Anything Can Happen Play Festival

04/19/2024

Free tickets tonight at Pan Theater:

Explore the moments after and in between. Beyond happily ever. Between the big moments.There is no place to go to. No battle to win. No treasure to find.

Only the space between people, moments, dreams, and everyday.

An improvised exploration of drama and comedy intertwined with truth.

Friday April 19t at 8pm. Show post at the door.

04/07/2024

Improv has changed my life through the years. I started practicing and performing improv in 2000. In 2002, we started an improv theater in downtown Oakland - Pan Theater.

Keeping a theater running through a financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and just the usual economic cycles has been a challenge.

So many San Francisco Bay Area theaters have closed over the past few years - The Exit, Piano Fight, Flight Deck, and many others. We kept theater alive in downtown Oakland by focusing on being a community improv theater.

Thousands of people have studied improv at Pan. Some have used their skills to improve their work skills. Others have applied for MFA programs in theater, started their theater groups, or pursued performing in LA, Chicago, and NY. Others have also found more creativity and positivity in their daily life.

Several of our performers have written plays, books, or even movies.

The improv guide I wrote to help beginners has been quoted in books, used in classes, and referenced in various articles. The Rules of Improv I and II have helped a lot of people in the past twenty years or so.

One of the things I wish is that I started improving sooner.

While I can`t go back in time to do that, I realized that we could help Oakland teens start exploring improv and filmmaking. We can provide the opportunity for a new generation.

Pan Theater will offer our first Teen Improv and Filmmaking Summer School this summer.

The goal is to introduce the skills to local teens so they can explore their creativity and learn the power of yes and. We can make a difference for a few local teens by providing a positive, creative outlet.

Our goal is to offer 60 scholarships to the program. Similar programs run about $500 for a four-week class. We plan on offering the classes for $50 per four-week class.

We want to Empower Oakland Teens with the power of improv and help them learn to say yes to their dreams.

If you know any local teachers or teens interested in the program, please help spread the word. You can find out more about the program here:
https://www.pantheater.com/teen-improv-classes-oakland-pan-theater.html

04/05/2024

Improv isn't just about comedy; it's about transforming lives. At Pan Theater, we've witnessed the profound impact it can have - from fostering teamwork to enhancing communication skills.

That's why we're thrilled to announce our Teen Improv and Filmmaking Summer Schools, aimed at empowering local teens with invaluable skills for life and art.

We believe in the power of saying "yes" to opportunities, and we hope you'll join us in spreading the word about this incredible chance for teens in our community.

Here's how you can help:
Encourage teens to apply for our Teen Improv and Filmmaking Summer Schools.

Classes:
https://www.pantheater.com/teen-improv-classes-oakland-pan-theater.html

Scholarship Campaign:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-oakland-teens-with-improv-and-filmmaking
Share our scholarship campaign with your network.
Consider donating to support our cause.

Each $200 raised will sponsor one teen for the summer. To learn more or contribute, visit Summer School Scholarship Campaign.
Thank you for your support in transforming lives through the art of improv and filmmaking.

Sincerely,

David

Pan Theater

03/18/2024

We're offering low cost improv and filmmaking classes to Oakland teens this summer.

Check out and share the GoFundMe. Our goal is to offer 20 scholarships to each class. Classes will be offered in June and June this summer.

Join us in supporting an 8-week Improv and Filmmaking Program for Oaklan… David Alger needs your support for Empower Oakland Teens with Improv and Filmmaking!

11/29/2023

Met with Keith before the Thanksgiving Holiday. He is recovering, but still not ready to return to improv.

He was brutally attacked by three people in the Fruitvale area of Oakland. His bike and phone was stolen. They also broke his nose. He also came down with Covid two weeks after the attack. He credits his bike helmet for keeping him from being injured even worse.

While he is physically recovering, he is still shaken by the attack and worn down. He hopes to return to improv in late December.

The campaign to help Keith is closing tonight at midnight. There's still time to help. You can donate and share the campaign here:

GoFoundme campaign

We have raised over $5121 toward the goal of $6000. Keith is using the funds to help make it through the holiday season.

Leading national improv gurus have donated to the campaign including: Jaime Moyer, David Razowsky and Susan Messing donated to the campaign last week.

