AUDITION AT KISMET
Kismet holds general auditions every August for our 9-month season. We may also hold mid-season auditions in January. Read below for all the info you need about how to have a great audition.
General Auditions: August
We will be holding our annual General Auditions for next season August 8 & 9, 2026!
Email hello@kismetimprov.com to stay in the loop.
Who, What, Where
Anyone interested in improv is encouraged to audition at Kismet. It's ideal if you have completed Improv 301 at Kismet, an equivalent improv curriculum elsewhere, or have at least a year's experience in improv comedy, to feel comfortable and perform your best during the auditions.
Auditions at Kismet are designed to survey your improv skills and introduce you to the expectations and environment of being a Kismet Improv performer. The process includes warming up, introductions, playing some games and exercises, and then performing in two-person scenes and an improv montage.
For those interested in musical teams, there's an optional musical segment.
Kismet's auditions are held at our theater space located at 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, R.I.
Newcomers to Kismet
We are always looking for fresh talent to join our community.
Because casting at Kismet is based on demonstrated skill and ensemble fit, we strongly recommend that newcomers enroll in a class. Taking a class is the most direct way to immerse yourself in the Kismet style, meet our directors, and get on the radar for future casting. Check out our upcoming classes here.
Shows 3 nights a week:
requirements for consideration
Thursday Night Vibes House Teams
Thursday is our home for bold experimentation and community integration. These teams are the foundation of our community. Thursday is where we integrate new talent into the Kismet style and provide consistent reps for performers to grow. It is a high-energy space focused on mentorship, ensemble chemistry, and seasoning. Whether you are a newcomer or a regular, this is where we build the "group mind" that defines our theater.
Requirements for TNV House Team Cast
-
Training: Completion of Improv 301 at Kismet (or equivalent). No prior performance experience is required.
-
Schedule: Teams perform on Thursdays and some Fridays (Sept–May).
-
Commitment: Attend at least 75% of biweekly rehearsals; perform twice month.
Friday Night House Party Teams
Friday Night House Party is our signature show. It is a high-energy, versatile showcase that brings together experienced performers with the confidence to carry a room. This stage features a mix of longform, shortform, and musical improv. It’s a fast-paced environment where the Kismet style is on full display.
Requirements for House Party Team Cast
-
Training: Completion of Improv 401 (or equivalent) OR at least one year of consistent improv performance experience.
-
Schedule: Teams perform on Fridays and some Thursdays (Sept–May).
-
Commitment: Attend at least 75% of biweekly rehearsals; perform twice month.
Saturday Night Productions
Saturday is for our most seasoned performers and specialized productions. These shows cast disciplined players and feature complex, focused formats and theatrical concepts. Casting for Saturday is highly selective because the work is specific and demanding.
Requirements for Saturday cast members
-
Training: Typically full longform improv curriculum, but training requirements will be determined by each show's director.
-
Schedule: Determined by show directors; cast members are expected to make most rehearsals and shows.
-
Contact: Email hello@kismetimprov.com for specific production info.
Compensation for all Kismet Performers
All performers participate in a revenue-share model, receiving a share of ticket sales paid out in December and in May.
How to Prepare for Auditions
The best way to get to know us and sharpen your audition skills is to be active in our community before August auditions.
Come to our Shows!
Experience the shows you're auditioning to be part of!
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, come observe the dynamics of a Kismet performer, understand the flow of our shows, meet our coaches, teams, and staff. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with our environment and what we do!
Join the Jam:
Stick around at the end Friday House Party for our jam session, where teams, performers, and students all get a chance to perform together. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get comfortable performing at Kismet and work on skills necessary for auditions.
Participate in Drop-in Practice Groups:
Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., our drop-in practice group meets, and every other Saturday at 2pm our bilingual drop-in practice group meets. Participants work on essential improv skills, tactics, and strategies. These are supportive environments where you can practice, receive feedback, and prepare for successful scenes.
Enroll in a Class:
Especially if you're new to improv or still deciding if Kismet is the right fit for you, we recommend taking one of our classes. This is where you'll meet our dedicated teachers, engage with our community, and learn the foundational skills vital for success in our teams. It's a comprehensive way to immerse yourself in the Kismet style of improv.
Detailed audition criteria
Our Evaluation Process
At Kismet, we use a clear, skill-based rubric to help our coaching team make informed casting decisions. We look for performers who demonstrate a balance of technical craft, professional discipline, and a strong commitment to the ensemble.
Think of these criteria as a roadmap for your growth. We use these specific markers to determine which night and team dynamic will best support your current skills and challenge you to reach the next level.
🏫 Training
Improvisers of all experience levels are encouraged to audition. Note the skill-level expectations for each of our three shows, below:
-
Thursday Night Vibes: Longform skills commensurate with Improv 301, or equivalent.
-
Friday Night House Party: Longform skills commensurate with Improv 401, or equivalent.
-
Saturday Night Productions: Training expectations are up to director discretion.
If you have questions about whether your training and experience meet these requirements, please email hello@kismetimprov.com
☑️ Demonstrated Skill
We expect performers to be actively involved in the Kismet community (through classes, student showcases, or jams) within the past six months or more to show evidence of improving key skills.
🏋️Strong Choices
We expect performers to initiate compelling character choices, relationships, and premises.
🙋 Confidence
We expect performers to fearlessly initiate scenes, characters, games, and songs during performances.
🧑🤝🧑 Teamwork & Awareness
We expect performers to maintain awareness of the entire ensemble. This means actively integrating with teammates and responding to the needs of the set.
💁 Support
We expect performers to say yes and build upon their scene partner's ideas and premises to shape and move the scene forward together.
🤝 Ease of Collaboration
We expect performers to adapt, support and work alongside all team members.
🌈 Inclusive Language + Choices
We expect performers to use fully inclusive, respectful language and steer clear of stereotypes.
🏁 Establishing + Reinforcing Patterns
We expect performers to establish scenic patterns using 'freedom, power and responsibility.'
⏰ Timing + Pacing
We expect performers to use editing techniques to impact the pacing of an entire set.
🤣 Tendency Toward Humor
We expect performers to "find the funny" in a scene and bring their own unique comedic voice to the stage. This focuses on a performer's natural instincts for timing, their sense of play, and the individual flair that makes their comedy distinct.