Spring 2025 Directing Apprenticeship
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CSz Philadelphia, home of ComedySportz, Philly’s longest-running improv comedy show, is seeking experienced improvisers for its Director Apprenticeship program. Deadline to submit is Sunday, December 1st.
Our Director Apprenticeship Program is a system for training new Improv Show Directors. The program offers “on-the-job” training during a season of our Long Form Teamz program, which performs in the Improv Double Feature. Each season of the Double Feature showcases two teams, each directed by an experienced director chosen by the Artistic Director. One apprentice will be assigned with each director where they will be able to observe how a show is created, from the casting process to details such as lighting and structuring a themed show.
This Spring, the Improv Double Feature will be producing two new Long Form Teamz, with auditions in December of 2024, rehearsals in January 2024, and shows running from February-May 2025.
Tip of the Cap, directed by Joe Jiggetts, showcases the people who shape our lives. Audience members share their stories about everyday heroes—teachers, family, mentors —which our improv performers transform into hilarious scenes on the spot. Tip of the Cap promises to keep the laughs rolling while celebrating the authentic connections that define us and our communities.
(Dir.) Joe Jiggetts is an improviser and stand up comedian who served as Assistant Director for But WAIT there’s MORE (dir. Jake Lucas) for ComedySportz Philadelphia Improv Double Feature Season 5. Joe was also a cast member of Don’t I know You? in the Double Feature Season 4 at ComedySportz Philadelphia.
The End of the World, directed by Kiran Pandey, is an eventé about the silliest possible way the world might end. Does our planet accidentally fall into a black hole, or will the worms finally conquer all? We find our cast of characters in the aftermath of an apocalypse and discover, one by one, how all paths converged to this: the final moment of life as we know it!
(Dir.) Kiran Pandey is a Philadelphia-based writer and improviser, performing with such teams as Schmooty, Be Kind: A Rewind Show, The Mirror Zone, and From the Future.
Cast: 6-8 performers
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Apprenticeship Responsibilities:
Meets with director on their vision and goal of the team before auditions
Attends auditions to observe the process of casting
Meets with Director before each rehearsal to learn goals and plan
Required to be at all Teamz' rehearsals (allowed one absence)
Required to attend at least one performance of their assigned team once a month
Director may ask the apprentice to lead warmups/check in at the top of rehearsals
Will direct at least two rehearsals during the run of the Improv Double Feature. This will be scheduled by the Director. The Director will be present to assist. Plan for that rehearsal will be decided between the director and the apprentice.
Apprenticeship Details:
Completing an apprenticeship does not guarantee future employment as a Long Form Team Director
Notes/personal opinions will only be given by the director to any of the performers during rehearsals, and before or after performances
If you are assigned to be an apprentice for a season, you are not eligible to audition for that same season’s Teamz (if you are not selected as an apprentice, you are free to audition for that same season's Teamz).
This is an unpaid apprenticeship
Rehearsals will take place at the CSz Philadelphia theater and are scheduled for:
Tip of the Cap: Sat. 1/4 11-1PM, Wed. 1/8 7-9PM, Sat. 1/18 11-1PM, Wed. 1/22 7-9PM, Sat. 2/1 11-1PM
The End of the World: Sat. 1/4 11-1PM, Thurs. 1/9 7-9PM, Sat. 1/18 1-3PM, Thurs. 1/23 7-9PM, Sat. 2/1 1-3PM
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jake Lucas at jake@comedysportzphilly.com with "Director Apprenticeship" in the subject line.