The funds are to help Keith with:
Medical Costs
Phone Replacement
New Bike
Lost Wages
He appreciates both the concern and support.

Your support is appreciated,

David

David Alger
Founder
Pan Theater

Pan Theater is sponsoring this GoFund Me for Keith. Keith has been an acti… David Alger needs your support for Stand with Keith: Restoring Hope After Assault

08/12/2023

Sunday Improv Dojo with Sara Elovich
Unleash your potential and embrace the joy of improv alongside the dynamic Sarah Elovich. Join us at the Improv Dojo for an unforgettable experience!

Why Sarah Elovich?
A master in the art of storytelling and communications, Sarah's passion for improv shines at Pan Theater. She knows how to bring out the true you through improv, and now you have the chance to learn from the best.

What's in Store?
Improv Dojo is more than a class – it's your gateway to boosted confidence, creative expression, and endless laughter. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just curious, Sarah's guidance will empower you.

Pre-register here:
https://www.pantheater.com/improv-dojo-class-near-me-oakland-pan-theater.html

Where:
Pan Theater - 120 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. Just 30 seconds from BART.
When?
Sunday, August 13th, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm.
Join Us:
Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock your creative potential and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. $20 cash at the door.

More on Sarah here:
https://www.sarahelovich.com

04/26/2023

Join us for a night of laughter and fun at Friday Funnies Standup Comedy Show in Oakland!

This one-night-only event is just 30 seconds away from the Bart and features new and up-and-coming comedians from the Bay Area. With a lineup of talented performers, you're guaranteed to have a great time.

Performers Include:
Tom Jonze
Tom Jonze puts out more energy than PG&E. His comedy will get you charged for having a good night.

Bill Heil
At over six foot 'taller than you,' Bill answers the question, "what if Jesus stayed alive long enough to become the villain?"*

Stephanie Block
You can't take the Texas out of the cowgirl, but you can give one the sophistication of wine. Stephanie is 99 points of funny. Stephanie is the headline performer for April 28th.

Anastasia Chavez
Anastasia is the smartest woman in the room and she knows it. Her strict sense of humor does not grade on a curve!!!

Nitish Balachande
Dialectic funny man, Nitish will take you on a magic carpet ride around the world, without getting harassed at TSA.

Emanuel Brueh
Our concierge to comedy, Emanuel hosts his crowd to all the dirty secrets he promises to keep.

Hosted by the hilarious Patrick Van Wye, this show is sure to give you smiles and chuckles.

Don't miss out on the chance to see Stephanie Block, the Headline Performer, take the stage and deliver a standout performance. One night only. 30 seconds from BART.

Also Performing:
John Linneball, Valerie Estrada, Falk Cammin, Lori Admokom, Keith Marquez, Miguel Wacher, Jason Yurasek

Online tickets available until 4pm on April 28th.
Seating is limited.

Get your tickets now and join us for the Friday Funnies Standup Comedy Show in Oakland!

Friday Funnies - stand-up comedy in Oakland. Featuring new & up and coming improv comedy standup performers. 30 seconds from BART. Big Fun!

04/15/2023

Don't miss out on the final night of the Anything Can Happen in 10 Minutes Play Festival! Get your tickets now before they sell out. Sunday's show is already sold out, so this is your last chance to catch these amazing plays.

Follow the link to purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anything-can-happen-oakland-play-festival-saturday-april-15th-tickets-597191163847.

See you there!

03/29/2023

Pan is bringing Nicky Denovan's play True to You to Oakland this April.

True to You synopsis:

Richard and Jane are seeking a powerful love connection. But will each meet their match - or their nemesis?

Nicky Denovan is a UK writer. Her work has been performed in playwriting, theatre and comedy festivals in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the US, including the finals of the Snowdance® 10-Minute Comedy Festival and the Gala Finals of Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney and Short+Sweet Theatre Hollywood.

Nicky's play is one of seven in Pan's next: Anything Can Happen 10 Minute Play Festival. Anything Can Happen in 10 Minutes is scheduled for April 14th, 15th and 16th.

Get tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/597130402107

07/30/2022

From play festivals past. Next Anything Can Happen coming soon.
Get your plays ready.

Anything Can Happen in 10 Minutes. (www.pantheater.com)Edge of your seat excitement, laughs and drama. Featuring ten minute plays from the Bay Area and aroun...