The Merlin Works Mixer

The Merlin Works Mixer is a recurring improv mixer put on by The Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation.

Attendees perform a scene at a Merlin Works Mixer.

Summary

Merlin Works mixers are open to all improvisors in the community. Most of the advertising for the mixers is through Merlin Works, so attendance is very Merlin-Works-student-heavy.

The mixers originally took place at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, but since 2013 they have moved to the AT&T Education Room at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

They have always been a monthly event; currently, they take place on the first Saturday of the month at 2pm.

A mixer usually lasts between 1½ and 2 hours. For the first half-hour or so, a Merlin Works teacher (typically Shana Merlin) leads attendees in group warm-ups. Then the attendees are split into mini ad-hoc troupes, and each such troupe performs a short montage set, with light direction from the teacher.

Sometimes local improv directors scout for talent at the mixers, or announce projects to the attendees to connect with people interested in participating.

History

From 2008 to 2012, the Merlin Works Mixers also served as auditions for Gnap!'s mainstage shows, which ran regularly at the Salvage Vanguard Theater.

They went on hiatus through late 2012 and early 2013, as Merlin Works completed its move to ZACH Theater.

Media

Photos

• Photoset by Peter Rogers of the 5/16/10 mixer.
• Photoset by Peter Rogers of the 5/15/11 mixer.