P.I.E. Program
Commit, connect, learn, rehearse, perform, improve, repeat…
Our next audition will be Sunday, September 29, 2024 – scroll down for more information.
Leela’s Performing Improv Ensemble (P.I.E.) Program offers improvisors the rare and valuable opportunity to develop their skills by becoming an active member of a committed ensemble for 10 consecutive weeks. Under the guidance of a highly experienced and educated improvisational theatre director, P.I.E. members have the invaluable opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform together on a regular basis. Each Performing Improv Ensemble is audition-based and limited to 8 people (adults only, 18+).
Auditions are scheduled quarterly to allow new members to join and current members the flexibility to take breaks, vacations, and participate in other projects. This balance of commitment and flexibility allows Performing Improv Ensemble members to stay committed to one another over time, thus creating a tight-knit high quality ensemble while building their own unique audience. All participants must audition each quarter.
The P.I.E. Program is an improv training program that requires a contribution of $575 (10 weeks). This allows Leela to sustain by helping to pay for rehearsal and performance space, marketing, management, director’s fees, and other administrative costs. For more details on the P.I.E. Program please review the FAQs below (scroll down).
P.I.E. Work-Study Opportunities
Each Leela Performing Improv Ensemble includes 1 work-study Production Manager position. The Production Manager receives a 25% discount off of the quarterly contribution in exchange for P.I.E. promotion/production work. Production Manager applications can be found in the online P.I.E. Program audition form (link below).
P.I.E. Program Audition Details
Leela is searching for playful, honest, committed, intelligent people with strong improvisational acting skills for several new Performing Improv Ensembles (P.I.E.).
Our next audition is Sunday, September 29, 2024. You must have completed Improv 1, 2, 3, and 4 (current Improv 4 students okay) at Leela to be eligible to audition.
In order to participate in Leela’s P.I.E. Program you must meet all the requirements, attend the auditions, and be cast in an ensemble by the directors.
If you would like to be considered please complete the online P.I.E. Program audition form click here. You will be required to submit your Headshot (JPEG file) and Actor’s Resume (PDF file) via this online P.I.E. Program audition form. Examples and a template are available below.
Here is an example of a Headshot (via JPEG or PNG file) for your reference:
Here is an example of an Actor’s Resume (via PDF file) for your reference:
Download an editable version of this template here: PAGES FILE or WORD DOC. Be sure to submit a PDF file, not a Pages file or Word Doc.
P.I.E. Program FAQs
What is the purpose of the P.I.E. Program?
To provide production support, structure, and training for Leela students who wish to obtain improv performance experience. With the eventual goal of becoming an independent ensemble at Leela and within the Bay Area improv scene.
What are Performing Improv Ensembles?
Select members have the invaluable opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perform Leela’s signature style of improvisation in a committed ensemble. Each ensemble is audition-based and limited to eight people. Auditions are held on a quarterly basis.
How long is the required commitment for a Performing Improv Ensemble?
All members are required to commit to the ensemble for ten consecutive weeks.
What happens at the end of the commitment?
All participants much audition each quarter. We schedule quarterly auditions to allow new members to join, and allow current members flexibility to take breaks, vacations, and participate in other projects. This balance of commitment and flexibility allows Performing Improv Ensembles to stay committed to one another over time, thus creating a tight-knit high quality ensemble, while building their own unique audience.
Why am I expected to pay?
The P.I.E. Program is an improv training program that requires a contribution every term (ten weeks). This allows Leela to sustain by helping to pay for rehearsal and performance space, marketing, management, director’s fees, photo shoot, and other administrative costs.
When is the agreement and contribution due?
The required Ensemble Commitment Agreement (online) and contribution (online) is due within 24 hours of being cast (you will receive a phone call or email). If the agreement and contribution is not received within this time, your place in the ensemble will be given to an alternate. A final cast list will be emailed once all members have completed both.
What if I want to do other projects?
We encourage outside projects, however they cannot conflict with any Leela commitments. This is an ensemble process. Missing rehearsals, shows, etc, negatively affects the quality of the process for all involved. After the ten week commitment, you can choose to take a break, and then discuss with the Artistic Director about recommitting at a later 10 week quarter.
What are the rehearsal requirements of a Leela Performing Improv Ensemble?
Ensemble members rehearse once a week for 2.5 hours for ten consecutive weeks.
What if I get sick or need to miss rehearsal?
If you get sick or need to miss rehearsal, let your director know ASAP. We understand life happens! Just keep us informed so we’re not in the dark.
Can I come late to rehearsal?
We value your time and ours. If cast, DO NOT show up late to rehearsal. It is unprofessional and negatively impacts the quality of the rehearsal process. Please plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to your weekly rehearsals to insure punctuality. If you are late more than twice you will be removed from the ensemble without a refund.
When and where is our first rehearsal?
Your first rehearsal will be scheduled the week following auditions, depending on your ensemble’s weekly rehearsal day. Rehearsals are for 2.5 hours and located at various rehearsal spaces around San Francisco. We do our best to make them easily accessible to public transportation.
When is the photo shoot?
The photo shoot date will be scheduled after the audition.
When are our shows?
Members perform in 2-4 Leela produced shows per quarter (10 weeks). Show dates are listed on the online P.I.E. Program audition form.
Am I expected to promote the shows?
Yes, absolutely. Helping to promote the show gets you involved and excited, thus exciting others about what you’re doing. Plus performing to a full house feels great!