Framework workshop
Get help running your group
Framework workshop
Get help running your group
Transform Your Improv group with Essential Off-Stage Organizational Strategies
※本ワークショップは、英語のみでの実施となります。Note: This workshop is conducted in English.
Discover how administrative and leadership mechanisms can transform your improv group from merely surviving to truly thriving. Learn to mitigate common arguments and hurt feelings by implementing clear systems, including visual representations of attendance.
DETAILS
Time: 2.5 hours (for 1:1) or up to 3 hours if its a group
Location: Online (via Google Meet or Zoom)
Number of Participants: 1-3*
When: after you sign up, we will discuss dates/Times that work best for us
Cost: $125 (USD) paid via PayPal, Venmo or most major credit cards
*$125 per Person/group. But if 2-3 people from the same group want to take the workshop as a group, it’s still just $125 for the group. If it is 2-3 people from different groups, then it is $125 per person.
Are you an improv group leader, organizer, or administrator looking to elevate your troupe's operations from behind the scenes? While the magic of improvisation thrives on spontaneity, truly great shows and sustainable groups are built on a foundation of smart planning and effective management. Mike Staffa, founder and Director of the Pirates of Tokyo Bay, brings 20 years of invaluable experience in navigating the unique challenges of managing an improv group. This 2.5 to 3-hour online workshop distills his extensive knowledge into practical strategies designed specifically for those who juggle schedules, coordinate teams, and foster vibrant improv communities worldwide.
This isn't a workshop for improv beginners; it's for the dedicated architects of improv who understand that a thriving stage presence requires meticulous off-stage organization. Its core purpose is to equip improv leaders with the administrative and leadership mechanisms necessary to not just survive, but truly thrive, by fostering harmony and efficiency through clear systems. You'll delve into proven methods for balancing creative flexibility with essential structural elements, developing robust systems tailored to your group's needs, and streamlining the often-chaotic logistics of production and community building. From effective scheduling and team coordination to leveraging readily available digital tools like Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Slack, you'll gain actionable insights to transform your organizational approach, allowing your performers to truly 'wing it on stage' while you confidently 'plan it on page.'
Join a global community of your peers to refine your leadership skills and ensure your improv group not only survives but truly flourishes. Participants will receive a comprehensive presentation file at the workshop's conclusion, serving as a valuable resource to implement these strategies within their own communities.
ℹ️ Still have questions before signing up? Email Mike Staffa at: staffa@japancomedy.com
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How can I get members to be more active and involved?
What’s the best way to ask people to leave the group?
How do I fairly and clearly decide who gets to perform?
How can I share the workload so I’m not doing everything while others just perform?
How can I automate admin tasks to focus more on performing?
What tools do you use to manage your group?
And more!
What’s included
✅ Three-hour live online workshop: Direct access to 20 years of improv management expertise.
✅ Comprehensive Presentation PDF: A downloadable resource with key strategies to implement.
✅ Interactive Q&A Session: Get your specific questions answered by Mike and fellow leaders.
✅ Practical Frameworks & Tools: Learn proven methods to streamline your group's operations.
What’s NOT included
❌ Your personal improv troupe: You'll still need to assemble your dream team!
❌ Bottomless coffee cup: Please bring your own favorite beverage.
❌ Magic wand for instant solutions: We provide the roadmap, but the journey is yours.
❌ New laptop or internet connection: Ensure your tech is ready for a smooth online experience.
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Experience in Organizing Improv or Events – Participants should have some background in coordinating improv shows, theater events, or community performances.
Familiarity with Scheduling & Team Coordination – Prior experience managing a team, booking performers, or handling event logistics will help apply the strategies effectively.
Basic Digital Literacy – Since tools like Google Sheets, Photoshop or other planning software may be discussed, a basic understanding of spreadsheets and design tools is helpful.
Active Role in an Improv or Event-Based Community – Ideal for those currently leading or helping to manage an improv troupe, comedy group, or arts organization.
Sign Up
Please complete the form below & Mike will contact you to find a workshop date/time that works for you. After The workshop we can sort out payment.
Example slides
Quotes from participants
“Thank you again for the wonderful workshop, 3 hours flew by fast! This was admittedly the workshop I was looking forward to the most and found it very valuable!”
