Team Information

House Teams

Auditions are run every 6 months by the Artistic Council, and often coincide with Open House events. Auditions are open to everyone and will always include House Team openings, though there are a few expectations that participants are encouraged to read through.

Who may audition?

Auditions are open to all, including students & performers from outside of CATCh, though the audition panel may choose to limit participation for those who have little to no experience.

In general, however, the expectations to qualify for House Teams are listed below:

• Completion of all three CATCh Performance Track Classes (including student shows); OR
• Equivalent experience elsewhere with either
  • completion of PT1, to understand the CATCh style, or
  • recommendation of the Artistic Director.

In addition, students should spend 6 – 12 months on a Harold team before being considered for other House teams.

Expectations

Before auditions begin, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will ask about your improv preferences, any issues you have with other potential cast members, and your availability.

Without a close second, the inability to get all cast members to the majority of practices & shows is the number one issue we face with teams. Improv requires a level of trust, vulnerability, and camaraderie that is difficult to achieve without regular time together on stage.

When you list your availability, be prepared to commit to that schedule for at least 6 months.

See all House Team requirements here.

Commitment to Learn & Grow

As a member of a House Team, you have a regular performance slot at CATCh. Part of your obligation in return is a willingness (nay, a desire) to listen to and incorporate feedback from your coach and the Artistic Director.

This feedback is not capricious nor arbitrary, but is designed to help make you a more complete improvisor, and to prepare you to successfully become a member of a Resident or independent team down the road.

Game Night Team

The Game Night team is a unique group within the CATCh structure, and has its own requirements & schedule for auditions.

Resident Teams

Resident Teams make their own choices in casting for their teams. We do ask that Resident Teams not recruit cast members from students until they have completed at least one year performance experience on a House Team.

Audition Format

Think of auditions like an improv jam: have fun! Generally, auditions are run via scene work, with two or more improvisers being called to the stage to run scenes. You may or may not be given specific direction, depending on what the panel is looking for.

What the Panel is looking for:

At the most basic level, we expect improvisers to have these fundamental improv skills:

• Making bold choices (note: this does not mean being risqué)
• Saying yes and supporting your scene partner
• Using physicality in character, environment, and object work
• The ability to recognize and heighten the game in the scene
• Speaking loud enough to be heard clearly

For more advanced teams (like non-Harold House teams or Resident teams), the panelists may be looking for specific skill sets, and may direct scenes to draw these out. Examples include:

• Strong second beat initiations
• Group games
• Character monologues

Most of all, the panel wants to see improvisers who are bringing energy, having fun, and who can take notes well.

You may be called up more or less frequently, depending on the team(s) you are being considered for.