Manager's Manual

Thirteenth Edition

James Thomas Bailey

ComedySportz Los Angeles
©2018, Thirteenth Edition, by James Thomas Bailey/ComedySportz Los Angeles.

The material, concepts and intellectual property presented in this handbook are protected and
may not be reproduced without permission.

© 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 by James Thomas Bailey/
ComedySportz Los Angeles.

1
 FOREWORD
Congratulations on being selected as your team's manager!

You have a very important role in the ComedySportz High School League. Your talents,
energy and enthusiasm are essential for your team and the League to succeed. The contents of this
manual will provide you with information, tools, and ideas, but only you can put them to
work.

This year, you will meet many people who want to hear your ideas and share their ideas with
you. Take a few minutes to really say hello and get to know these people. Together you are a
new team, a team of leaders who will take hundreds of players and thousands of audience
members through a wonderful experience.

Listen.
Take chances.
Laugh whenever you can.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. THE BIG PICTURE
History ............................................................................................... 7
What You're Part Of .................................................................................. 7
Philosophy ............................................................................................... 8
2. THE PLAYER AND COACH
The Actlete ............................................................................................... 10
Player Requirements ................................................................................. 11
Auditions ............................................................................................... 12
About Your Coach ..................................................................................... 13
Practice and Your Coach .......................................................................... 14
Make Each Other Look Good .................................................................. 15
About Scenework ...................................................................................... 16
Approved Game List ................................................................................ 17
Gamecon ............................................................................................... 18
Summer Camp ........................................................................................... 19
3. THE SHOW
Hosting a Match ........................................................................................ 21
Our Song and Format ............................................................................... 23
The Field ............................................................................................... 24
The Field Manager .................................................................................... 24
Uniform Policy ........................................................................................... 25
Clothing at Practice ....................................................................... 25
Before the Match ........................................................................................ 26
Pro Ref ............................................................................................. 26
The Beep ......................................................................................... 26
Music ............................................................................................... 27
Programs ............................................................................................... 27
Vending ............................................................................................... 28
Announcer ............................................................................................... 29
Player Nicknames ..................................................................................... 30

3
4. THE REFEREE
The Referee's Role ...................................................................................... 31
Pro Refs ............................................................................................... 31
Pricing ............................................................................................... 32
Warm-up Script ......................................................................................... 33
General Ref Stuff ....................................................................................... 34
Taking Suggestions & Suggestion Worksheet ...................................... 35

5. THE BUSINESS OF LEADING YOUR TEAM

The High School League Web Site & Facebook Group ....................... 36
Your Team Online ..................................................................................... 38
What Your Fee Provides ........................................................................... 39
Contract and Invoice ................................................................................. 40
How to See A Show .................................................................................. 41
Tips for Leading Your Team
Generate Excitement ..................................................................... 42
Build Ensemble .............................................................................. 42
Set the Rules and Establish Boundaries and Expectations ...... 43
Get Organized ................................................................................ 43
Lead By Example ........................................................................... 44
Sponsorship
The Nature of Sponsorship .......................................................... 45
Who Should We Contact? ............................................................ 45
Product Placement ........................................................................ 45
What You Can Offer ..................................................................... 46
Materials You Might Use to Woo a Sponsor
Website ................................................................................ 47
Quotes from Educators ..................................................... 47
Quotes from the Press ....................................................... 48
Brochures ............................................................................ 48
Letters .................................................................................. 48

4
6. APPENDICES
A: Manager's Action Plan: Practices ....................................................... 52
B: Manager's Action Plan: Running My Team ...................................... 53
C: Manager's Action Plan: Shows ........................................................... 54
D: Manager's Action Plan: Promotion .................................................... 55
E: Manager's Action Plan: Informing My Team ................................... 56
F: Coach's Practice Prescription .............................................................. 57
G: Logos ............................................................................................... 58
H: Announcer Sheet #1 ............................................................................ 58
I: Announcer Sheet #2 ............................................................................. 60
J: Program ............................................................................................... 61
K: Turf Diagram ....................................................................................... 61
L: Production Checklist ........................................................................... 62
M: Contact Info for ComedySportz ....................................................... 63

5
1. The Big Picture

6
HISTORY

ComedySportz Los Angeles was founded in 1988 by Artistic Director James Thomas Bailey
based on the concept created by Dick Chudnow. It has since become L.A.'s longest-running
show, playing every week at El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

The ComedySportz High School League® was founded in 1989 with twelve teams and one
coach. It has grown to be the largest teen improv program in the United States with more than
70 schools participating. Its purpose is to support the work of the theatre educator while giving
voice to the student artist. The League is also a means of fundraising and complementing an
existing arts program.

The League has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register, the Los
Angeles Daily News, the San Diego Union Tribune, Dramatics magazine, Harper's magazine,
Teaching Theatre and more.

CSz Los Angeles (the producer of ComedySportz) and Artistic Director James Thomas Bailey
have been honored by the California Educational Theatre Association with the Professional
Artist Award and elected to the California Thespians Hall of Fame.

WHAT YOU'RE PART OF

You're about to join thousands of people who are part of our cult. We're just kidding about
the cult, but you do share the same passion with quite a few people. There are over two dozen
professional teams around the United States, plus one in England. There are more than 70
High School League® teams around Southern California, and there are other high school
teams in other states. We've been around for over 25 years, making thousands of people
laugh, and you're about to be a part of it all. We welcome you into the family and hope you
know how lucky you really are. When you wear your shirt and take the field, you represent
all of us... in the cult.

7
PHILOSOPHY

Why do we do this thing called ComedySportz?

We put ourselves on display in front of a bunch of people we don't know and risk falling on
our faces. Why do we do this to ourselves?
Because it's fun, that's why. There is nothing more exciting and personally fulfilling than
pushing yourself to the limit and succeeding. There is nothing more rewarding than the sound
of hands applauding. There is nothing as joyous as the sound of laughter.
We do it to make people feel good.
ComedySportz is about risk. It can also mean failure. But more important, it's about dusting
yourself off, picking yourself up and pushing forward. All with an ear-to-ear smile on your
face. We don't care if any of you become actors. If you do, that's great. Hopefully the things
you learn in CSz will help you with your other drama activities.
If you don't become an actor, that's fine too. No matter what you do after you leave the
ComedySportz High School League®, we hope you take a few things with you:

The ability to see the humor in every situation. Never underestimate its power.
The courage to risk failure.
The desire to try new things with an open mind.
The wisdom to recognize that diversity is strength.
The willingness to sacrifice for the good of others.
The understanding of the power of teamwork.
The vision to set goals and see them through.

8
2. The Player and Coach

9
THE ACTLETE
The ComedySportz player is an actor and an athlete. Hence, the uniquely clever, and difficult
to say, "actlete." The ComedySportz player is not a comedian. He or she* need not worry about
being funny. The player need only play the game. The ComedySportz player is not a stand-up
comic. He does not work alone. He does not steal focus. He plays with a team, and all their
work is teamwork.

When the player thinks of a match as "good" or "bad" in terms of how well he played, the
player has a problem. When evaluating his performance after the match, the player must ask
himself if he contributed to making it all work. There are many ways a player can do this:

THE ACTLETE SHOULD keep a "yes" attitude the entire match.

THE ACTLETE SHOULD encourage his teammates.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD concentrate on the game being played.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD be involved in the match, even when not playing.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the team.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the match.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD sacrifice for the good of the show.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD play the structure of the match believably.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD create the illusion of friendly competition.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD want to win, but not care at all if his team loses.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD never take himself too seriously.
THE ACTLETE SHOULD remember that ComedySportz is a family show.

ComedySportz must always be directed toward the light and away from the cynical, sarcastic
or bitter. We want the fans to laugh, but NOT, if we can help it (and we can), at anyone's
expense.

We should feel good about what we do. We should have fun on the playing field, playing the
games and working together to create a whole. BUT...

We don't have more fun than the audience.

We don't do inside jokes during the match.
We don't laugh at our own jokes while on the playing field.

Take what we do seriously, but not ourselves.

* To use "he or she" over and over would make for very clumsy style. Wherever you see words like "he"
and "she," please know that we mean for it to refer to all players in the High School League®**, male and
female.

** It's also going to get very tedious if we have to put the ® mark after each use of the phrase "High
School League." Just assume that the mark is there.

10
PLAYER REQUIREMENTS
You must be breathing.

It doesn’t matter how tall you are, how beautiful you are, what color you are, how much money
you have, how much you weigh, whether you’re gay or straight, or anything else you can think
of. Only three things matter:

GRADE POINT

We ask that all players maintain a C average. Why? Because you deserve to succeed. The High
School League is fun, but it shouldn’t take the place of why you’re at school. Get your average
solid and then come out and play. You’ll be glad you did and so will we.

STAY CLEAN

You are part of a team. Teammates have to rely on and trust each other. Have you ever been
onstage with anyone who was drunk? We have. It’s not a bit fun or entertaining, and in improv
it’s dangerous. Stay clean, no drugs, no alcohol, or don’t play. We are very serious about this.

DEDICATION

Players and teams need to be dedicated. You are signing on for a year-long commitment. This is
not the place for undisciplined class clowns. Players must be willing to sacrifice the time to
rehearse and attend workshops. Don’t fill your team with folks who don’t really care.

Workshops with your coach are mandatory. If you miss two, you cannot play in matches. Your
coach has the final say.

