Cage Match
The Cage Match is not an Improv Format, but rather a show concept, involving
a competition between long-form improv troupes. It was
developed by Kevin Mullaney, and the idea is the following:
- 2 teams compete for the audience`s vote
- each team gets 25 minutes to perform. A timer is provided on-stage
- each team can call one 30 seconds time-out
- each team needs to bring a song/CD/cassette for their `entry` - for teams
that don`t bring their own song something lame will be played
- each member of the audience gets one ballot as they enter the theater
- in order to be allowed to vote, the audience member must see both teams perform
- the performers are not allowed to vote; anyone else present is
- the host is responsible for counting the votes. Team with the most votes
wins and returns next time (against another team). Host decides who is the
winner in case of a tie.
- decisions of the host are final. The host can make up rules and dish out
punishments at his sole discretion.
- stacking the audience is not only allowed, but encouraged
- apart from the above, anything goes, as long as it`s long form improv.
The `official` rules can be found on
www.cage-match.com/rules.php.
Go -- not knowing where. Bring -- not knowing what --- Russian proverb
