The

Player's Handbook
Twentieth Edition

James Thomas Bailey

ComedySportz Los Angeles

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 ©2018, Twentieth Edition, by James Thomas Bailey/ComedySportz Los Angeles.

The material, concepts, and intellectual property presented in this handbook are protected and
may not be reproduced without permission.

© 1994, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,
2017 by James Thomas Bailey/ComedySportz Los Angeles.

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 TM

1. The Big Picture

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 HISTORY

ComedySportz Los Angeles was founded in 1988 by Artistic Director James Thomas Bailey
based on the concept created by Dick Chudnow. It has since become L.A.'s longest-running
show, playing every week at El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

The ComedySportz High School League® was founded in 1989 with twelve teams and one
coach. It has grown to be the largest teen improv program in the United States with around
70 schools participating. Its purpose is to support the work of the theatre educator while
giving voice to the student artist. The League is also a means of fundraising and
complementing an existing arts program.

The League has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, the Los
Angeles Daily News, the San Diego Union Tribune, Dramatics magazine, Harper's magazine,
Teaching Theatre and more.

CSz Los Angeles (the producer of ComedySportz) and Artistic Director James Thomas Bailey
have been honored by the California Educational Theatre Association with the Professional
Artist Award and elected to the California Thespians Hall of Fame.

WHAT YOU'RE PART OF

You're about to join thousands of people who are part of our cult. We're just kidding about the
cult, but you do share the same passion with quite a few people. There are over two dozen
professional teams around the United States, plus one in England. There are more than 70
High School League® teams around Southern California, and there are other high school
teams in other states. We've been around for over 25 years, making thousands of people
laugh, and you're about to be a part of it all. We welcome you into the family and hope you
know how lucky you really are. When you wear your shirt and take the field, you represent
all of us... in the cult.

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PHILOSOPHY

Why do we do this thing called ComedySportz?

We put ourselves on display in front of a bunch of people we don't know and risk falling on
our faces. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Because it's fun, that's why. There is nothing more exciting and personally fulfilling than
pushing yourself to the limit and succeeding. There is nothing more rewarding than the
sound of hands applauding. There is nothing as joyous as the sound of laughter.

We do it to make people feel good.

ComedySportz is about risk. It can also mean failure. But more important, it's about dusting
yourself off, picking yourself up and pushing forward. All with an ear-to-ear smile on your
face.

We don't care if any of you become actors. If you do, that's great. Hopefully the things you
learn in CSz will help you with your other drama activities.

If you don't become an actor, that's fine too. No matter what you do after you leave the
ComedySportz High School League®, we hope you take a few things with you:

The ability to see the humor in every situation. Never underestimate its power.

The courage to risk failure.

The desire to try new things with an open mind.

The wisdom to recognize that diversity is strength.

The willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.

The understanding of the power of teamwork.

The vision to set goals and see them through.

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2. The Player and Coach

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THE PLAYER

The ComedySportz player is an actor and an athlete. He or she* need not worry about being funny.
The player need only play the game. The ComedySportz player is not a stand-up comic. He does
not work alone. He does not steal focus. He plays with a team, and all their work is teamwork.

When the player thinks of a match as "good" or "bad" in terms of how well he played, the player
has a problem. When evaluating his performance after the match, the player must ask himself if
he contributed to making it all work. There are many ways a player can do this:

THE PLAYER SHOULD keep a "yes" attitude the entire match.

THE PLAYER SHOULD encourage his teammates.
THE PLAYER SHOULD concentrate on the game being played.
THE PLAYER SHOULD be involved in the match, even when not playing.
THE PLAYER SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the team.
THE PLAYER SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the match.
THE PLAYER SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the show.
THE PLAYER SHOULD play the structure of the match believably.
THE PLAYER SHOULD create the illusion of friendly competition.
THE PLAYER SHOULD want to win, but not care at all if his team loses.
THE PLAYER SHOULD never take himself too seriously.
THE PLAYER SHOULD remember that ComedySportz is a family show.

ComedySportz must always be directed toward the light and away from the cynical, sarcastic or
bitter. We want the fans to laugh, but NOT, if we can help it (and we can), at anyone's expense.

We should feel good about what we do. We should have fun on the playing field, playing the
games and working together to create a whole. BUT...

We don't have more fun than the audience.