You are required to attend the game conventions (Gamecon I and II) and your weekly rehearsals,
especially the ones with your coach. You will not be approved to play as a team and player if you have not
attended workshops and rehearsals. You’ll be glad you did!

11
AUDITIONS
Different schools have different policies for auditions: only Thespians, only upperclassmen, etc.
Whatever your policy, keep these things in mind:

Being different is good. Look at it as a strength, not a weakness. Some of the best teams have
been created with odd matchings.

Freshmen are people too. It's hard to be a Frosh or a new kid. Even harder to do improv when
you don't know anybody. Make everyone feel welcome. It's your job to let people know it's
okay to be scared and it's okay to make mistakes.

The kids who aren't already the star of the play or the quarterback or the "most involved"
award winner are often the best team players because they have more time to give. Loyalty
and focus can be very useful.

Sometimes it's good to cast people just because they need it.

It's only a show.

Student managers should not be the sole decision makers as to who gets on the team. It is hard to judge
one's peers, and students who are auditioning may not believe you can be objective. Your adviser and/or
coach should participate. The team should be inclusive, not a club for the managers' friends.

12
ABOUT YOUR COACH
You may not know it, but your coach is very good at what she does or she wouldn't be there.
Did you know that our improvisers have more than 600 years of combined improv experience?
That means if they had been improvising "back to back" they would have started before the
invention of the screwdriver or the printing press. That's a lot of experience.

They know what they're doing.

Your coach has probably been in films or worked in the theatre or commercials. Our coaches
have been on Broadway and on the radio and in television series. They are professional
teachers and performers.

Some of our coaches started in the High School League and have gone on to play on the College
League, Sunday Team and Pro Team.

They know what they're doing.

When a coach or a ref tells you what game choice is best for the show, listen.
When a coach or ref gives you a performance or rehearsal note, listen.
When a coach or ref won't let you perform, listen.

They know what they're doing. They're there to make you look good.

Your coach is probably also one of the most caring people you know, so don't be afraid to talk
to your coach.

They're also pretty funny.

APPROVAL FOR PLAY

You may play in the first semester if you played last year. If you are a new player, even if
you're on a returning team, you may not play until second semester, after you've completed four
workshops with your coach and have been approved by your coach. This will give you enough time to
learn what you're doing so you don't embarrass yourself. Trust us on this.

No one may play, even returning players, until your coach approves your team. There may not
be enough strong players who are returning to do a show in October. Or maybe you haven't
had enough practices since returning to school. Or maybe you have no turf or benches or flag.

Your coach decides when you're ready, and believe us when we say we only want to make you
look good. You must be approved by your coach. There is no flexibility in this. You have our
name on your chest, and we want you to succeed.

13
PRACTICE AND YOUR COACH
Set up a practice time every week. If you don't practice between coaching sessions, it will
show. GameCons and the private workshops with your coach reinforce and strengthen your
scene skills. These workshops are to be completed by the end of February. Workshops and
Gamecons are scheduled in a certain way for a reason — to clarify, reiterate, practice, etc.
Attendance is mandatory. That means every team member must come to every team practice!
This is not the time to bring in new students. Teachers should know this. If they do not, please
tell them. Teachers should not be giving extra credit to any student who attends. This is your
team practice, not an open workshop. Remember: You're working toward a production. If the
coach has to start over at every practice, you're wasting her time.

Your team fee provides you with four private sessions with a coach. (New schools receive a
fifth workshop to show you how the "show" runs.) If you are outside the L.A. area, you will be
asked to buddy up with one or two schools for your coaching sessions. That is, schedule your
coaching sessions on the same days as your buddy schools. (For some schools, this is absolutely
mandatory because of your location.) You may schedule additional sessions for an additional
fee. Call our office for prices (see page 66). You can earn and pay for these extra workshops as
you go with the money you make from matches, or you can pre-pay if you would like.
Consider finding a sponsor (parent booster group, local business, your ASB) to pay for
coaching or your team fee. You can put their logo on the back of your shirt as an added
incentive! You can schedule as many sessions with a coach as you want.

Set up your practice schedule with your coach early. If you have to make a change, give your
coach at least 48 hours notice. If it's less than 48 hours, your coach has the right to not make up
that workshop. Your coach will do everything she can to help you and to be accommodating,
but remember that it takes a lot of time and planning for your coach to make it all work.

It is important to have organized practices. Your coach will give you things to work on (a
"practice prescription") before your next coaching session (see Appendix F). The manager
should organize the practices and most likely include:

• an energizing warm-up game

• a focus exercise
• a chance for players to discuss challenges and give each other praise
• skill builders (exercises for scenework, space work, listening, etc.)
• games you need to work on
• closing game to bring the group together

Example:
1. Amoeba Tag
2. Beep
3. Short discussion of team goals
4. Review "ABA"
5. Work on Forward Reverse, Changing Emotions, Scantron
6. Bunny

It's best to practice as often as you can early in the year. Maybe twice a week. Or once after
school and once at lunch. Strike while the energy and enthusiasm are hot!

14
MAKE EACH OTHER LOOK GOOD
There's a lot going on when we improvise on stage. We try to tell stories. We try to entertain.
We try to take care of the audience. But most importantly, we try to take care of each other.

It's challenging (and downright scary sometimes!) to do what we do. So how do we manage?
By taking care of each other. We make each other look good.

A stand-up comic is focused on her own performance. Standing solo in the spotlight, it's hard
to think of anyone else. But improv is different. We're not up there alone--we're working
together to invent stories to transport the audience away from their difficult day. Sometimes
you're the focus of the story, but most often, you're not. Sometimes you're a waiter or a dog or
even a tree! Throw your ego out the door, because that's how your team will succeed.

Make your partners look like rock stars.

Give them what they need.
Set them up to succeed.
Be there for them when they don't know what to do.
Listen and watch with razor-sharp focus.
Create solutions.
Clarify when things get confused.
Help your teammates use their unique gifts to help you "win."
Tell your teammates when they do a good job.
Be generous with your laughter and applause. They're free!
Take everyone's offer like it's the best present you ever got.
Avoid pointing out people's "mistakes." They happen all the time, and that's the fun of
improv.
Be willing to abandon your own ideas for the good of the story.
Make it easy for people to take risks.
Share.
Allow yourself to learn from everyone on your team.

If everyone makes each other look good, the whole team wins.

15
ABOUT SCENEWORK
Scenework is the foundation of all our "games." You need to be sure your team understands
the basics of setting up a good, solid scene before you add any twists. "Twists" aren't fun if the
scene is mediocre. Don't be afraid to have a rehearsal with just straight scenework. Or to play
"Story" without silly titles and fantastical characters and situations. You'll be surprised how
good improv can be when:

1. The scene has space to breathe and players aren't rushing to get on stage.

2. Players really listen and build on previously given information.

3. Spacework is used to clearly define the "where."

4. Who, what and where are endowed immediately so that everyone (including the audience)
knows what's going on.

5. Scenes are based on simple, clear characters with specific "wants." Make sure that we're
watching this scene because this is the most important day in the character's life. Today is the
day! Otherwise, what makes it worth watching?

6. Simple, clear characters with specific "wants" make even better scenes when the scene is
based on their relationship. Many players make the mistake of thinking that the scene should
be all about the suggestion the ref gets from the audience. Not so. There's a reason it's called a
"sug-gestion"--it's merely a prompt for the scene, not the whole shebang. Let's say the
suggestion says "dog." A scene that is all about a dog is likely not to be as rich and rewarding
as a scene that focuses on, say, a couple going through a divorce and struggling over, among
other things, who gets the dog.

7. Remember the key points: Who, What, Where, Conflict, Resolution, Tag. And remember to
play! We're playing with each other, so have fun.

SCENEWORK! SCENEWORK! SCENEWORK!... is the key! We are actors and storytellers.

16
GAMELIST
The following list of games are approved for play in your school. We suggest you start with
these and later add to your repertoire. You may come to a professional match and see games
that we haven't taught you. There are three reasons for this:

1. Some games demand skills that take a great deal of time and experience to master.
2. We would like to have the pro matches be somewhat different from the HSL matches.
3. Some games are one-joke games, and we would rather you didn't play them because they
usually don't work or only work once.

However, if there is a game you are dying to play, try it in practice and ask your coach. We
don't want to stifle your creativity and enthusiasm.

Head to Head Games

What Are You Doing? Hey Waiter
Playground Dis Expert Challenge
Story Switch Interview
Double Blind Freeze Anything You Can Do
Object Freeze
185
Da Doo Ron Ron
Town Meeting
Four Rooms
Beastie Rap
Try That On For Size
What You Got
Dance Party

Scene Games
Emotional Symphony Moving Bodies
Four Square Bedtime Story
Replay Parallel Universe
Dr. Know-It-All Scantron
Playwright Changing Emotions
Forward Reverse New Choice
Pick-a-Play Dimestore Novel
Blind Line/Blind Stage Directions Playwright
Tag-team Monologue Slide Show

There are many games not included on this list. You must check with a professional coach or
ref before playing a new game. Some games simply don't work for our format (because they
cannot be scored easily, etc.).

17
GAMECON
The High School League sponsors two special events during the school year:

GAMECON I and II
These are the two ComedySportz "game conventions" where the entire High School League will
gather to learn the improv lexicon and catalog of High School League games. Gamecon will be
a fun, exciting and intense day where the coaches put you through your paces as you learn the
games which are essential to playing a ComedySportz match.

