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Frequently Asked Questions

General
Shows
Classes
Teams

General

Can I have a Job?
We offer internships.

Seriously though, can I have a JOB?
Seriously though, we offer internships. We hand them out like candy. Very rare candy. We look for very committed current students who will work hard in exchange for tuition, and learn and grow with us. Interns should strive for perfect class attendance and smile even when secretly angry. If you are a current student and you are interested in an internship send your info (name, email, phone number, skills) to alex@magnettheater.com.

Can I just volunteer?
'Just'? What do you mean 'Just'? Was the Polio Vaccine 'Just' a vaccine that prevents Polio? Was Hammurabi's Code 'Just' the first set of written laws in human history? Was Abe Lincoln 'Just' gay? The answer is yes. You are welcome to just volunteer. There are tons of things to do, and not all of them involve watching out for cops. Let us know your interest and we'll talk about what you might be interested in doing. We thank you in advance.

Are you guys open right now? Can I come by and say Hello?
Yes. There is still much to do, but the hard hats are finally off.

It looked like this:

Now it looks like this:

Is the Magnet wheelchair-accessible?
Yes! Ramped entrance is available to the right of the main entrance. Please call the theater in advance so we can reserve seating or for any other special arrangements. 212-244-8824.

I'm hot. Is the Magnet air conditioned?
Yes!

How can I make a donation?

You may do so online or by sending a check to
Magnet Theater 254 West 29th St NY NY 10001. Email us so that we may be expecting it. Thanks!
How can I submit a Frequently Asked Question?
Follow this link. If you do it frequently, we will add it to this FAQ.
Shows

When can we see shows?
Magnet hosts a variety of performances and special events Thursdays through Saturdays and sometimes Sundays at our theater at 254 West 29th Street. More nights will be added soon. Check the shows page!

What kinds of shows?
Magnet Theater presents shows by students from our improvisation training center, shows developed by our staff, and select guest shows. Check the shows page!

Can I book my show? It's really great.
I know it is! Soon we will be developing policies for guest shows. We want to be able to commit the theater's full resources to every show in our theater, and so we will be starting nice 'n' easy with a variety of performances and special events. If you're looking for a full run rental deal now, check out Juvie Hall. If you're looking for a place to perform solo or with your group, Ash Wednesday and Variety Underground at Parkside Lounge are two of our favorites.

Are these real Frequently Asked Questions or are they just a cute way to relate important information?
Why, I don't know… what you're talking about… RUN!!!

Classes

What is the class size?
No more than 18 students. Usually smaller.

How much do classes cost?
Most classes are $299, except where otherwise noted. Level 1 is $199.

I was in a college improv group and we were awesome. Do I have to start at level one? I mean, I was the best one in the group!
Yes. Most likely level one is the best place for you to start. Try not to get caught up in the levels. A talented improviser will get something out of every opportunity to learn and play. And it will really benefit you to experience our core curriculum from the beginning. This gives you a chance to revisit and master the fundamentals. Plus everyone in the class will think you rock. For these reasons, we will suggest you jump in at level one.

I took all the levels at UCB and The Pit, studied with Armando and Ed, and in Chicago I did Second City's Training Center and all the levels at the ImprovOlympic where I was on a team for 3 years. Do I have to start at level one?
There are cases when a student will start at another level. There are also other elective classes outside the core curriculum that may appeal to you. Taking one of those will allow the instructor to figure out which level would fit best. We value your extensive and diverse experience. While even the most experienced improviser will benefit from level one, there are reasons why that may not be right for you. Talk to us.

Can I take classes and perform at other venues while being a part of the Magnet Theater?
Of course. We offer a comprehensive curriculum and classes for improvisers at every level. And we want you to train, grow, perform, and be a part of the fabric of our community. Yet we know there are other perspectives, there are other theaters, and there are other opportunities out there. We want you to bring everything you can to your training at our theater. And whatever you learn and experience at the Magnet is yours to keep. Please weave your new skills into your life however you can.

The class I want is sold out. Can I be added to a waitlist?
Of course. Just go ahead and register for the class (but don't pay!), and you will be added to the waitlist. We'll let you know if a space opens up.

What if my schedule is insane, can I do make-ups if I miss a class?
Yes. We want this to work for you, and sometimes make-ups can be arranged for the same week. Call or email to discuss a solution to your situation. We are also offering one-day workshops to fit you!

I need to cancel my registration. What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel your registration more than 10 days prior to the beginning of class, you may get a credit for another class, or get your money back. If you cancel your registration 10 days or less before the beginning of class, you may still get a credit for another class, or get your money back minus a $50 administration fee. After the session has begun, there is no cancellation. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact us. There is a $30 fee for all checks returned for insufficient funds.

If you still have questions about our classes after reading this and the classes page, email us at classes@magnettheater.com

Teams

Are you guys gonna have teams?
Yes. Teams are a foundation of the theater. Performing is where you get your chops. We want you to be on a team. You wouldn't take dance classes and then never go dancing. You wouldn't learn Kung Fu and then not take your revenge. Hell, that's the sweetest part. The more stage time you get, the faster your skills improve.

What is the deal with teams?
Here's the deal: You will perform with your class. Some classes and levels are more focused on performances than others. And soon, we will be forming Student Teams that perform outside the scope of any particular class. Students will be invited to audition for these teams.

Do I have to take classes at the Magnet to be on a team?
Generally yes. They are student teams after all. If you've trained somewhere else and come into the audition cold, you won't really know what it is we're looking for, and your chances of being selected for a team are greatly diminished. If you've taken classes, we will know your work, and have better idea of where you fit.

So students will take classes, perform in class shows and then audition to be on a student team that performs regularly?
Yep.

For whom do I audition?
You will do the audition workshop with the person who leads it, most likely all instructors. At the end, you will sing in front of Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and that black guy.

Will Seacrest be there?
No. He doesn't work with us anymore.

When is the next audition?
We will announce it to students and on the website. We create new teams when there are enough students ready to advance to that level and occasionally there will be openings on current Student Teams. We will give plenty of notice before an audition workshop is held.

Are you affiliated with any school, university, church, or global corporation?
No. Are you?

 

 

 
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