We don't do inside jokes during the match.
We don't laugh at our own jokes while on the playing field.

Take what we do seriously, but not ourselves.

*To use "he or she" over and over would make for very clumsy style. Wherever you see the word
"she" or "he," please know that we mean for it to refer to players of all genders.

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 PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

You must be breathing.

It doesn’t matter how tall you are, how beautiful you are, what color you are, how much
money you have, how much you weigh, whether you’re gay or straight, or anything else you
can think of. Only three things matter:

GRADE POINT

We ask that all players maintain a C average. Why? Because you deserve to succeed. The High
School League® * is fun, but it shouldn’t take the place of why you’re at school. Get your aver-
age solid and then come out and play. You’ll be glad you did and so will we.

STAY CLEAN

You are part of a team. Teammates have to rely on and trust each other. Have you ever been
onstage with anyone who was drunk? We have. It’s not a bit fun or entertaining, and in
improv it’s dangerous. Stay clean, no drugs, no alcohol, or don’t play. We are very serious
about this.

DEDICATION

Players and teams need to be dedicated. You are signing on for a year-long commitment. This
is not the place for undisciplined class clowns. Players must be willing to sacrifice the time to
rehearse and attend workshops. Don’t fill your team with folks who don’t really care.

Players may not miss more than one workshop with their coach. Coaches make all final
decisions of who plays.

You are required to attend the game conventions (Gamecon I and II) and your weekly rehearsals, espe-
cially the ones with your coach. You will not be approved to play as a team and player if you have not
attended workshops and rehearsals. You’ll be glad you did!

*It's also going to get very tedious if we have to put the ® sign after each use of the phrase "High
School League." Just assume that the mark is there.

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ABOUT YOUR COACH

You may not know it, but your coach is very good at what she does or she wouldn't be there.
Did you know that our improvisers have more than 600 years combined improv experience?
That means if they had been "improvising back to back," they would have started before the
invention of the screwdriver or the printing press. That's a lot of experience.

They know what they're doing.

Your coach has probably been in films or worked in the theatre or commercials. Our coaches have
been on Broadway and on the radio and in television series. They are professional teachers and
performers.

Some of our coaches started in the High School League and have gone on to play on the College
League, Sunday Team and Pro Team.

They know what they're doing.

When a coach or a ref tells you what game choice is best for the show, listen.
When a coach or ref gives you a performance or rehearsal note, listen.
When a coach or ref won't let you perform, listen.

They know what they're doing. They're there to make you look good.

They're probably also some of the most caring people you know, so don't be afraid to talk to your
coach.

They're also pretty funny.

APPROVAL FOR PLAY

You may play in the first semester if you played last year. If you are a new player, even if you're
on a returning team, you may not play until your coach approves you, which will generally be some time
during second semester. This will give you enough time to learn what you're doing so you don't
embarrass yourself. Trust us on this.

No one may play, even returning players, until your coach approves your team. There may not be
enough strong players who are returning to do a show in October. Or maybe you haven't had
enough practices since returning to school. Or maybe you have no turf or benches or flag.

Your coach decides when you're ready, and believe us when we say we only want to make you
look good. You must be approved by your coach. There is no flexibility in this. You have our name
on your chest, and we want you to succeed. Players may not miss more than one workshop with
their coach. Coaches make all final decisions about who plays.

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 MAKE EACH OTHER LOOK GOOD

There's a lot going on when we improvise on stage. We try to tell stories. We try to entertain. We
try to take care of the audience. But most importantly, we try to take care of each other.

It's challenging (and downright scary sometimes!) to do what we do. So how do we manage? By
taking care of each other. We make each other look good.

A stand-up comic is focused on his/her own performance. Standing solo in the spotlight, it's hard
to think of anyone else. But improv is different. We're not up there alone--we're working together
to invent stories to transport the audience away from their difficult day. Sometimes you're the
focus of the story, but most often, you're not. Sometimes you're a waiter or a dog or even a tree!
Throw your ego out the door because that's how your team will succeed.

Make your partners look like rock stars.

Give them what they need.
Set them up for success.
Be there for them when they don't know what to do.
Listen and watch with razor-sharp focus.
Create solutions.
Clarify when things get confused.
Help your teammates use their unique gifts to help you "win."
Tell your teammates when they do a good job.
Be generous with your laughter and applause. They're free!
Take everyone's offer like it's the best present you ever got.
Avoid pointing out people's "mistakes." They happen all the time, and that's the fun of improv.
Be willing to abandon your own ideas for the good of the story.
Make it easy for people to take risks.
Share.
Allow yourself to learn from everyone on your team.