Here's what you can expect!

• One location for all of us to gather.

• A team bonding experience.

• A full day (9:30 am - 4 pm) with a lunch break.

• Demos by the coaches and fast-paced game "studios" where you'll get to try the games!

• A chance to interact with your fellow actletes, build friendships and get some "away matches"
happening!

• Workshops for teachers/advisers!

• Advanced concepts at Gamecon II.

• ComedySportz shirts and merchandise available to show your HSL pride and improv power!

Your team must attend! Tell your teams as soon as the date is announced, so they can plan. Make
it a team bonding event. Plan a picnic for lunch or go to dinner afterward! Don't miss out!

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SUMMER CAMP
We have a camp for high school students, and this isn’t your ordinary camp. It’s just not. There are no
canoes. There are no cabins. We have showers. People cook for us. We might make something out of
macaroni, but it’s doubtful.

Who can come?

Camp is for students who have completed their freshman year of high school, up through students who
have completed their senior year. All levels of experience are welcome — from zero to lots.

What is it?

Ours is the best camp for improv training if you’re a high school student or an educator who works with
theatre students. You’re going to laugh — a lot. You’ll walk away with skills that will benefit you your
entire life: trust, confidence, creative problem solving, teamwork, focus and the ability to turn challenges
into gold. Simply, improv skills are essential for any actor, but also for anyone who wants to succeed.

All workshops are taught by professionals from ComedySportz, the longest running show in Los
Angeles. Evenings are filled with different live shows, and there’s plenty of time for swimming, soccer,
softball, dodgeball, classic comedy films, and maybe even macaroni art. (Those same professionals make
up the camp staff, and our ratio of counselors to campers is typically 6:1 or better.)

Past workshops have included improv games, dramatic improv, musical improv, Shakespearean improv,
stage combat, writing comedy for late night talk shows, writing comedy for the web, commercial
auditioning, puppeteering and more!

We offer scholarships which can reduce the cost by as much as $100. You can also get discounts for
early registration and/or for bringing along some friends from your school. Educators willing to assist our
counselors can also attend at a lower rate. Talk to your coach about fundraising ideas!

When is it?

ComedySportz camp lasts for five days (Tuesday – Saturday) during late July and/or early August.
Specific dates and information can be found on our web site in the spring: cszla.com

19
3. The Show

20
HOSTING A MATCH
We encourage you to host at least one match with a visiting team. You may host as many
additional matches as you like, or even have matches with teams just from your school.

Remember, it is your responsibility to be in contact with the visiting teams. Get them
information early. You may move the match to another day or time if someone has a conflict.
Do whatever you want, but be a good host.

First and foremost, being a good host is being courteous and welcoming. There's nothing
worse than being ignored in a place where you don't know anyone. Remember, it's hard to be a
visiting team. When you're the visiting team, the audience generally doesn't like you much —
not because of your performance, but because of the "opposing team mentality." REMEMBER
THAT. It's okay if they boo. You'll win them over with your charm!

The home team almost always wins, and that's probably the way it should be. Don't be afraid
to sacrifice to make the home team look good; they'll do the same for you.

As the host, it's your job to have the stage set up and AN AUDIENCE. Work hard to promote
your show. As to how to set up your stage, you'll get details on that in a couple of pages.
Please keep in mind some general guidelines about production values. Although we treat CSz
like a sporting event, it is in fact a theatrical presentation by your school and should be
respected as such. Please strive to have a professional-looking setup for your audience to see--a
backdrop of some sort, or at least presentable curtains; benches or chairs for the players that
are uniform in appearance; pre-show music; that sort of thing. You will be given a checklist that
outlines the various things you'll need for a match; at your first match, please present that list to
the ref.

As the visitor, it's your job to show up early. "On time" is too late. This is southern California,
and you never know how traffic will be, so leave extra early. It will save everyone stress.

Everyone should remember that CSz players are not allowed to yell suggestions. People will
think you are setting up the players onstage and it takes the fun away from the audience. No
matter how quiet the crowd, PLAYERS SHOULDN'T YELL SUGGESTIONS WHEN THEY
ARE IN THE AUDIENCE. The same rule applies at any CSz show--another school or at our pro
shows.

It is everyone's job to monitor the audience for jerks. Whether you are the home team or a
visitor, you are responsible for audience members from your school. If someone is not
behaving appropriately (in the audience or on stage), ask them to stop. Better yet, ask an adult.
Your pro ref or adviser will handle it.

After each match, the referee will have a note session with the players. Everyone who
participated in the match should stick around and be part of this session, which will take place
immediately after the match, before the set is struck or anything like that. Parents and friends
may not attend note sessions.

It's everyone's job to lose and win gracefully.

All referee requests happen via the Google form (see page 36).

21
OUR WARM-UP SONG AND FORMAT
TAKE ME OUT TO SEE IMPROV

Take me out to see improv

Take me to C-S-Z
Buy me some peanuts and soda pop
I don't care if I laugh till I drop
And I'll yell out all my suggestions
I hope I never get bagged
And it's HA, HA, HA HA HA HA
As we laugh till we gag!

FORMAT

Pre-show music at half-hour

Ref warm-up
Take Me Out to See Improv (optional)
Vending (optional, see "Vending" page)
Player intros
National Anthem (at ref's discretion; talk to your ref)

Coin Toss
HEAD TO HEAD (team vs. team--"What Are You Doing?/Playground Dis/Beastie Rap" are
examples for this round)
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
LAST CHANCE

Halftime

Team Intros for Second Match

HEAD-TO-HEAD
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
TEAM CHOICE / TEAM CHOICE
LAST CHANCE

Finale
Post-show Music

There is no room for improvement in the format. It works. You need to stick to it so that all teams play
the same show. Show format is not negotiable. Please make sure your techs and announcer are
familiar with the format.

22
THE FIELD
The ComedySportz High School League can be performed on virtually any type of stage, but
there are certain inexpensive requirements for a successful show:

1. You will need at least an 8’ x 12’ stage/playing area. Buy cheap artificial turf (at Home
Depot, K-Mart, etc). The turf should be at least 8 feet wide by 6 feet deep (8’ x 12’ is ideal, but
not necessary). Using white duct tape, create lines on the turf (see Appendix K). TURF IS
REQUIRED.

2. You will also need benches, chairs, stools, or cubes for the players to sit on. Position them at
least 2 feet off the field. You may not use couches from old play sets. They suck the energy
right out of your body while the other team is performing.

3. If possible, create a scoreboard. You can use a chalkboard or perhaps borrow from your
athletic department. Even an easel will work.

4. Be sure you have an American flag appropriately displayed (most classrooms, auditoriums
and gyms already have one).

5. Each player and the referee should have a fresh bottle of water. We urge you to give all of
your players a re-usable, "permanent" bottle with their name on it which they can fill and use in
every show.

6. You should create a "show bag" — a backpack filled with all the things you need for the
show:

• Each team will need small pads of paper and pens.

• The ref will need brown grocery bags, a pad and pen.
• Laptop or smartphone with show music.
• Paper vending hats, peanuts, and pennants if your team is vending.
• Line-up sheets for the announcer.

This bag should always be stocked and ready.

THE FIELD MANAGER

Someone must be the liaison between the referee and the front of house. This means that a stage
manager or house manager (we call this person the "Field Manager") will introduce himself to
the ref upon arrival and make sure the house is not open before the ref and players have
cleared the stage. This person must also inform the referee and the players at the following
intervals:

30 minutes to curtain After halftime:

15 minutes 5 minutes
10 minutes Places
5 minutes
Places (2 minutes to curtain)

23
UNIFORMS
The following uniform policy is mandatory.

• You must wear ComedySportz-issued jerseys. Official HSL uniform jerseys are sold in
pairs, one red, one blue, and you can either purchase a few pairs for the entire time, that
everyone shares, or get pairs for individual players. You order these jerseys for your team, or as
an individual, by going to this website: www.ComedySportzStore.com. If you see that only
certain sizes are available, in the "Comments" section of your order you can tell us what sizes
you'd really like, and we'll get back to you as to whether those are available.

The backs of these shirts are blank, so if you would like to add your name, your sponsor's
name, your school or numbers you can.

The shirt must be clean and wrinkle-free. It should not be knotted, tied or cut.

• On the bottom half of your body, you can wear jeans or matching sweatpants. Official black
sweatpants are available at ComedySportzStore.com, but are not required.

• All players MUST wear athletic shoes. No sandals, bare feet, flip-flops, boots etc.

• No costuming may be added--glasses, scarfs, hats, canes, capes, robes, etc. The only
exception would be for a themed show, such as a pajama party or prom show. These must be
pre-approved by the team's coach and communicated when a referee request is made.

• No jewelry, including bracelets, watches, earrings, necklaces, watch or wallet chains, etc.

• You can wear your pants any way you want off-stage, but in CSz, no sagging. We don't
want to see your underwear or your butt. Bring a belt or wear pants that fit!

• Long hair on both girls and guys should be tied back. Make-up should be natural.

• If there is a type of clothing you would like to order, talk to us; ComedySportz can help you
create almost anything, including sweats, team jackets and sweat shirts.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who are not appropriately dressed will not perform in
ComedySportz. The referee will make that determination. If a referee disqualifies a student for
uniform violation and it cannot be corrected, the student will not play.

