House Teams are an extension of CATCh’s Improv Performance Track series of classes.They are designed to take the student beyond the classroom and into a working improv team, while still under the direction and guidance of a CATCh instructor or coach.

In many cities, students are expected to take 6 or more series of classes before being considered “done.” This is a heavy burden for Charlotte’s community, and we compensate for having only three levels of classes by extending the learning phase through House Teams.

What are the House Teams

There are currently two “levels” of House Teams: The Harold teams and teams that work on other forms.

Harold teams

This is the first team for students fresh out of Performance Track 3 class. While not all students may get placed on a Harold Team, it is strongly encouraged for all students who wish to become performing improvisers to audition. Our current Harold Teams are:

• Snobs Anonymous
• Ol’ Unreliable

Other form teams

As we have students ready, we may stand up one or more additional House teams based on other forms. These teams may go on to become Resident teams in time, they may remain a House team, or they could dissolve. These determinations are made largely by the Artistic Council based on an assessment of the readiness of the team as a whole. Our current non-Harold House teams are:

• Improvised Screenwriters

House Team Expectations

Schedule

As mentioned above, House teams are an extension of the performance track, and a critical part of the curriculum. As such, team members are expected to commit to:

• Two practices a month
• One show a month

Cast members who miss multiple practices and / or performances may be removed from the team or have their performances limited, as determined by the coach.

Cost

House teams pay their coach once a month a flat fee of $100 (or $50 per practice session). This fee is evenly divided among all cast members, regardless of whether or not they attended all practices.

One member of the team is responsible for collecting the fees from the members and sending to the coach.