Every theatre hosts TheatreSports in a slightly different way, but this is how we do it: every performance is hosted by a moderator (or panel of judges, in the tournament’s case - we also like to dress up as judges just because) that oversees the competition, tallies audience votes, and dispenses the scum box whenever needed.

Audience voting occurs at the end of each scene. The moderator will ask the audience to rank the scene on a scale of one to five using their applause—with five as the highest possible score.

For example, if an audience member believes a scene deserves a one, they would cheer when the referee announces, “ONE!” If they believe a scene deserves a two, they would cheer when the referee announces, “TWO!”, etc. The number with the loudest amount of applause is the score for that round.

The scum box is a wonderful invention designed to keep improvisers—and patrons, if the situation calls for it—from getting too rowdy during a performance. It is a cardboard box worn on the head at the discretion of the moderator. If someone else becomes crazier, the scum box transfers to them.

It doesn’t come out every performance, but it is always at the ready!

In January, Dad’s Garage holds a three-week long tournament of TheatreSports every Friday and Saturday. Choose your favorite team and cheer them on week after week to victory—and we mean that literally!