CLOTHING AT PRACTICE

You must bring athletic shoes to practice. The same footwear policy applies here. No
exceptions.

If you are in a skirt or other clothing item that would impede movement or limit your ability to
participate, you should bring a change of clothing.

No sunglasses.

24
BEFORE THE MATCH
Players should arrive at least an hour before the show and help set up. Be sure there is a sign-
in sheet. If someone is missing, the manager should phone him. If there is a problem and the
show needs to be postponed or cancelled, call the ref immediately. Sometimes the pro refs
drive a long way in rush-hour traffic and the sooner you can let them know, the better.

Everyone needs to help set the stage. Be sure brown bags, paper and pens, etc. are in place. It
makes the show look very sloppy to stop in the middle and hunt for a brown bag!

Players should bring both uniform shirts.

Players should be in uniform thirty minutes before the show and stay backstage. This is the
time to get focused and concentrate on your team's game choices. Be ready for the ref when
he/she arrives. The ref is not there to organize your show.

If your team is vending, each player should check the props he will use in vending. Captains
should make sure players are not vending the same things. If necessary assign vending items
so that players are not "playing it safe."

Teams should warm up together. The ref is not responsible for starting your warm-up. Please
be organized and get everyone together and focused. DO NOT GO ON STAGE WITHOUT A
WARM-UP.

THE PRO REF

If you've arranged for a pro referee, she will arrive as early as possible, most often half an hour
before showtime. Be aware that the refs generally are driving from Los Angeles, and your
school's show may be scheduled at a time when traffic is brutal. It helps us out immensely if
you plan your start time strategically, traffic-wise; call us and we can give you lots of tips on
this. We need an emergency contact number--the cell phone of the team manager or adult
sponsor. Not the school phone, as schools tend to not answer the phones after 4 pm. Please
have one or two students waiting in the parking lot 30 minutes before the match to greet the ref
so she doesn't have to wander all over campus trying to find you.

THE BEEP

The referee will call for "the beep." In this warm-up, the players put their arms around each
other and attempt to say "beep" as quickly around the circle as possible. The goal is to wait until
an offer is made to you and then pass the offer on to a fellow player without stepping on each
other. The beep serves several purposes. As simple as it appears, and as lightly as some players
take it, the beep has a lot to do with timing and working with each other. The sound is constant
and there is no room for jokes during the beep. The concentration and focus of the match
begins here. Listen, focus, support.

25
MUSIC
Your show must have pre-show music.

Pre-show music should begin half an hour before the show. This should be some good old
American march music á la John Philip Sousa or "Jock Rock"-style music. If college march
songs are too old-fashioned for you, then put together a selection of pop-rock songs that are
upbeat and fun — the kind people might sing along to. Remember, your audience includes
parents, grandparents, teachers, and little brothers and sisters.

Here is a sample list of songs that have the right feel for our show:

“ABC” (Jackson 5)
“Love Rollercoaster” (Ohio Players)
“Dancing Queen” (ABBA)
“Love Shack” (The B52's)
“Take On Me” (A-Ha)
“Mmm Bop” (Hanson)
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” (Queen)
“I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor)
“Everybody Dance Now” (C+C Music Factory)
“Single Ladies” (Beyoncé)
“Just Dance” (Lady GaGa & Colby O’Donis)

As you can see, these are older songs which play well to a wide demographic. You certainly can
pick newer songs, but be sure you use the "radio edit," so there are no explicit lyrics!

Music will set the tone for the match. The volume should be just above the level of the crowd.
As the noise increases, sneak up the volume. This gets people energized for the show.

The music should stop when the ref comes in (and start up again during the vending if you're
doing vending). When the announcer starts the team intros, fade out the pre-show music (and,
if you've got some, fade in the Team Intro music).

As for music cues within the match itself: we encourage you to have useful music cues ready,
including Take Me out to See Improv, The National Anthem, clap songs and sing-alongs, rap
beats, etc.

PROGRAMS
Your show must use a program. We provide one for you (see Appendix J), and you can
download it from the HSL web site: cszlahsl.wordpress.com

This program tells your audience about the fouls and the show. It gives them the words to our
warm-up songs. You can also add your own info to the back to promote your upcoming
matches or theatre productions. If you are using player nicknames, they should be printed in
the program, not announced at the beginning of the match.

26
VENDING
This is a truly wonderful part of the show, but is optional. It really gives the feel of the ballpark
and lets the players have some one-on-one contact with the audience. Not all schools have
vending in their matches; it's up to you to decide if your school wants to vend or not.

As the ref blows the whistle at the end of the warm-up song, we should hear "Peanuts!" nice
and loud and clear. A vendor enters during the whistle and starts to sell peanuts. Really. This
should be followed 10 seconds later by two vendors selling pennants, one selling red and one
blue. You can make these pennants out of construction paper or buy them from us. These items
should be sold "straight," meaning be fairly serious about it. Vendors wear paper food service
hats like the guys at the local burger place.

The rest of the vendors should stagger their entrances at least ten seconds apart and casually
stroll on. IF EVERYONE ENTERS AT ONCE, IT WILL FEEL LIKE AN ATTACK. Take your
time. Try to talk to people. If you yell your pitch at the top of your lungs, your joke will be
over as soon as you start. Talk to people. This is your chance to warm them up individually.

You must start the vending with "peanuts." You should follow it up with "pennants" or another
straight item, like popcorn or programs. Any joke item must be one that can be "sold." Walking
around shouting a pun isn't as funny as you might think. Remember, you have to establish the
reality of the vending before you can make fun of it!

If you would like paper vending hats, you can purchase those at a store like Smart and Final.

Vending items should be for sale, not just visual puns. Examples of items:

Male Bonding — tape guys together with masking tape.

Friendship — promise to be a best friend, offer to wash their car, give them a little backrub, etc.

Wood — just carry around a small board.

Reality Check — carry a small mirror. Show people their reflection and ask if everything is okay.

Ice Cream — ask for 25 cents and then scream.

California Raisin Kabobs — Raisins on a stick with recipe cards. Use a pot holder.

Floss — carry floss and ask to see their teeth.

Don't sell off-color items. Change items--don't get stuck with a favorite. Be creative.

27
ANNOUNCER
An announcer can also add to the fun. We are providing you with Ref and Player intro sheets
(see Appendices H and I) that you can photocopy and use over and over for your matches.
There are several reasons why the introductions are so important to the success of the match.
Done properly, they can bring necessary energy into the match. They are also a key for setting
up the players to have a proper show. They are part of the players' focus. Players should
concentrate on what they are doing and not on how the audience is reacting.

NOTE: Your announcer must rehearse. Don't throw a new player in the announcer seat and
assume he can do it. The announcer must be an experienced team member. An announcer can
kill a show with a poor performance!

Here are some tips on announcing:

1. "Good Evening," etc. should be grandiose and "ballparky" (new word!). The "ah" and "oh"
sounds should be stretched out. All of your announcements should sound dramatic and
exciting.

2. No matter what, do not interrupt the ref.

3. When introducing the players, the announcing of their names should almost be like singing;
very stretched-out vowels and varying pitches. Important: a player should not be standing at
the back of a large auditorium when his/her name is announced, as it then takes too long to get
up on the stage. The announcer and the players should coordinate things so that a player is just
bounding onto the stage when his/her name is spoken. As soon as the player has
acknowledged the crowd, the announcer should say the next name — no need to wait until the
player is seated. And the new player, whose name is now being spoken, needs to be bounding
onto the stage.

4. When announcing the score between games, make it big and dramatic. Don't wait for the ref
to ask for it. Just jump in and announce it as soon as it is clear who won the game.

5. Practice doing vocal sound effects with the microphone. This takes practice. Be sure you
aren't too loud. You should add to the action, not cover it up. If you decide to have someone
do vocal sound effects, let visiting teams know so they aren't surprised. Demo both announcing
and sound effects for the ref before the match.

6. Check sound levels before the show so that you know how the show will sound.

7. If you are not using an announcer, be sure to tell the ref.

8. Use appropriate microphones and equipment. If you do not have a microphone, coordinate
with the ref so that the announcer can be on the stage.

9. Check with players (especially visiting players) and the ref on how to correctly pronounce
their names.

28
PLAYER NICKNAMES
Sometimes it's fun to use "nicknames" for players because it's a common practice in sports. For
example, "Sugar Ray" Robinson was a famous boxer. It sounds "athletic." You can create
nicknames for your team, too. They're fun to cheer. For example:

James "Bruiser" Bailey

Kurt "Showtime" Scholler
Andy "GoGo" Goldblatt
Mark "The Moleman" Mohelnitzky

These are ComedySportz players who use alliteration to create a fun name.

Sometimes players make a pun on their last names, like:

Jeff "Non-Dairy" Kramer

Chris "Big And" Tallman
Nancy "Always the Bridesmaid, Never the" McBride

Notice how long Nancy's is. Very funny, but long. If every player on your team was to pick one
like this, they would cease to be funny.

Nicknames are not necessary. However, if you want to pick nicknames, here are the
guidelines:

• You must keep the same name all year. Names should be placed in the program, but should
not be announced by your Voice because they are often unintelligible and slow down the show.

• Vary the names on your teams so that not all of them are long and punny. Have some variety.
It's a lot more fun to yell "Go Bruiser!" than "Go Always the Bridesmaid Never the!"

