can be considered for casting in any Impro Melbourne show.  Casting is up to the Director’s discretion. 

How many Rookie places are there?

We aim to keep the Rookies group to a maximum of 12 individuals.

Trial period

As we aim to keep the group small, every Rookie will go through a 6-month trial period before an official placement is offered.

  


 

 

Impro Melbourne Rookies Tryout

Registration form

To take part in the Tryouts please copy this registration form, fill it in and email to AD@impromelbourne.com.au

You will then receive a confirmation email.

Name:

Email Address:

What Impro experience do you have?


Do you have any other relevant experience or training? (for example clowning, acting etc)


What do you believe is important in improvisation?


What do you believe makes a great improvised show?


Why do you want to be a Rookie with Impro Melbourne?

Any other comments?

 

We look forward to playing with you.

If you have any questions please contact Katherine at

AD@impromelbourne.com.au