Awkward Feedback

Awkward Face Auditions

Feedback from AF Performers, Friends and Alumni

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you for auditioning and/or joining Awkward Face?
Not thinking I had enough experience or that I was good enough. In all honesty, I thought it was a mistake when I was asked to join, as if you meant a different Erin.

What have you gotten out of being a member of Awkward Face?
Consistent practice, performing and additional training.

What is one specific thing you like the most about being in Awkward Face?
Being part of a group where I know whatever direction I say or do on stage will be supported.

What would you say are three benefits of being in Awkward Face?

Consistent practice/performance with the same people.

Ability to hone my craft and the art of improv.

Supportive environment.

What advice would you give to those auditioning for Awkward Face?

Be yourself. Don't try to be funny. Be present and listen to your scene partner.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

Pan Theater is a great artistic community where you will have the ability to hone your craft and practice in a safe space where improv is live theater and we are the actors.

About Me
I live in Oakland with my husband and 5 (yes 5) cats. I have been in Awkward Face for nearly a year. During the day I am a Human Resource professional working for a company that outsources HR to small businesses. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA but have lived and worked in Chicago and Minneapolis as well. If I am not at Pan Theater you may see me running around Lake Merritt.

Erin Daruszka

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you for auditioning and/or joining Awkward Face?

Simple procrastination and non-specific fear

What have you gotten out of being a member of Awkward Face?

I'm twice the performer I was when I started. I feel comfortable performing to any crowd, I'm more comfortable socially, improv has a lot of parallels to regular life, I find it benefitting me everyday, not just on-stage.

What is one specific thing you like the most about being in Awkward Face?

We are a very supportive and positive group. Everybody puts in what they can and supports each other's choices, it's a very non-judgmental group, oh and hilarious. Being in Awkward Face has given me the chance to get my chops as an improvisor, we train and perform regularly and I strongly believe that "reps" are essential to an improvisors development.

What would you say are three benefits of being in Awkward Face?

Losing my nervousness and fear of failure on-stage. Gaining my ability to be "private" in a public space. Learning from my many mistakes.

What advice would you give to those auditioning for Awkward Face?

Do it, jump in. Read Impro and Truth In Comedy.

Scott Vermeire, Oakland CA, professional performer and performance artist.

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you for auditioning and/or joining Awkward Face?

It's hard to say; I was living miles away (San Mateo) at the time, and working in Mountain View, so not distance! The group was pretty different back then; we performed less, and there was a smaller talent pool and (it seems, looking back) a different sort of focus. I guess if people had seemed really unwelcoming or standoffish? Or, of course, if they hadn't taken me.

What have you gotten out of being a member of Awkward Face?

Tons, more than I can say in a few words. Performing (potentially) every week is the single best thing someone can do to grow as an improviser. And growing as an improviser means you also grow as a performer and as a person. I have made some of the best friends and had some of the best experiences of my life with or through this group. The various workshops with David Razowsky and others, plus opportunities like the 10-minute play festivals allowed me to explore other aspects of improv and performance. And overall, just the feeling that hey, I can actually DO this to some degree; that was and is massively important for any improviser.

What is one specific thing you like the most about being in Awkward Face?

The general vibe of "we're here to do theater as much as comedy"; the focus on making real relationships & scenes rather than trying to be the funniest person in the room.

What would you say are three benefits of being in Awkward Face?

Performing every week. Having other opportunities to do different kinds of performance. Being with a truly supportive group.

What advice would you give to those auditioning for Awkward Face?

Relax! And trust that the greatest improviser ever is the person on stage with you RIGHT NOW.

Is there anything you'd like to add?

No one else is doing this kind of improv in the East Bay, and very few are doing it to this level in the Bay Area as a whole. Also, with the changes going on, there is a lot of potential right now to help shape the current direction of the group.

Alan Coyne, Oakland, long-time Pan performer and teacher

What was the obstacle that would have prevented you for auditioning and/or joining Awkward Face?

When I first started with Pan, if the classes were too costly it would have prevented me, but they were very reasonable.

What have you gotten out of being a member of Awkward Face?

In AF, I feel like part of a team. I love the chance to perform so often.

What is one specific thing you like the most about being in Awkward Face?

Right now, I feel that AF has enabled me to try out new skills in a safe collaborative environment. I have had the chance to do new things, such as write and direct new plays.

What would you say are three benefits of being in Awkward Face?

Three benefits of AF and improv- a.flexing your improv muscles through training with talented improvisers; b. improv that's authentic, not forced; c.a caring, supportive community of artists

What advice would you give to those auditioning for Awkward Face?
We value the organic, present and authentic over flash, cleverness, and ego.

Virginia Harrington

I live in Larkspur and work for two school districts. In my spare time I act, write and direct.