• Don't pick names that are "in jokes"--in other words, jokes only your team or friends will
understand.

• Don't ever pick a name that is a double entendre for something that should be a Brown Bag.

Remember, you don't need them at all.

29
4. The Referee

THE REFEREE'S ROLE

Your team should try to have a student ref for times when a pro ref isn't available. The pages
that follow will assist you. We will hold student ref workshops at Gamecon II.

Refereeing is a very important part of the show. A match can live or die on the energy of the
ref. If you choose to have a student ref, please remember...
The referee is the prime MOVER of the match.
The referee should be entertaining and enjoyable, but she is not doing a stand-up routine.
The referee must have the ref speech memorized.
The referee will have to “deal with” fans occasionally.
The referee must concentrate on the entire match the entire time.

The referee has a very challenging job... Support your ref!

PROFESSIONAL REFS (AND MUSICIANS)

As always, you can hire one of the professional ComedySportz players to ref for you. It's up to
you. The advantage of a professional referee is that she often has more control than a student
ref. Should you decide to hire a professional ref, please give us ample notice (that means
requesting a ref no later than the 25 of the preceding month). We'll do our best to fill your
th

request as soon as possible, but give us time to get it together.

We can also help you hire a keyboardist if you're looking for one. To request a ref or a
musician, use the Google form: http://bit.ly/2ohbBx5 . The Google form is the way to request
your ref — NOT contacting the ref directly. If you’d like to request a specific ref, you can email

30
that info to hsl@cszla.com . A list of referees can be provided for you in case you want to
request a particular person. Sometimes a particular ref is not available. Please be flexible!

To check the status of your ref request, visit the Ref Request spreadsheet: http://bit.ly/refgrid .
In order to make this all work, once you've requested a ref you need to check the spreadsheet
regularly until the process is complete.

There is no guarantee we can book a ref or a keyboard player for you, but we will always do
our best. The more notice you give, the better.

REFEREE PRICING

Most of our referees are stationed in or around L.A. Many HSL schools are miles of heavy
traffic (and literally hours) away from us. Your school's ref rate will depend on how far it is
from North Hollywood and how bad the traffic is between here and there. We will soon be
able to tell you your rate for a professional referee. It may be higher than last year's rate,
depending on gas prices.

Refs and keyboardists are to be paid in cash at the performance. The easiest way is to take the
money from your box office. If you need a receipt, let us know. If your school insists on paying
via check, we must know in advance. The referee's name should be on the check, not
"ComedySportz". If you cancel a show less than 48 hours in advance or if your ref shows up
for the show and you're not there, you still need to pay the ref. Please note: Sending an email is
not an appropriate way to cancel a ref request. You must call the office (323-871-1193) and
speak to a living person.

31
THE REFEREE WARM-UP SCRIPT
Please note: Just reading this script doesn't make you ready to ref. You should take a ref workshop and
practice. A lot.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to ComedySportz! By a show of hands,
how many of you have never seen a ComedySportz match before? And how many are here for
the very first time? Very good. What you are about to see are two teams of improvisational
players competing against each other for points and laughs. The points they get from me, the
laughs they get from you, Our Loyal Fans (with gesture). Say and do that with me, please. Our
Loyal Fans. I am __________________, your referee for the match. I’ll be timing the games,
and calling any fouls or penalties that come up.

There are two basic fouls that may be called in a ComedySportz match. The first is the Brown
Bag Foul (with gesture). Say and do that with me, please. The Brown Bag Foul. The Brown
Bag Foul is called if I see or hear something lewd, crude, lascivious, dirty, disgusting or
anything you wouldn’t say in front of Mom. Now this foul is not restricted to the players, it
can also be called on you, Our Loyal Fans. If it happens, I’ll blow my whistle, throw a flag, call
the Brown Bag Foul, and a brown paper bag will be placed over the head of the offending
player or loyal fan. If it happens to a player, they will wear the bag for the remainder of the
scene, and lose a point for their team. If it happens to one of you, you will wear a brown bag
for the remainder of the scene. You will not lose any points, but we will all publicly shame you.

The second foul is not called by the referee, but by you, Our Loyal Fans, and that is the Groaner
Foul (with gesture). Say and do that with me, please. The Groaner Foul. The Groaner Foul is
called when someone says something so stupid, so inane, so not funny that it insults you as a
group, making you groan in agony. (Practice groaning.) If I hear that sound, I will blow my
whistle, throw a flag, and call the Groaner Foul. The offending player will step into the
apology box, and apologize sincerely to you, Our Loyal Fans. Then, if by your applause you
accept the apology, play will continue with no points lost. If you do not accept the apology, the
player will lose one point for their team.

Finally we will need suggestions. Everything you see in the match will be improvised--made
up on the spot, and we need your suggestions to get started, so if I ask for your favorite color,
you might say... (get suggestions). Or your favorite animal, you might say... Very good. When
I ask for suggestions, yell them out loud and proud so the scenes may begin.

Alright: now I’m warmed up, I know the players are warmed up, but there’s one group not
warmed up enough--and who’s that? Our Loyal Fans. We warm up our loyal fans by singing
the ComedySportz theme song. The words are on your program, and it is sung to the tune of
“Take Me Out To The Ballgame.” Ready? Here we go! (Sing song. At end, blow whistle
loudly and run off as vendors enter.)

32
GENERAL REF STUFF
The main ingredients for a successful referee are ENERGY and CONFIDENCE. Also helpful
are CONFIDENCE and ENERGY. Face the fans, plant your feet firmly on the turf, and deliver
the ref speech with volume, CONFIDENCE, and ENERGY. Be aware of habits like shifting
from foot to foot, laughing at yourself, or the dreaded word “um.”

• Make the calls with confidence also. Blow the whistle loudly, and make the call to the
audience once you get to the field.
• Move the match. If you make a mistake--move on. If you have a smart aleck in the
crowd, deal with him--move on. If anything causes a lull in the show’s pace, pick it up--
move on.
• Timing. The time you announce may not be the exact time of a game. You can tell when
the funny’s done.
• The referee is the glue that makes the diverse elements of the show and match stick
together. The ref must be someone alert, smart, authoritative and assertive, but not
obnoxious, overbearing, or stealing focus. As student refs, you’re dealing with your
peer group--it will not always be easy to remain in control. Good luck.
• Be neutral.
• Get your suggestions from different parts of the audience, not from the same loud-
mouth every time.
• Don’t look happy to bag an audience member.
• Try to end the scenes on a laugh, but don’t let a scene run forever waiting for one.
• When asking for judgment on a scene, remind the audience and judges of the games
played.
• Explain the game only if the explanation is necessary, and keep the description short.
• Blow the whistle loud and long for the end of a game, and/or the penalty. Yell “time”
or “foul” as you leap to the field.
• Always tell the audience if there is a time limit. Tell them just before the players are
ready to start. Ask the players if they are ready to begin, and when they yell “yes!”
blow the whistle to start play.
• Practice calling games in rehearsal. Get a feel for length of games, calling people out of
elimination rounds and dealing with audience members.
• Call fouls--not too many, not too few.
• If you make an improper call, admit your mistake and move on.
• Don’t try to be funny--this isn’t your stand-up time.
• If you are booed, have a comeback and move on. Don’t pick fights with players or
audience members. It will only slow the show.

Have fun!

33
TAKING SUGGESTIONS
The referee should be familar with the suggestion sheet. A good way of taking suggestions is
to make it personal. Point directly to a particular audience member, rather than always
opening it up to the mob. Ask things like...
What do you do for a living?
Where have you been on vacation?
What’s the worst present you ever received?

Try and target spots in the audience that have been quiet during the match. Ask the person
with his arms folded who hasn’t said a word. Go to a teacher everyone knows. Make it fun to
give suggestions, not embarrassing.
SUGGESTION WORKSHEET

profession pleasant or unpleasant memory

relationship between two people hope for the future
somewhere you’d go on Saturday night something you'd do if you had the guts
place you go every day a law you wish existed
department store department a common child's problem
room in a house someone helpful/annoying
career (real or wish you had) a setting for a play
job you wouldn’t want play word association
pet peeve or habit best or worst gift ever
factory that manufactures...? planet
reason for breaking up continent
magazine style of theater/film/music
local restaurant government job
physical activity season or holiday
personal problem something that makes you nervous
product you’d never buy goal for yourself
mundane household chore natural phenomenon
subject in school one of the 7 wonders
major in college place you’ve never been
something you bought place you’d never go to
something you’d like to buy song title
time of day or night favorite food
piece of clothing favorite expression
family crisis favorite sport
place you want to visit fairy tale
chore you hate biblical story
mode of transportation quality you wish you had
dangerous activity embarrassing situation
dangerous occupation an object you wish existed
foreign language something expensive
body part something at a flea market
useless object something from the 50s (or 60s)
bumper sticker and many more...
pleasant or unpleasant smell

34
5. The Business of Leading Your
Team
THE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE WEB SITE & FACEBOOK GROUP
The High School League web site ( cszlahsl.wordpress.com ) is the main communication tool
for the HSL's managers and advisers. Here's where you can:

• Register your team (your adviser should do this)

• Request a referee
• Download important documents like programs and team contracts

To communicate with other schools, feel free to use the HSL Facebook group. You will receive
further instructions regarding how to use this once the school year begins. The Facebook group
is where players can talk to other HSL players from every school. To send and receive messages
to/from the CSz office, please email <hsl@cszla.com> or call (323-871-1193).