“I found it especially fun to have prompted sharing exercises with other participants to share growing pains and insights, and it was also helpful to understand the reasons and pros/cons behind the systems put in place in the Pirates.”
“Overall, great workshop! Appreciated your candor in sharing your experience as it gave a lot of depth and context to how this system fits into real life.”
4.9 out of 5
Satisfaction rating from past participants
Group Kit
Group Kit
Improv Group Management Kit / 即興劇団運営キット
Stop "winging it" off-stage. Build a professional infrastructure for your troupe. The exact administrative systems used to run Tokyo's premier bilingual improv comedy group for over 15 years.
東京を拠点とする日本語と英語の即興コント劇団、パイレーツ・オブ・東京湾が15年間培ってきた運営のノウハウを凝縮。
(Note: The templates in this kit are in English.)
Benefit from 20 Years of Trial & Error This kit was designed and refined by Mike Staffa, founder of the Pirates of Tokyo Bay and Pirates of the Dotombori. It mitigates common arguments and hurt feelings by implementing clear, visual systems.
Who is this for? Improv leaders, organizers, and stage managers who want to spend less time on spreadsheets and more time on stage.
Support Included We know these systems are robust. Your purchase includes Email Support to help you understand how to customize these sheets for your specific group.
GOOGLE SHEETS:
📊 The "Command Center"
This master file is the brain of your operation. It replaces scattered notes with a single source of truth.
Attendance & Scheduling: Instantly see who is active. Makes casting shows objective and fair based on data, not guesses.
Show History: A database of every game, theme, and format you’ve ever performed. Never accidentally repeat a set list.
Financial Formulas: Pre-calculated tabs for "Group vs. Individual" expenses. Know exactly when the group pays for taxis/travel and when members do.
Roles & Access: A centralized vault for SNS logins and volunteer roles (e.g., who handles Instagram vs. who handles the website).
Strategy & Goals: Templates for setting short, mid, and long-term milestones.
💰 Money & Growth Systems
Invoices: A simple tracker for corporate workshops and shows. Know who paid and who owes you money.
Audition Database: A scoring system to track feedback for every applicant. Essential for giving professional feedback to those who pass (or fail).
Data Tracking: Manual entry points for social media growth and audience numbers to visualize your progress over years.
GOOGLE DOCS:
📝 Leadership & Communication
Templates designed to professionalize your internal and external communication.
The "Living" Practice Note: A collaborative agenda for rehearsals. Keeps a record of what was taught so absent members can catch up.
Media Briefings: Cheat sheets for interviews. Ensure every member knows the group's history and talking points before talking to the press.
Email Templates (Pass/Fail): Don’t write difficult emails from scratch. Use our battle-tested scripts for accepting new members or letting people down gently while maintaining good will.
❤️ SUPPORT:
Support Included We know these systems are robust. Your purchase includes Email Support to help you understand how to customize these sheets for your specific group.
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This is a kit to help leaders (or admins) of improv groups.
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This kit was designed and improved over twenty years by the Pirates of Tokyo Bay and Pirates of the Dotombori. It has helped keep the groups informed, invested and engaged. We hope it will be just as helpful to your group.
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The spreadsheets and documents in this kit are to be a starting point for organizing your group and centralizing information. But it will be truly helpful as you use, adjust and update the documents as you use them.
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We almost anticipate you will need help to use this kit to its fullest. If (or when) that is the case, just email us and we will be happy to help.
“After struggling to come up with a transparent system for 5 years, this kit made managing much easier. It keeps our whole company accountable & allows us to focus on more fun aspects of improv.”
“It’s been a great help in organising my team! It’s helped with transparency, clarity & saved lots of time & effort. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to up their organisational game.”
“It’s easier to organize things and keep on top of each member’s responsibilities. Members are no longer able to use the “but I wasn’t there. I didn’t know” excuse. Everyone has access and up to date.”
“It’s an amazing system that makes things super smooth and easy, and empowers our group members here in Tokyo!”
Important Notes:
Format: Google Sheets & Google Docs (Requires a free Google Account).
Language: All templates are in English.
Price: ¥32,000 JPY (approx. $215 USD).
All sales are final for digital downloads.