The Red Herrings: The Bay Area's answer to local humor
For the past several years, The Red Herrings (an amateur improv group formed from Terry's Sand's Redwood City classes) have been entertaining Bay Area audiences with annual two-hour themed improv shows.
All shows are based on audience suggestions so not only do you get to be entertained, you're part of the fun and laughter. Sharpen your wit, remember your youth, and come ready to play.
Shows are open to students who have taken at least two sessions of classes from Terry. So if you've always felt there was a performer, an improv player, or a comedian inside you, come and join in the fun. The Red Herrings are always looking for more talent. No experience is necessary and non-residents are welcome to join in the fun.
Many of the current Red Herrings are professionals who work in various careers from high tech, law and medicine to teaching, art, theater and a variety of other careers. No matter what your background or interest, you'll find lots of new friends and playmates.
| Terry is on a temporary sabbatical from teaching improv class until early 2009. Her return will soon be announced. She is still available for corporate engagements. |
For more information about the improv classes, please visit the improv class information page. To find out more about upcoming shows by the Red Herrings, please visit the show schedule page.
Want to Volunteer to Help at Shows?
To be a volunteer for one of our improv shows, you must be currently attending or have attended one of Terry Sand’s improv classes. Here is a list of volunteer opportunities and a short description of responsibilities for each. If you'd like to sign up to volunteer, please fill out the HumorTech contact form. All of our volunteers are given credit in our show programs and on stage after the show.
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Lighting
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Set Design
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Stage Manager
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Front Theater
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Videographer
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Ushers
This position involves attending all or some of the rehearsals prior to the show. You will be responsible for turning the stage lights on at critical points in the show and fading and dimming lights as necessary while conscientiously keeping pace with the show and all of its spotlighting needs. Instructions will be given and practiced in rehearsals.
This position involves the ability to create sets, so both creativity and some building experience are helpful, but not necessarily required. Since the show has typically not been a huge moneymaker, a great imagination and the ability to design within a tight budget are key. You will also work closely with the director and cast.
This position requires good management skills. You will help keep the show moving by having chairs, tables, stage dividers, props, microphones, etc. ready on a moments notice. You will also remind the cast of each game coming up on the lineup to ensure that the program moves as seamlessly as possible.
This position usually requires two people because it involves ticket sales as well as refreshment and t-shirt sales. People volunteering for this should be friendly and good money managers. Prior to the show, these people need to prepare the lobby by creating and hanging small signs (usually designed on a computer) and decorating the lobby with some simple thematic décor (balloons, photos, posters, etc.). These people will be responsible for the safekeeping and accounting of money and tickets, directing people to restrooms, ensuring that the audience stays in the lobby area until 15 minutes before show time, refreshment sales and answering general questions about the show and its stars.
You will be responsible for taping the entire show on video. Sitting in the middle of the theater, you will record the show, stopping at intermission and at the end of the show. While fairly easy, this position requires you to keep a close eye on the camera and the cast to ensure that all of the action is covered.
We usually need at least two people to hand out programs and flyers, both at the beginning of the show and during intermission or at the end of the show. This position requires a friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic personality.