If everyone makes each other look good, the whole team wins.

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 ABOUT SCENEWORK

Scenework is the foundation of all our "games." You need to be sure your team understands the
basics of setting up a good, solid scene before you add any twists. "Twists" aren't fun if the scene
is mediocre. Don't be afraid to have a rehearsal with just straight scenework. Or to play "Story"
without silly titles and fantastical characters and situations. You'll be surprised how good improv
can be when:

1. The scene has space to breathe and players aren't rushing to get on stage.

2. Players really listen and build on previously given information.

3. Spacework is used to clearly define the where.

4. Who, what and where are endowed immediately so that everyone (including the audience)
knows what's going on.

5. Scenes are based on simple, clear characters with specific "wants." Make sure that we're
watching this scene because this is the most important day in the character's life. Today is the day!
Otherwise, what makes it worth watching?

6. Simple, clear characters with specific "wants" make even better scenes when the scene is based
on their relationship. Many players make the mistake of thinking that the scene should be all
about the suggestion the ref gets from the audience. Not so. There's a reason it's called a
"suggestion”. It's merely a prompt for the scene, not the whole shebang. Let's say the
suggestion is "dog." A scene that is all about a dog is likely not to be as rich and rewarding as a
scene that focuses on, say, a couple going through a divorce and struggling over, among other
things, who gets the dog.

7. Remember the key points: Who, What, Where, Conflict, Resolution, Tag. And remember to
play! We're playing with each other, so have fun.

SCENEWORK! SCENEWORK! SCENEWORK!... is the key! We are actors and storytellers.

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GAMELIST

The following list of games is approved for play in your school. We suggest you start with these
and later add to your repertoire. You may come to a professional match and see games that we
haven't taught you. There are three reasons for this:

1. Some games demand skills that take a great deal of time and experience to master.
2. We would like to have the pro matches be somewhat different from the HSL matches.
3. Some games are one-joke games, and we would rather you didn't play them because they
usually don't work or only work once.

However, if there is a game you are dying to play, try it in practice and ask your coach. We don't
want to stifle your creativity and enthusiasm.

Head to Head Games

What Are You Doing? Hey Waiter
Playground Dis Expert Challenge
Story Switch Interview
Double Blind Freeze Anything You Can Do
Object Freeze 185
Da Doo Ron Ron Town Meeting
Four Rooms Beastie Rap
Try That On For Size What You Got
Dance Party

Scene Games
Emotional Symphony Moving Bodies
Four Square Bedtime Story
Replay Parallel Universe
Dr. Know-It-All Scantron
Playwright Changing Emotions
Forward Reverse New Choice
Pick-a-Play Dimestore Novel
Blind Line/Blind Stage Directions Playwright
Tag-team Monologue Slide Show

There are many games not included on this list. You must check with a professional coach or ref
before playing a new game. Some games simply don't work for our format, cannot easily be scored
or are one-joke games.

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 GAMECON I AND II (AKA THE ALL-LEAGUE WORKSHOPS)
These are the two ComedySportz "game conventions" where the entire High School League will
gather to learn the improv lexicon and catalog of High School League games. Gamecon will be
a fun, exciting and intense day where the coaches put you through your paces as you learn the
games which are essential to playing a ComedySportz match.

Here's what you can expect!

• One location for all of us to gather.

• A team bonding experience.

• A full day (9:30 am - 4 pm) with a lunch break.

• Demos by the coaches and fast-paced game "studios" where you'll get to try the games!

• A chance to interact with your fellow actletes, build friendships and get some "away matches"
happening!

• Workshops for teachers/advisors!

• Advanced concepts at Gamecon II.

• ComedySportz shirts and merchandise available to show your HSL pride and improv power!

Your team must attend! Make it a team bonding event: Plan a picnic for lunch or go to dinner
afterward! Don't miss out!

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SUMMER CAMP
We have a camp for high school students, and this isn’t your ordinary camp. It’s just not. There
are no canoes. There are no cabins. We have showers. People cook for us. We might make
something out of macaroni, but it’s doubtful.

Who can come?

