How Do People Get Onto House Teams?
This is one of our most frequently-asked questions.
The process of creating house teams is more art than science. No honest answer will be precise. However, at Westside, there are several ways to end up on a house team, and (usually), they fall into these three categories:
People sign up for an open audition. Based on that audition, they could be selected for a house team.
People are invited to join an existing team or a team that’s being created.
People form their own team and seek out (or create) performance opportunities at the theater.
Why don’t we hold annual auditions like other theaters?
Because we’re a small community theater, we want to be as friendly and inclusive as possible (whenever possible), and traditional auditions can easily create more division and problems than solutions for teams. Auditions often create frustration for performers (the usually-untrue-but-inescapable “either I’m good enough or not, and this audition will decide it”).
The vast majority of the time when vacancies and auditions roll around our teams and coaches are looking for a “good fit” for the team. Even incredible performers (who we respect and love) might not fit the specific strengths those teams are looking for.
The same is true for teams created by invitation. The team’s creator may have a vision for the new team. A person may be invited to that team because they have an improv style (or flavor) that resonates with the vision. This style (or flavor) can be independent of their skill level or improv experience or years spent at Westside.
The point is that people are chosen or invited to teams for many reasons. Is it true that we want a high level of improv skill in our performers, and can traditional auditions help determine that? Yes. Absolutely. But skill is only one part of the equation, and auditions are one of many ways to determine if a performer is a good fit for a team. We’ll discuss this more in “Where does Westside find it’s house team performers?”
Rejection and trial-and-error are an unfortunate-but-unavoidable part of acting and improv. Most (if not all) improvisers have received the answer “thank you, but no thank you”. That doesn’t mean “no thank you forever,” but it does mean “no thank for now”.
How frequently are house teams created?
If history is any indication, new house teams are created roughly every 12-18 months. However, we’re a small theater, and that’s only an estimate. Sometimes we have a flooded roster of teams. Sometimes we’re low on performers. Most teams have a natural life cycle (people move for jobs, finish school, go to jail, etc.) and changes tend to come in waves and bursts.
Where does Westside find its house team members?
Westside typically draws its house team members from its students. In particular, house team members are often drawn from Players Workshop. (If you already have improv experience from another theater, that’s fantastic. Contact us about joining Players Workshop.) Players Workshop members open almost all Westside shows. They also stage two dedicated players-only shows a year. Aside from letting the theater staff and coaches get to know you, this also helps you connect with other improvisers, hone your skills, and find the styles of improv you really enjoy (maybe enough to build a team around!).
Sometimes, existing house team members are invited to join an additional house team. Less commonly, people are invited from the Westside curriculum levels. Least commonly, improvisers with extended house team residence at another improv theater move to Wheaton and are invited to join an existing Westside team.
You said something about performers creating their own ‘independent’ teams. How does that work?
One of the best ways to get onto an improv team is to, um, well, create one! If you find people you love performing with - people who share your passion for improv and are similarly strange - then you’re well on your way to creating a strong team.
The team you create will be categorized as an indie team (short for ‘independent’ team). Indie teams can host a Bring-Your-Own-Team Night (aka BYOT night). They can also perform during Indie Team Night, which is held multiple times throughout the year. They can request stage runs as a “guest” team alongside house teams during regular shows (schedule permitting). And, Westside has rehearsal spaces and coaching resources for aspiring indie teams.
Don’t feel like creating an indie team right now, but still want to get more involved? That’s cool. We’ve got Westside Improv Jams at various time during the year. You can also be assigned to a mash up team during the BYOT Nights.
Whoever you are, we would love for you to join us at Westside! Check out a class, join Players Workshop, or come to a show!