History was made yet again at The Belvoir St. Theatre last week as LMA Students came out in full force, representing all levels, to show off their improv chops and try for a coveted spot on the LMA House Team.

The vision for LMA as we grow, is to have more and more Teams performing in more and more shows – whether they be House Teams, Indie Teams, Two or Three Person Teams, or Draft Teams on Grad Show nights. And so if you didn’t make the cut this time, don’t give up. There will be more auditions and more Teams ahead. Keep training, keep seeing shows and keep the faith, your time will come.

This Term we had a record number of Students try out, across all levels and after much deliberation and debate the judging panel has decided to keep the current Term 1 House Team intact (with a couple new additions) – and create LMA’s first ever Practice Team comprised of Players who we believe will soon be shining on stage with the benefit of some expert, outside of class, Coaching.

Many of you were unclear on the selection process – and some were concerned about “defending” your position on a team, and for this we apologise. For this term we decided to give existing House Team members a pass. In other words if you were already on a team, you would stay on team, whether you auditioned or not. Please note, this may not be the case in the future and all players may have to audition to be considered for, and maintain a position on, a specific team. If you were not currently on a team, and you missed one or both auditions, then you could not be considered for membership on a House Team this term. However you will, of course, be able to audition next next term – and we hope you do!

For now, we are pleased to announce the following:

The LMA Student House Team –  Term 2, 2016

This term brings the dreaded departure of the lovely Amanda Lifford who is returning to her University studies in Chicago. She was a wonderful addition to the LMA family over the last two terms, and she will be missed. Amanda’s departure leaves a vacancy on the team for a quick witted, woman with a Yankee accent – and lo and behold, one turned up at our auditions in the form of the very funny Melissa McGlensey who is visiting from New York by way of California where she trained at UCB and The Reckless Theatre. Melissa will be Shadowing our Level 2 Improv Class this term, so you will be seeing a lot of her around. The second new addition to the House Team is Andrew Wowk. Andrew is currently a Teacher’s Assistant at LMA and as a former member of the LMA “Faculteam” he will bring some heavy hitting comedic chops to the House Team and will collaborate with Alistair Magee who will continue on as Coach.

The LMA Practice Team –  Term 2, 2016

Congratulations to the following LMA Students who have earned themselves a spot on the first ever LMA Practice Team. This team will be Coached by the brilliant David Tieck with a view to getting them on stage and in shows as soon as possible.

Thank you again to everyone who came out and auditioned for spots on LMA House Teams. As we mentioned above, please do not despair if you didn’t make it this time. LMA is growing fast and there will be way more chances, and more teams to get involved with in the near future.