Camp is for students who have completed their freshman year of high school, up through
students who have completed their senior year. All levels of experience are welcome — from zero to
lots.

What is it?
Ours is the best camp for improv training if you’re a high school student or an educator who
works with theatre students. You’re going to laugh — a lot. You’ll walk away with skills that will
benefit you your entire life: trust, confidence, creative problem solving, teamwork, focus and the
ability to turn challenges into gold. Simply, improv skills are essential for any actor, but also for
anyone who wants to succeed.

All workshops are taught by professionals from ComedySportz, the longest running show in
Los Angeles. Evenings are filled with different live shows, and there’s plenty of time for
swimming, soccer, softball, dodgeball, classic comedy films, and maybe even macaroni art.
(Those same professionals make up the camp staff, and our ratio of counselors to campers is
typically 6:1 or better.)

Past workshops have included improv games, dramatic improv, musical improv, Shakespearean
improv, stage combat, writing comedy for late night talk shows, writing comedy for the web,
commercial auditioning, puppeteering and more!

We offer scholarships which can reduce the cost by as much as $100. You can also get discounts
for early registration and/or for bringing along some friends from your school. Educators
willing to assist our counselors can also attend at a lower rate. Talk to your coach about
fundraising ideas!

When is it?
ComedySportz camp lasts for five days (Tuesday – Saturday) during late July and/or early
August. Specific dates and information can be found on our web site in the spring: cszla.com

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3. The Show

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HOSTING A MATCH

We encourage you to host at least one match with a visiting team. You may host as many
additional matches as you like, or even have matches with teams just from your school.

Remember, it is your responsibility to be in contact with the visiting teams. Get them information
early. You may move the match to another day or time if someone has a conflict. Do whatever you
want, but be a good host.

Being a good host can mean many things, but first and foremost it is being courteous and
welcoming. There's nothing worse than being ignored in a place where you don't know anyone.
Remember, it's hard to be a visiting team; when you're the visiting team, the audience generally
doesn't like you much--not because of your performance, but because of the "opposing team
mentality." REMEMBER THAT. It's okay if they boo; you'll win them over with your charm!

The home team almost always wins, and that's probably the way it should be. Don't be afraid to
sacrifice to make the home team look good; they'll do the same for you.

As the host, it's your job to have the stage set up and AN AUDIENCE. Work hard to promote your
show. As to how to set up your stage, you'll get details on that in a couple of pages. Please keep
in mind some general guidelines about production values. Although we treat CSz like a sporting
event, it is in fact a theatrical presentation by your school and should be respected as such. Please
strive to have a professional-looking setup for your audience to see — a backdrop of some sort,
or at least presentable curtains; benches or chairs for the players that are uniform in appearance;
pre- show music; that sort of thing. You will be given a checklist that outlines the various things
you'll need for a match; at your first match, please present that list to the ref.

As the visitor, it's your job to show up early. "On time" is too late. This is Southern California, and
you never know how traffic will be, so leave extra early. It will save everyone stress.

Everyone should remember that CSz players are not allowed to yell suggestions. People will think
you are setting up the players onstage and it takes the fun away from the audience. No matter how
quiet the crowd, PLAYERS SHOULDN'T YELL SUGGESTIONS WHEN THEY ARE IN THE
AUDIENCE. The same rule applies at any CSz show — another school or at our pro shows.

It is everyone's job to monitor the audience for jerks. Whether you are the home team or a visitor,
you are responsible for audience members from your school. If someone is not behaving
appropriately (in the audience or on stage), ask them to stop. Better yet, ask an adult. Your pro ref
or advisor will handle it.

After each match, the referee will have a note session with the players. Everyone who participated
in the match should stick around and be part of this session, which will take place immediately
after the match, before the set is struck or anything like that. Parents and friends may not attend
note sessions.

It's everyone's job to lose and win gracefully.

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 OUR WARM-UP SONG AND FORMAT

TAKE ME OUT TO SEE IMPROV

Take me out to see improv

Take me to C-S-Z
Buy me some peanuts and soda pop
I don't care if I laugh till I drop
And I'll yell out all my suggestions
I hope I never get bagged
And it's HA, HA, HA HA HA HA
As we laugh till we gag!

