KCIF is known for making performers feel welcome and loved. This year, we'll add "well informed" and "engaged" to that with a FAQ and help marketing your show to KC audiences.
Performer FAQ
Everything you need to know about playing the festival. And if we've missed something, email talent@kcimprov.com, and we'll answer.
Click on a question below to view the answer.
Why does performing at the KC Improv Festival kick ass?
Most of all, because you'll have fun—we make that a top priority. You'll perform for great crowds in our 240-seat theater, see terrific shows, and have a blast at our after parties. And you'll get paid. It's all for a good cause, too; 15% of the proceeds support Gilda's Club Kansas City.
How many troupes will be performing?
Seventeen! Including a couple of famous types—Paul F. Tompkins and Colin Hanks—as headliners (headliners=recognizable, marketable names that help us get media attention, sell tickets and fill the house).
Wait. You said "paid." Really? How much?
After we receive the check for our ticket proceeds from Off Center Theater, we'll pay our expenses—mostly marketing and production costs and the headliners' fees and travel. We'll send 15% of the profits to Gilda's Club Kansas City. 75% is divided equally between the performing troupes. And 10% goes to the producing troupe, KC Improv Company.
How do you select troupes to perform?
Our selection committee is made up of our Artistic, Production and Talent Directors. They'll watch submissions from all of the troupes and put together 4-5 nights of great shows. Ideally, we'll feature a mix of styles that help show audiences the potential improv has to entertain in different ways, and put together sets that are easy to explain and market to people who don't necessarily know much about improv. We'll also look for a balance of local talent and groups from around the country.
When can our troupe announce that we've been accepted?
As soon as you hear from us. In the coming weeks, check this space for details about how you can market your show to local and regional audiences.
How do we get there? Where do we stay?
We haven't been able to find any discounted airfare. For housing, talk to Jen or Keith—they'll have details on any discounted hotel rooms or available couches.
Are there free or discounted tickets or workshop fees for performers?
Yes! You can get cheap tickets two ways. If you don't want to risk missing out on a show, you can ask for the STUDENT rate when you purchase tickets. It's open to any member of a performing troupe; your name just has to be on our list. (Visit our SHOWS page for details.) If you like to gamble, you can show up an hour before any show and put your name on a list. If there are seats available at showtime, we'll sell them to performers and workshop students for $5—cash only, exact change.
If we've missed something, email talent@kcimprov.com, and we'll answer.
Find information on creating invites, getting promo materials, and blurbs to include in your own releases.