The Business of Improv

Guess why I haven't written in a while. We're now three weeks removed from opening night and I finally have some time to blog. Before I begin...Shameless Plug. If you're in Downtown Fullerton, come visit my new improv comedy theater - Secret City Comics Society of Orange County.

I've titled this blog "The Business of Improv" because I'm doing what I love and trying to make a lot of money doing it. Sure, I'll never be filthy rich doing improv but I'd like to make expenses and pay myself once in a while.

Also, all decisions I make are for the sake of the business. The format of the show, the players I choose, the games we play, the advertising, etc. I'm trying to find the balance between the love the art of improv and economics of turning a profit.

In choosing games, I'm looking at it from an audience standpoint. Will they like it. Audiences love Blind Line, but can they love parallel universe too?

I've patterned much of my show off the San Diego National Comedy Theater show. Now I'm at a point where I can rethink some of the those show elements and ask will it work for an Orange County audience.

Ultimately, I have to find that balance because if I focus too much on the business, the love the art of improv diminishes.

Until next time...

Improv Tweets for 6/8/11

Improv Comedy Journal

7:17 PM - mypalal: I see fellow improv performers here. They have no idea who I am. Do they care? Probably not. - (Twitter)

Improv Tweets for 6/2/11

Improv Comedy Journal

6:30 PM - mypalal: Grand opening just a day away. Clear your Fri and Sat evening & plan to come to Fullerton for dinner and #improv show. http://ow.ly/57m5Z - (Twitter)

The Adventure Becomes Real...Real Fast

Sorry that I haven't been able to blog in a long time. I've been real busy, plus I didn't want to talk about what was happening to the theater just in case things went wrong. But things didn't go wrong and we're opening our doors in 2 days.

Brief plug. The Secret City Comics Society is a brand new improv show in Orange County. Join us this and every Friday and Saturday for our special brand of improv humor.

I've learn a log about opening a business and starting a troupe. I will discuss a lot of the small issues in future blogs.

Right now, I'm excited that we're about to open. At the same time I'm just a little intimidated about this new chapter. My major business goal is to put butts in seats. I need to start building a fan base. I feel like I only have a few months to make that happen.

My creative goal is to create a stable show. I have over a dozen great improvisors in the troupe. Technically, they know how to do the show. Now they have to start coming together as a team. I'm watching my weaker performers and trying to figures out their weaknesses and how to fix it. I'm trying to get my good players to feel like this show is worth doing.

On top of all this, my weekends are gone. Every Friday and Saturday night, I'm going to be living improv and unlike San Diego. I'm in charge. The weight is on my shoulders. I'm trying not to compare myself to the other shows in the area. My only concern is this show.

So I got this off my chest. Now its show time!