FORMAT

Pre-show music at half-hour

Ref warm-up
Take Me Out to See Improv (optional)
Vending (optional, see "Vending" page)
Player intros
National Anthem (at ref's discretion; talk to your ref)

Coin Toss
HEAD TO HEAD (team vs. team--"What are you doing?/Playground Dis/Beastie Rap/Word At
A Time Express" are examples for this round)
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
LAST CHANCE

Half Time

Team Intros for Second Match

HEAD-TO-HEAD
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
LAST CHANCE

Finale
Post-show Music

There is no room for improvement in the format. It works. You need to stick to it so that all teams play the
same show. Show format is not negotiable. Please make sure your techs and announcer are familiar with
the format.

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UNIFORMS

The following uniform policy is mandatory.

•You must wear ComedySportz-issued jerseys. Official HSL uniform jerseys are sold in pairs,
one red, one blue, and you can either purchase a team set that everyone shares, or get pairs for
individual players. You order these jerseys for your team, or as an individual, by going to this
website: www.ComedySportzStore.com.

The backs of these shirts are blank, so if you would like to add your name, school or numbers you
can.

The shirt must be clean and wrinkle-free. It should not be knotted, tied or cut.

•On the bottom half of your body, you can wear jeans or matching sweatpants. Official black
sweatpants are available at ComedySportzStore.com, but are not required.

•All players MUST wear tennis shoes. Sandals, bare feet, flip-flops and boots are not appropriate.

• No costuming may be added--glasses, scarfs, hats, canes, capes, robes, etc. The only exception
would be for a themed show, such as a pajama party or prom show. These must be pre-approved
by the team's coach and communicated when a referee request is made.

• No jewelry, including bracelets, watches, earrings, necklaces, watch or wallet chains, etc.

• You can wear your pants any way you want off-stage, but in CSz--no sagging. We don't want
to see your underwear or your butt. Bring a belt or wear pants that fit!

• Long hair on both girls and guys should be tied back. Make-up should be natural.

• If there is a type of clothing you would like to order, talk to us; ComedySportz can help you
create almost anything, including sweats, team jackets and sweat shirts.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who are not appropriately dressed will not perform in ComedySportz.
The referee will make that determination. If a referee disqualifies a student for uniform violation
and it cannot be corrected, the student will not play.

CLOTHING AT PRACTICE

You must bring athletic shoes to practice. The same footwear policy applies here. No exceptions.

If you are in a skirt or other clothing item that would impede movement or limit your ability to
participate, you should bring a change of clothing.

No sunglasses.

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 BEFORE THE MATCH

Players should arrive at least an hour before the show and help set up. Be sure there is a sign-in
sheet. If someone is missing, the manager should phone him. If there is a problem and the show
needs to be postponed or cancelled, call the ref immediately. Sometimes the pro refs drive a long
way in rush-hour traffic and the sooner you can let them know, the better.

Everyone needs to help set the stage. Be sure brown bags, paper and pens, etc. are in place. It makes
the show look very sloppy to stop in the middle and hunt for a brown bag!

Players should bring both uniform shirts.

Players should be in uniform thirty minutes before the show and stay backstage. This is the time
to get focused and concentrate on your team's game choices. Be ready for the ref when she
arrives. The ref is not there to organize your show.

If your team is vending, each player should check the props he will use in vending. Captains
should make sure players are not vending the same things. If necessary assign vending items so
that players are not "playing it safe."

Teams should warm up together. The ref is not responsible for starting your warm-up. Please be
organized and get everyone together and focused. DO NOT GO ON STAGE WITHOUT A
WARM-UP.

THE PRO REF

The referee will arrive as early as possible, most often half an hour before showtime. Be aware
that the refs generally are driving from Los Angeles, and your school's show may be scheduled
at a time when traffic is brutal. It helps us out immensely if you plan your start time strategically,
traffic-wise; call us and we can give you lots of tips on this. We need an emergency contact
number — the cell phone of the student manager or adult advisor. Not the school phone, as
schools tend to not answer the phones after 4 pm. Please have one or two students waiting in the
parking lot 30 minutes before the match to greet the ref so he doesn't have to wander all over
campus trying to find you.

THE BEEP

The referee will call for "the beep." In this warm-up, the players put their arms around each other
and attempt to say "beep" as quickly around the circle as possible. The goal is to wait until an offer
is made to you and then pass the offer on to a fellow player without stepping on each other. The
beep serves several purposes. As simple as it appears, and as lightly as some players take it, the
beep has a lot to do with timing and working with each other. The sound is constant and there is
no room for jokes during the beep. The concentration and focus of the match begins here. Listen,
focus, support.

