What kind of improv class would you like to see?

[mitchmills]

I think it would be great to have an "Intro to Tech" class, maybe on a recurring basis. I'm often willing and available to help with tech, but have zero background in it, so what little I know I've had to pick up on the fly in the rushed time between shows. It's not exactly an ideal learning environment.

It would be great to have a chance to play around with and really get to know the equipment without the risk of f&#king up a show in front of a live audience. I've seen badly-done tech really detract from a show, so in the two or three maestros I've teched I always feel really inhibited up in the booth and wish I knew more.

And it seems like having to scramble for a tech person is a relatively frequent occurence, so increasing the supply of people with at least a rudimentary knowledge of how to work the booth would be a good thing for the community. I've heard lots of improvisers express a willingness to do tech, but they're reluctant because they've never done it before, plus I imagine directors aren't exactly eager to have a complete newbie up in the booth for a show.

If not classes (or in addition to them), maybe there could be a system where experienced tech people indicate a willingness to work with a novice on a particular show, and novices sign up to be considered for sitting in with an experienced tech person. Kind of like OKCupid for Techs Seeking Newbies and Newbies Seeking Techs.

Maybe this could done be through a dedicated "Who Wants to Tech?" category on the forum? I'd be willing to help set that up and/or moderate it if needed.