35
REGISTRATION

All registration will be handled by the advisers. The deadline is always September 30th of the
current year of participation.

(Remember the existing policy: once teams are fully registered, your workshops will begin. No
coaching or performances may be scheduled until registration is complete.)

Important: Teams who have not registered will become ineligible to participate this year.

MANUALS FOR PLAYERS AND ADVISERS

Make sure everyone on your team gets a Player Manual. We will make the Player Manuals
available electronically via the HSL web site.

GETTING A HOLD OF US

The email address for HSL communication is hsl@cszla.com . Please teach that to your
computer/mobile device!

Also, we often use http://www.remind.com to notify advisers, managers, and players of

important information via text message. Information on how to join will be provided at the
beginning of the school year.

36
YOUR TEAM ONLINE
There are several ways that your team can be on line:

SOCIAL MEDIA (FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, SNAPCHAT, TWITTER)

We've already told you the importance of the Facebook group. If your team creates a social
media account (e.g. Instagram, Twitter, etc.), it must say ComedySportz High School League®
in all of its descriptions/bios. Also, make sure that its content is appropriate for everyone, or
we will require you to take it down.

MAPS

If you're a first-year school, be sure to email us directions to the theater, gym, classroom, or
amphitheater where your ComedySportz matches will be held. These will be posted on our
web site so that anyone who's coming to play or ref or coach or be an audience member knows
how to find you. We also need your school's mailing address for our own database. Email
things, as always, to hsl@CSzLA.com .

YOUR PLAYING SCHEDULE

As soon as you know your schedule of matches for the year, please request your referees. Also,
once we have those dates, we’ll be able to relay them to interested people, like members of the
public, who want to come watch!

YOUR TEAM WEBSITE

If your team creates a website of its own, send us the link, and we will post a link on the CSz
Los Angeles social media accounts. If you create a site, remember that your site must say
ComedySportz High School League® in all of its main titles. Also make sure that it is
appropriate for all audiences, or we will require you to take it down. Be creative, but be sure
it's right for ComedySportz.

37
WHAT YOUR FEE PROVIDES
HERE'S WHAT YOUR TEAM FEE PROVIDES:

• The right to perform CSz in your school from October through June of the current school year (once
your coach has approved your team for performance).

• Four private workshops (each priced at $300 - $500 outside the League). You will have a consistent
coach who will help your team learn even more! New teams will receive a fifth workshop
("Production"). It's possible to purchase extra workshops for your team (see the next page).

• The opportunity to attend GameCon I and II.

• The use of our logo with "The High School League®" for flyers, posters, etc.

• An incredible way to make money for your theatre program. You keep the box office!

• Support materials, including the Facebook page, a program master, a music CD, supplies and uniforms
for purchase.

• Discounted tickets to professional performances at the ComedySportz arena in North Hollywood.

If your team doesn't know how to pay for the team fee or additional coaching sessions, here are
some options:

1. Ask your adviser if it can be paid from the Drama budget. Always the best way.
2. Ask your ASB to pay the fee. Every school has a little extra cash tucked away.
3. If your school has a parent booster group, ask them.
4. Find a local business or a parent's business to sponsor you like a Little League team. They
can put their name on the backs of your shirts, and it's great public service. (See the section
on sponsorship.)
5. A good ticket price is $5, so that people will want to come back to every show. Some
schools make thousands of dollars, and you can too! Think of all the good you can do for your
theatre department without selling candy.
6. If all else fails, call us, and we will work something out. We have rules in place to keep
anyone from taking advantage of us, but for all schools that communicate openly with us,
money has never be a reason to keep someone from participating.

38
CONTRACT AND INVOICE
Your adviser will receive a contract and an invoice at the beginning of the school year. Here's
what they are for:

CONTRACT / AGREEMENT

This is actually much simpler than it sounds. This is our agreement with you. It's very simple
— you have the right to perform ComedySportz from October to June during the school year
that the contract was signed. You have the right to use our logo along with the words "The
High School League®" (or "High School League," as grammatically appropriate) on flyers,
programs, marquees, and posters. Any other use must be approved by us.

IMPORTANT! You MUST use the words HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE whenever you use the
name "ComedySportz." This is a registered trademark and copyright.

YOU DO NOT have the right to perform outside of a High School League® school. You may
not "sell" your show for private parties, corporations, or other schools. You may not wear your
CSz shirt while doing anything that would reflect badly on your team, school, the League, or
our professional companies, e.g. drinking alcohol, drug abuse, vandalism, crime, etc. You do
not have the right to perform ComedySportz until approved by your ComedySportz coach.

INVOICE

This is a document we'll send you, or hand you, requesting the team fee. Your school will
probably need to write a check for it. Your team fee includes two Gamecon workshops, the
right to performances for the academic year (as described on page 41), four private workshops
with a coach, and the right to keep all money you raise with no additional royalty.

The team fee is $1300. First and second year teams receive a $500 discount.

Additionally, there are individual player participation fees ($20 per player). Please make this
payment in ONE check or a SINGLE credit card charge. Cash is not an acceptable form of
payment for the player and team fees.

All contracts, registration fees, player fees and on-line team and player registration must be
completed by September 30 of the current school year. If you're splitting your payment into
th

two installments, the balance is due by February 1 of the current year of participation.
st

EXTRA WORKSHOPS

Your team has the option to purchase workshops in addition to the four (or five) times your
coach will come to your school. These MUST be arranged through our office. Call 323-871-1193
or email hsl@CSzLA.com .

39
HOW TO SEE A SHOW
It is essential that your team sees a ComedySportz show. We have a theatre of our own in
North Hollywood with ComedySportz shows at 8:00 and 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays,
and 7:00 pm on Sundays. (Schedule subject to occasional variance.) Your players can have a
field trip and use their High School League discount. Just be sure to make a reservation in
advance or you may not have seats when you get there.

COMEDYSPORTZ THEATRE SHOW SCHEDULE

Professional ComedySportz matches are at 8pm on Fridays and at 8 and 10pm on Saturdays.
ComedySportz College League matches are at 10pm on Fridays.
ComedySportz Sunday Team matches are at 7pm on (as you've guessed) Sundays.

You can use your discount for all of these shows!

We also offer a wide variety of long-form shows which vary from month to month. Be sure to
check our website for dates and times! CSzLA.com/calendar

For show information and to buy advance tickets, call the Ticket Hotline: (323) 871-1183. You
can buy regularly-priced tickets online through our website. Remember: For a player to receive
the HSL discount, she must call our Ticket Hotline and identify herself as a HSL player.

On some nights, your team could stay for both shows and see two completely different kinds of
improv!

SEEING SHOWS AT OTHER SCHOOLS

You can find out about other schools’ shows by using the Facebook pages or contact our office
with specific questions. We encourage you to support other schools. This will help you bond
and find new friends to play matches with.

40
TIPS FOR LEADING YOUR TEAM
Have we congratulated you yet? We should have. You've been selected to lead because you
have some gifts to share. It's a lot of responsibility, but one you're probably ready for.

So, day one, what do you do?

Well, if yours is a new team, you need to explain this crazy thing. But even if yours isn't a new
team, there are certain things you have to do:

1. Generate excitement!
2. Build ensemble!
3. Set the rules and establish boundaries and expectations!
4. Get organized!
5. Lead by example!

Let's take a moment with each of these:

1. GENERATE EXCITEMENT!

When people are part of something new, there's an excitement you can feel. Even if you have
quite a few returning people, there are some who are brand new and are experiencing it for the
first time. There's tremendous energy at the start of a new year, especially with new teammates,
so take advantage of that. Allow them to help. Volunteer. Suggest ideas. Offer solutions.

Include them!

Rarely does a leader impress by showing how tightly he controls the reins. Just like in improv,
it's not about you. It's about all of us.

Let them know what they're part of, and how vast the family really is!

2. BUILD ENSEMBLE!

Teach them some warm-up games. Get them playing right away. Start enjoying each other and
supporting right away. Make applause mandatory. Have fun together. Help everyone feel
included — the new kid, the freshman, the outsider. Sometimes people need us more than we
think we need them. Don't ever forget that. Teach your team to be kind.

Work every week to build safety in the group. What if someone has to sing and they think they
have a bad voice? Make them feel safe. What if someone has to cry and they're afraid they'll be
ridiculed? Make them feel safe.

Teach them what it means to "make your partner look good." Perhaps yell it like a cheer at the
beginning and end. You set the tone. Start it out right, and you'll be rewarded all year long.

41
3. SET THE RULES AND ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS!

Read through this book carefully and communicate this info to your team. If you keep all the
info to yourself, it doesn't do anyone any good, does it?

You will be provided with a copy of the Player Handbook which contains many of the
important pages of this manual. Send the Player Handbook to each person on your team. Take
the time to go through the book with your team. Just as we let you know the rules, you need to
let them know the rules. If the rules are clear and firm at the start, everyone will follow them
easily. If, however, the rules are unclear, enforcing them will be impossible.

Let everyone know what the expectations are — of ComedySportz, your adviser, and you. Also
let them know what the consequences are, but make sure you explain the rationale. Otherwise,
no one will understand. They’ll just think you're power-hungry. Once you establish rules and
consequences, be sure you are prepared to follow through. The first time your team sees the
rules mean nothing, you have lost all authority.