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VENDING

This is a truly wonderful part of the show, but is optional. It really gives the feel of the ballpark
and lets the players have some one-on-one contact with the audience. Not all schools have vending
in their matches; it's up to you to decide if your school wants to vend or not.

As the ref blows the whistle at the end of the warm-up song, we should hear "Peanuts!" nice and
loud and clear. A vendor enters during the whistle and starts to sell peanuts. Really. This should
be followed 10 seconds later by two vendors selling pennants, one selling red and one blue. You
can make these pennants out of construction paper or buy them from us. These items should be
sold "straight, " meaning be fairly serious about it. Vendors wear paper food service hats like the
guys at the local burger place.

The rest of the vendors should stagger their entrances at least ten seconds apart and casually stroll
on. IF EVERYONE ENTERS AT ONCE, IT WILL FEEL LIKE AN ATTACK. Take your time. Try
to talk to people. If you yell your pitch at the top of your lungs, your joke will be over as soon as
you start. Talk to people. This is your chance to warm them up individually.

You must start the vending with "peanuts." You should follow it up with "pennants" or another
straight item, like popcorn or programs. Any joke item must be one that can be "sold." Walking
around shouting a pun isn't as funny as you might think. Remember, you have to establish the
reality of the vending before you can make fun of it!

If you would like paper vending hats, you can purchase those at a store like Smart and Final.

Vending items should be for sale, not just visual puns. Examples of items:

Male Bonding--tape guys together with masking tape.

Friendship--promise to be a best friend, offer to wash their car, give them a little backrub, etc.

Wood--just carry around a small board.

Reality Check--carry a small mirror. Show people their reflection and ask if everything is okay.

Ice Cream--ask for 25 cents and then scream.

California Raisin Kabobs--Raisins on a stick with recipe cards. Use a pot holder.

Floss--carry floss and ask to see their teeth.

Don't sell off-color items. Change items--don't get stuck with a favorite. Be creative.

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 ANNOUNCER

An announcer can also add to the fun. We are providing you with Ref and Player intro sheets (see
the Manager's Manual, page 63) that you can photocopy and use over and over for your matches.
There are several reasons why the introductions are so important to the success of the match. Done
properly, they can bring necessary energy into the match. They are also a key for setting up the
players to have a proper show--they are part of the players' focus. Players should concentrate on
what they are doing and not on how the audience is reacting.

NOTE: Your announcer must rehearse. Don't throw a new player in the announcer seat and assume
he can do it. The announcer must be an experienced team member. An announcer can kill a show
with a poor performance!

Here are some tips on announcing:

1. "Good Evening," etc. should be grandiose and "ballparky" (new word!). The "ah" and "oh"
sounds should be stretched out. All of your announcements should sound dramatic and exciting.

2. No matter what, do not interrupt the ref.

3. When introducing the players, the announcing of their names should almost be like singing;
very stretched-out vowels and varying pitches. Important: a player should not be standing at the
back of a large auditorium when his/her name is announced, as it then takes too long to get up on
the stage. The announcer and the players should coordinate things so that a player is just bounding
onto the stage when his/her name is spoken. As soon as the player has acknowledged the crowd,
the announcer should say the next name--no need to wait until the player is seated. And the new
player, whose name is now being spoken, needs to be bounding onto the stage.

4. When announcing the score between games, make it big and dramatic. Don't wait for the ref to
ask for it; just jump in an announce it as soon as it is clear who won the game.

5. Practice doing vocal sound effects with the microphone. This takes practice. Be sure you aren't
too loud. You should add to the action, not cover it up. If you decide to have someone do vocal
sound effects, let visiting teams know so they aren't surprised. Demo both announcing and sound
effects for the ref before the match.

6. Check sound levels before the show so that you know how the show will sound.

7. If you are not using an announcer, be sure to tell the ref.

8. Use appropriate microphones and equipment. If you do not have a microphone, coordinate
with the ref so that the announcer can be on the stage.

