Sign-up for Big Couch's Coaches' Improv Comedy Tournament!
Our Binge Improv Comedy Tournament was so much fun, that we’re doing another one. But, this time, the coaches are in charge! We’ve got eight of our most favorite improvisers from our faculty and Big Big Show cast to volunteer to coach troupes for the first (of what we hope is many) Coaches’ Improv Tournament.
Sign up for this tournament is not as a team. You sign up as an individual, get matched with fellow improvisers, and be coached in two rehearsals to prepare for the tournament that takes place on April 9 and 12. Quick wits, compelling characters, and bold choices take center stage as newly-formed teams compete for the ultimate comedy trophy!
Why enter this amazing tournament opportunity?
- Coaching – You’ll get insight on your skills from Big Couch’s best.
- No Team Required – You’ll meet and perform with new improvisers.
- Fun – You’ll get to perform in front of an audience.
This is your shot to step up, get coached, and maybe take the crown.
Sign-Up Deadline: March 20 at midnight
Tournament Dates: April 9 & 12 at 7:30pm
How It Works
- Sign Up as an Individual – This tournament is “no team required” and “all skill levels welcome”! Just bring your talent and enthusiasm.
- Get Assigned to a Team – You’ll be placed on a troupe of 5 to 8 players (depending on total sign-ups) and matched with an experienced coach.
- Rehearse & Prepare – Your team will have at least 2 rehearsals before the tournament to develop your style and chemistry.
- Compete to Win – Perform in a multi-day tournament where judges and audiences decide who advances.
Tournament Format
If 20 or fewer individuals sign up: Everyone performs both nights!
- Night 1 (April 9): All teams perform.
- Night 2 (April 12): All teams perform again.
If more than 20 individuals sign up: We’ll engage in a single elimination tournament going from 8 to 4 teams.
- Night 1 (April 9): All teams perform, and the judges determine which 4 teams advance.
- Night 2 (April 12): The four Advancing teams compete in the semi-finals.
Final Judging: The judging panel and audience will determine which of the final 4 teams advance to the championship. After a short intermission, these two teams will perform again. Then, the audience decides the champion!
Performance Details
- Team Size: 5 to 8 players per team (depends on total sign-ups)
- Performance Time: 12 to 14 minutes each set
- All Long-form Improv Styles Welcome: All forms, musical, genre-based, and hybrids are allowed
- Props and Costumes: You can do props and costumes, but keep setup/teardown minimal to keep the show moving
- Teams will not be able to exceed allotted time as tech will pull lights on their set. Teams may elect to call their own set.
What You Need to Know
- Availability: All participants must be available for all tournament dates (April 9 & 12; call time will be 6:45 pm)
- Rehearsals: At least 2 rehearsals will be scheduled between team assignments and the tournament
- No Fee to Enter
Judging Criteria
Judges will evaluate teams on:
- Scene work and comedic timing
- Creativity and bold choices
- Teamwork and listening
- Audience engagement
Community Standards & Conduct
Big Couch expects every member of every team to be respectful of each other, their competitors, audience members, show producers, and venue staff. This tournament is meant to be fun, entertaining, and inclusive, so we ask every participant to maintain an enthusiasm for fairness and mutual support. All members of every team must agree to Big Couch’s community standards to ensure a positive experience for all performers and audience members. Show producers and staff reserve the right to end a performance or remove performers who exhibit content or other behavior that is deemed objectionable, harmful, or aggressive. Teams also have the right and are encouraged to bring concerns to show producers, staff, or the venue’s co-owners.