YOUTH PERFORMANCE TEAM

Through collaboration and creativity, young improvisors are invited to step onto the stage as The Chive Mind. Rooted in the values of Bainbridge Improv Collective, this program's mission is to foster creativity, connection, and joy for our community's youth through the power of improvisational theater.

Team members will explore both long-form narrative improv, where stories unfold and characters deepen, and short-form improv, where games and high energy fun lead. Along the way, they’ll sharpen their ability to adapt quickly, listen deeply, and collaborate with others. In doing so, strengthen not only their stagecraft but also valuable life skills: flexible-thinking, quick-thinking, yes-and mentality, teamwork, and confidence.

Guiding this journey as coaches are Tina and Laurel—experienced teachers and seasoned improvisers—who bring passion, expertise, and supportive energy to every practice. And we couldn’t do it without Kate, whom helps to make all things happen.

  • Tina Guldhammer Frei

    With over 20 years of teaching and performing improv, Tina brings extensive training and experience from multiple performance teams to her work. A resident teacher at Bainbridge Performing Arts, she champions community-driven art, inspiring students to explore their talents, build confidence, and unlock their creativity through storytelling and collaboration.

  • Laurel Marlantes

    Laurel began her improv journey over 20 years ago at The Groundlings, and later became a member of LA’s Hothouse Spontaneous Theater Company. A professionally trained actor with stage, film, and television credits, she is currently a resident teacher at Bainbridge Performing Arts. She encourages students to play boldly, listen intently, and trust themselves.

  • Kate Henderson

    Managing Director of Side Quest Stage, Kate is a longtime improviser and arts manager passionate about fostering creative communities. Known for her work with The Edge Improv and as co-director at InD Theatre, she brings leadership from BARN and BIMA as well as past teaching experience to create a welcoming, joyful space for artists and audiences alike.

Why Join?

This isn’t just about learning performance improv—it’s about joining a creative family:

  • Create and connect in a judgment-free space where anything is possible.

  • Grow as performers while building skills that last far beyond the stage.

  • Experience the power of ensemble, forming bonds with teammates who become like family.

  • Share the laughter, performing live and spreading joy to the community.

Program Details

  • When: Mondays, 6:15pm – 8:15pm

  • Dates: October 5th - Dec 14th

  • Where: Side Quest Stage at Rolling Bay Hall

  • Sessions: 10 practice sessions + additional performance opportunities

  • Cost: $335

  • Scholarships Available

Join us to play, grow, and become part of something special.

Upcoming Chive Mind Auditions

Passionate young improvisers ready to take their improv skills to the next level and join a performance team.

Audition Date: Monday, September 21st, 2026

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Ages: Grades 6th-12th

Prerequisite: Improv 101 or equivalent. This team is for the experienced young improvisor.

Location: Side Quest Stage at Rolling Bay Hall

REGISTER FOR AUDITION
 

Curious to know more about what it means to be part of an improv team?

Have a child whom has taken prior improv classes and you think they might be interested and ready to join a team?

We’d love to hear from you!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have here. Thank you!

The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There’s something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.

— Del Close