9. Check with players (especially visiting players) on how to correctly pronounce their names.

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 PLAYER NICKNAMES

Sometimes it's fun to use "nicknames" for players because it's a common practice in sports. For
example, "Sugar Ray" Robinson was a famous boxer. It sounds "athletic." You can create
nicknames for your team, too. They're fun to cheer. For example:

James "Bruiser" Bailey

Kurt "Showtime" Scholler
Andy "GoGo" Goldblatt
Mark "The Moleman" Mohelnitzky

These are ComedySportz players who use alliteration to create a fun name.

Sometimes players make a pun on their last names, like:

Jeff "Non-Dairy" Kramer

Chris "Big And" Tallman
Nancy "Always the Bridesmaid Never the" McBride

Notice how long Nancy's is. Very funny, but long. If everyone on your team were to pick one like
this, they would cease to be funny.

Nicknames are not necessary. However, if you want to pick nicknames, here are the guidelines:

• You must keep the same name all year. Names should be placed in the program, but should not
be announced because the are often unintelligible and slow down the show.

• Vary the names on your teams so that not all of them are long and punny. Have some variety.
It's a lot more fun to yell "Go Bruiser!" than "Go Always the Bridesmaid Never the!"

• Don't pick names that are "in jokes." In other words, they're jokes only your team or friends will
understand.

• Don't ever pick a name that is a double entendre for something that should be a Brown Bag.

Remember, you don't need them at all.

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THE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE ON FACEBOOK AND REMIND

There is now a HSL Facebook page. You will receive further instructions re how to use
this once the new school year begins. The Facebook page is where players can talk to other
HSL players from every school.

Also, we often send out text messages with important information through www.remind.com .
Information will be provided on how to join at the beginning of the school year.

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 HOW TO SEE A MATCH

It is essential that your team sees a ComedySportz match. We have a theatre of our own in
North Hollywood with ComedySportz shows at 8 pm and 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 7
pm on Sundays. (Schedule subject to occasional variance.) Players can have a field trip and use
their High School League discount. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance or you may
not have seats when you get there.

COMEDYSPORTZ THEATRE MATCH SCHEDULE

Professional ComedySportz matches at 8 pm on most Fridays and Saturdays, and at 10 pm on

most Saturdays.
ComedySportz College League matches at 10 pm on Fridays.
ComedySportz Sunday Team matches at 7 pm on (as you've guessed) Sundays.
We also offer a wide variety of long-form shows. Be sure to visit cszla.com for the latest dates
and times. You can use your discount for all of these shows!

For show information and to buy advance tickets, call the Ticket Hotline, (323) 871-1183. You can
buy regularly-priced tickets on line through our website. Remember, for a player to receive the
HSL discount, she must call our Ticket Hotline and identify herself as a HSL player.

On some nights, your team could stay for both shows and see two completely different kinds of
improv!

SEEING MATCHES AT OTHER SCHOOLS

You can find out about other schools' shows via our office. Call or email us to find out if anybody
in your area is having a match on a given date. We encourage you to support other schools. This
will help you bond and find new friends to play matches with.

HEY!
LOOK!
Don't yell suggestions during any CSz show--yours, another school's or the CSz professional shows.
It makes the audience think it's rigged because they know you're part of CSz. Remember, it's for
them. Also, you should avoid volunteering at the professional shows because people realize
you're too good just to be a regular audience member! The Muggles don't understand our ways.

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COMEDYSPORTZ CONTACT SHEET

The following are important numbers for you.

ComedySportz Office 323-871-1193

ComedySportz Ticket Line 323-871-1183

Please note: Leaving a voice message on our office line and/or sending us an email is the fastest
way to get a response. No one is in the office nights and weekends.

If you need to email James, Eddie, or Sarah; you can reach them both at this email address:
hsl@cszla.com.

You can make ref requests on our Google form: http://bit.ly/2ohbBx5

ComedySportz Los Angeles website: www.CSzLA.com

COMEDYSPORTZ MAILING ADDRESS:

ComedySportz
8033 Sunset Boulevard #506
Los Angeles, CA 90046

COMEDYSPORTZ'S THEATRE ADDRESS (DON'T SEND MAIL HERE):

El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershim
Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601

PARKING FOR OUR THEATRE:

There is free street parking all over the area after 6pm. As always, read the signs carefully.
You can also park for $3 in the Metro Red Line station lot, a block north of the theatre on
the east side of Lankershim. To get there, go up to Cumpston and turn right; after a block,
turn right into the station lot.

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