Keep track of when people are excused or unexcused. Confer with your adviser and coach to
create that criteria.

People don't mind rules when the rules are fair and they understand them.

4. GET ORGANIZED!

You're getting this book well before your team has their first practice, so that you can get
organized! Organization is everything. If you're organized at the top, everything is easy. If
you're not good at being organized, get an assistant who is! Recognize the gifts of other people
who might be a big help to you.

Some tips:

A. Get a calendar out. Mark the GameCon dates on your team calendar (see page 20) and all
the practices for the year, especially the dates when your coach will come. Also mark the
deadlines for anything you need for registration or uniform ordering. And of course, mark
the dates for the matches.

B. If you know your match dates at the start of the year, request your refs all at once on the
Google form. If you don't, give plenty of notice each time, or you might not get a ref.

C. Communicate well and often with your coach. Don't cancel last minute unless it's absolutely
necessary.

D. Once you've started requesting refs, get in the habit of checking the Ref spreadsheet when
you get home each day to see if we’ve confirmed your ref.

E. Keep an attendance binder.

42
5. LEAD BY EXAMPLE!

You will earn the respect of the rest of the team if you can lead by example.

• Arrive early for practice and shows. Early is on time; on time is late.
• Laugh and applaud easily, especially for new players and visiting teams.
• Be organized.
• Be willing to sit out during a game or match.
• Don't always make yourself captain. Show others that you can take their lead.
• Make sure you're dressed appropriately for practice.
• Make sure you're in proper uniform for the show.
• Return calls and emails promptly.
• Sit up and pay attention during workshops and practices.
• Don't chew gum or eat candy during practice.
• Stay off your phone during practice.
• Don't yell suggestions during any CSz show — yours, another school's, or the CSz professional
shows. It makes the audience think it's rigged because they know you're part of CSz.
Remember, it's for them. Also, you should avoid volunteering at the professional shows
because people realize you're too good just to be a regular audience member.
• Be respectful of your adviser and coach.
• Take notes graciously.
• Don't waste people's time.
• Know when to change direction because it's simply not working.
• Laugh at your own mistakes onstage and be willing to admit them offstage.
• Encourage those who are afraid.
• Make them look good.
• Don't scream at people unless you're on fire.
• Treat people to a surprise every now and then.
• Be understanding of stress.
• Follow through on what you say you're going to do.
• Be kind.

43
SPONSORSHIP
You might consider seeking sponsorship for your team to help pay for your team fees or
uniforms. Almost every Little League baseball team and youth soccer club is sponsored by a
local business, so why not you?

THE NATURE OF SPONSORSHIP

The reason most businesses sponsor student teams is for the goodwill it creates. Very few are
looking for things in return. You are asking for help in providing a valuable educational
experience that is not only good for the participants, but also has a public element or "face" as
well.

WHOM SHOULD WE CONTACT?

Start with the parents and relatives of people on your team. Remember, those are the people
who care most about you participation and success. You'll be surprised to find the resources
you have right in front of you. Sometimes it's as easy as asking. Most large corporations also have
matching gift programs, so if you can find an individual to donate half the money, their
company will donate the other half.

If you should reach a dead-end with people on your team, look around at neighborhood
businesses and see who already sponsors Little League or soccer teams. They will often have
plaques on the wall. You might try:

coffee shops • barbers • insurance companies • grocery stores •

department stores like Target, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart • realtors •
hair salons • hardware stores • auto shops • auto dealers •
service-oriented businesses like electricians, plumbers, carpenters dentists, or orthodontists

PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Even better, try businesses where you can offer "product placement," which means finding
creative ways to feature their products or services in your show. It gives them extra exposure
and can give you additional "freebies," as well. Sometimes, they will donate items to you even if
they can't give you cash. This is called "in-kind" donation. You might try companies that
provide:

drinking water • peanuts • athletic clothing like sweats, jackets, shoes • sports drinks •
soft drinks • athletic clubs/gyms • sports equipment • candy • hot dogs •
sports teams, like minor league baseball or hockey • photography •
piano/organ companies • printing

44
WHAT YOU CAN OFFER

Remember, many businesses sponsor without expecting anything in return. Many have
budgets for it, so they expect to spend it. However, you can offer some things in return that
others can't:

• their business name printed on the back of your uniform shirts

• their advertising in your program
• if you have room, offer them ads in the programs for your school's plays as well
• an advertising banner in your "arena"
• an announcement at each performance acknowledging their sponsorship
• a tax deduction if they donate directly to your school or drama department
• free tickets to shows at your school
• a reserved parking space for each show
• the chance to help the arts, which have suffered so many cutbacks in the last ten years. The
arts are still trying to find their way back into the schools. Don't underestimate this selling
point!
• hopefully, lots of exposure for their product or service. Let them know how many students
and adults attend your shows. Those people might be their new customers.
• a partial sponsorship — let them sponsor one semester, or co-sponsor with others. You
could sell $100 sponsorships if it's easier and just adjust what you offer in return.

Of course, you'll give them a few other things that you don't tell them about ahead of time:

• a thank-you letter signed by your adviser

• perhaps a jersey signed by your whole team
• invitations to your "opening"
• a plaque with your team’s photo that you can have made inexpensively at any trophy shop
• an invitation to sponsor you again next year

That's quite a deal.

Decide what you want to offer and work out various possibilities before you meet with
potential sponsors.

Be polite, nicely dressed and drop in to see them. If they can't see you just then, ask for an
appointment. It's better to appear in person, even if it means you have to come back. It's a lot
easier to say "no" on the phone than it is to resist nicely dressed theatre students with puppy
dog eyes.

45
MATERIALS YOU MIGHT USE TO WOO A SPONSOR
WEBSITE

You can always send them to the Education section of the website. Our web address is:

www.CSzLA.com

QUOTES FROM EDUCATORS

“You are not teaching improvisation as much as you are teaching the skills of thinking, trusting and caring, all of
which build self-esteem. It is the best investment in dramatic education that I have ever made for my students.”
Barbara Goodwin, Eagle Rock High School

“I could go on for hours telling you all the things these students learned. Of course, if they had known they were
going to learn all this, they never would have signed up for the team.”
Kaye Cox, Upland High School

“The best 'by-product' of our participation was the students' recognition and appreciation for teamwork. When the
audience applauded, the whole team felt like winners! My students came home from every match feeling like
'stars.'”
C.J. Foss, Birmingham High School

“In our journey toward a more multicultural arts program, ComedySportz was one of the cornerstones of our
department.”
Robin Share, Van Nuys High School

“We overwhelmingly felt your workshop was a positive experience for all involved.”
Susan Watanabe, Cerritos Community College

“It is a fun way to learn and terrific for the students.”

Gai Jones, Educational Theatre Association

“I hope you know how much you are appreciated and your talents applauded. Thank you again for sharing your
special talents with all our students.”
Cindy Little, CA Educational Theatre Association

“You see these pretty gutsy kids up there putting it on the line, not caring what people are saying, and it's
inspiring. All of them will probably be doing some pretty major things in their lives because if they can do this,
they can do anything.”
Sheryl Bode, San Dieguito High School Academy

“The first time I saw a game, I was just stunned. It was so amazing what the kids could do. I just think it's an
incredibly magical league.”
Sherry Coben, Agoura High School

46
QUOTES FROM THE PRESS

“In the ComedySportz High School League, it's lightning wit, inspired improvisation and unfaltering
showmanship that wins.”
Orange Coast Magazine

“The fast-growing intramural and inter-school phenomenon is known as ComedySportz, a hard-fought,

competitive team game that brings theatre into the forefront of kid cooldom.”
Creative Drama Magazine

“In ComedySportz, unlike many sports, the fun and personal growth gained from improvisational techniques are
more important than cutthroat competition.”
Orange County Register

“Ask any high school student who's experienced ComedySportz, and you're likely to get the same answer: ‘Yeah,
that is really cool.’”
Dramatics Magazine

“One great aspect of the organization is its insistence on clean and kind humor.”
California Educational Theatre Association News

“High Schoolers get real-life benefits from ComedySportz.”

Los Angeles Times

“The High School League builds confidence, encourages listening skills and calms fear of public speaking. It also
helps teens learn to be approachable and solve problems.”
Daily News

“ComedySportz has a joyful following. Students share seats and spill into the aisles to jam against the walls to
witness the monthly matches where students battle to win the most laughter.”
San Diego Union-Tribune

BROCHURES
We have various kinds of brochures and flyers in our office. If you think there's something that would
be helpful to include, give us a call.

LETTERS

The pages that follow contain some letters that you might copy and provide as part of your
pitch. These include letters from parents, students and teachers.

47
FROM A PARENT

Just wanted to compliment you on Logan’s week at ComedySportz Camp last week. He came
back very enthusiastic and charged up. His first evaluative comment was, “It was very cool. I’m
feeling funnier every minute.” It was also notable that he never felt the need to call home. I
think that means he felt it was a supportive and exciting environment.

This past week he was at Boy Scout camp. On the way to the camp, he played the 2 CDs of
ComedySportz faculty he had purchased. Then, at camp, he did something he had never done
before--he volunteered to lead a series a skits for 200 Scouts and adults. He led them in 2
different improv games he had learned at your camp. Then, by week’s end, he found that the
staff had integrated one of the games into the closing ceremonies.

His mother and I are extremely pleased with the program you have developed. Logan looks
forward to participating next summer.

Please feel free to use us as a reference for any parents who might have future questions about
ComedySportz.

Jim Earnest

FROM A HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE PLAYER

I am sadly no longer on the El Segundo CSz team as I have graduated. It will be one of the few
things that I miss about high school. I will especially miss those crazy Friday night matches
where my stomach was upside-down and anxious to make sure everything went smoothly...

Thank you for the training, the good times and the laughs. I have met a number of wonderful
people, who I now consider my close friends, through ComedySportz and the High School
League. The High School League program that you offer is unlike any other and I feel
privileged to have had the opportunity to have been a part of it. Again, I will miss it.

Thanks again for everything,

Christopher Poiry

FROM A PARENT

You all are awesome and I think this is one of the best programs that is in high schools today!

Robinmarie McClement
Parent of two High School League students
Mission Viejo High School

48
FROM A HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE PLAYER

This is Dan Rathaus from the Westlake High team. I went to the last 2 years of summer camps
and had a blast. I want you all to know that my first year there completely changed who I was.
I was a social turtle until my junior year; after really immersing myself in the CSz philosophy I
wasn't afraid to make mistakes.

People were so confused by my change of personality over the summer. CSz changed me from
an idle watcher into a leader. When I took charge of the team my senior year, the team grew to
3 times its original size.

...I just wanted you all to know what you have done for me, the people from all the other
schools and camp also. You all gave me the greatest gift ever; it’s something that I can’t
describe...Thanks again.

Pvt. Dan Rathaus

FROM A HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE ADVISER

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for helping Agoura's CSz 04-05 school year end with
such a bang! Our players and their families and teammates had an absolutely fantastic time...

You know there's nothing I wouldn't do for any of you; you've enriched my life immeasurably
(Comedy Sportz cures cancer) and changed the lives of so many kids. It is a privilege to watch
you work your magic and to watch that magic work on those kids close up and personal.

Sherry Coben

FROM ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE PLAYER

I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you I got into UCLA! I'm way pumped and will most
likely be going there in the fall. I just wanted to thank you/James/everyone over at CSz
because I'm pretty sure ComedySportz is the reason I got in. My grades were pretty good and
my SATs were ok, but I barely had any community service or anything like that. I did write my
personal statement essay about ComedySportz though, talking about how much it's changed
my life and made me into who I am. A lot of people from my school with way better grades,
community service, and testing scores didn't get in to UCLA, but I did and I'm pretty sure it's
because they were impressed by my essay and my involvement in the High School League. I
just wanted to thank you guys for having such an awesome program and being such great
mentors to me. I'm (fingers crossed) looking forward to working with all you guys in the future
in one way or another... Again, thanks for everything.

OC's newest college student,

Danny "Bacon" Ricker

49
6. Appendices

APPENDIX A MANAGER'S ACTION PLAN: PRACTICES

Days/Dates/Times for practice

50
Coach's name

Days/Dates/Times for coaching sessions

Goals for this year

Things we might try differently this year

APPENDIX B MANAGER'S ACTION PLAN: RUNNING MY TEAM

Things I have to do to get organized

51
Ideas for building ensemble for my team

Things I might need help with

APPENDIX C MANAGER'S ACTION PLAN: SHOWS

Days/Dates/Times for shows

52
Things I need to do to get us ready for production

People on my team who have special skills that would be useful

Ways we can be a great host team

Things I might need help with

APPENDIX D MANAGER'S ACTION PLAN: PROMOTION

Ways I can promote my team
Action: Who: Date for completion:

53
Creative promotions we might try

Special show ideas

APPENDIX E MANAGER'S ACTION PLAN: INFORMING MY TEAM

Things I need to do for my team
❒ Give my team players their handbooks and go through them

54
❒ Inform them of Gamecon dates and make plans now for team bonding days
❒ Take orders for uniforms and discuss uniform policy

❒ Set attendance policies

❒ Establish coaching dates for the year with my coach

❒ Work with my adviser to make sure we are registered and paid for by November 1st, 2010.
❒ Make sure I am registered on the HSL Chat Boards

❒ Make sure my team understands how the Chat Boards work and their importance

❒ Meet with my adviser to discuss the year and how we coordinate with other theatre activities

Other things I can do to make sure my team knows what's going on

APPENDIX F SAMPLE COACH'S "PRACTICE PRESCRIPTION"

comedysportz
55
HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE ®
COACH'S PRACTICE PRESCRIPTION Date:

Until we meet again, here are warm-ups you might use:

Exercises:

Games to practice:

Things to focus on:

Additional Notes:

APPENDIX G LOGOS
We have an official HSL logo that you can use to make posters, flyers, etc. It is available
electronically from us, in color or black and white; email us at <hsl@cszla.com> to request a
JPEG and/or PDF. Your team can have, and may already have, a version of the official logo

56
that contains your school’s name. If you don’t already have that, let us know and we’ll make
one for you and email it to you.

Remember, you MUST use the words "High School League®" or "The High School
League®" in conjunction with the use of any logo, or with the word ComedySportz.

"ComedySportz" and "High School League" are protected trademarks.

APPENDIX H REF INTRO SHEET (#1) FOR ANNOUNCER

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ComedySportz High
School League!

57
Please welcome your referee, !

(After the ref warms up the audience, she will either transition into vending or
into the player introductions for which you will use Announcer Sheet #2. Be sure
you coordinate with the referee so you know how it's going to work.)

APPENDIX I PLAYER INTRO SHEET (#2) FOR ANNOUNCER

(Use after the ref warm-up and vending)

Once again, welcome to the ComedySportz High School League!

58
Now here are the starting lineups for tonight's first/second match between:

and

First, let's welcome the

(Name #1)

(#2)

(#3)

and the captain,

Now let's welcome the

(Name #1)

(#2)

(#3)

and the captain,

Let's welcome back tonight's referee, !

(First match, optional:) Now please rise and join us in the singing of our National
Anthem.

APPENDIX J PROGRAM
This page once contained a sample of the program you can use at your school's matches. No
more! Now it's available for download at the HSL web site: cszlahsl.wordpress.com

APPENDIX K TURF DIAGRAM

Buy heavy-duty turf with carpet-style backing. If you buy the lightweight stuff that's super

59
cheap, people will slip and fall. The heavier stuff will last for years. You can also use actual
carpeting as long as it's low-pile and the right color with no pattern.

Your turf should be 8' x 12' minimum. If you have a large stage, make it 12' x 16.'

Buy white duct tape or cloth tape that is at least 1.5 inches wide to mark your turf. Also use the
tape to run around the edge of the turf to "seal" it so it won't continually fray.

When you roll up your turf to put it away, flip it over first so that you're rolling the green side
out. That way when you lay it out again, the ends won't "curl" up.

Here's how you should tape your turf:

Apology box is approximately 2.0 feet square. This is the downstage edge of the turf.
Face-off lines (for games like "What Are You Doing?") are approximately 2feet long.
Off-side lines are approximately 6 inches in from each side (these are primarily for show).

APPENDIX L PRODUCTION CHECKLIST

❒ HEAVY DUTY TURF WITH TAPED MARKINGS AS INDICATED IN APPENDIX K.

❒ UNIFORM BENCHES, CUBES OR CHAIRS FOR BOTH TEAMS.

❒ AMERICAN FLAG APPROPRIATELY DISPLAYED.

❒ SHOW MUSIC HAS BEEN CREATED.

60
❒ BLANK ANNOUNCER SHEETS.
❒ SHOW BACKPACK/BAG WITH PENS, PADS, BROWN BAGS, VENDING SUPPLIES.

❒ TEAM HAS FOLLOWED UNIFORM GUIDELINES.

BEFORE EACH PERFORMANCE:

❒ ANNOUNCER HAS REHEARSED.

❒ BLANK ANNOUNCER SHEETS.

❒ FIELD MANAGER ASSIGNED.

❒ PROGRAMS FOR AUDIENCE.

❒ WATER FOR PLAYERS AND REFEREE.

❒ SHOW HAS BEEN PROMOTED.

❒ ALL STAFF ASSIGNED: HOUSE STAFF, CONCESSIONS, BOX OFFICE, TECH CREW.

61
APPENDIX M CONTACT SHEET
The following are important numbers for you.

ComedySportz Office 323-871-1193

ComedySportz Ticket Line 323-871-1183

Please note: Leaving a message at our Office number and/or sending us an email is the the
fastest way to get a response if you have an urgent situation.

If you need to email James, Eddie, or Sarah; you can reach them at hsl@CSzLA.com.

For ref requests, contact us through the Google form, which can be found at cszlahsl.com .

ComedySportz Los Angeles website: www.CSzLA.com

ComedySportzStore: www.ComedySportzStore.com

Talk to us if you want your team's website linked to our website!

COMEDYSPORTZ MAILING ADDRESS:

ComedySportz
8033 Sunset Boulevard #506
Los Angeles, CA 90046

COMEDYSPORTZ'S THEATRE ADDRESS (DON'T SEND MAIL HERE):

El Portal Theatre
5269 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601

PARKING FOR OUR THEATRE:

There is free street parking all over the area after 6pm; as always, read the signs carefully. You
can also park for free in the Metro Red Line station lot, a block north of the theatre on the east
side of Lankershim. To get there, go up to Cumpston and turn right; after a block turn right
into the station lot.

62