Community Update – September 2022
Editorial
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the author and don’t necessarily reflect those of Highwire Improv. We hope you enjoy reading!
Hello Highwire Community!
This month, in addition to our live community meetings, we’re trying a short and sweet blog update for folks who can’t make the live event or who don’t want to watch a longform video! This is just the key info – as always, comment or email us if you have questions!
COVID and Show Status
As of September 6th, Baltimore City remains in medium status according to the CDC Community Risk levels, with a slightly lower case load compared to August 2022. At this time, in-person events remain ON, and are recommended for vaccinated individuals only. Two key resources for anyone attending an event:
- Our regularly updated in-person event status, including local and national COVID data.
- Our venue guide, which includes information about the the location, physical space, and policies of our in-person venues.
Additionally, we have started tracking Monkeypox data in the same link above, though at this time have no further adjustments to our plans above and beyond those COVID-related procedures.
Programming
- Online and in-person shows continue through Season 8!
- Submissions are open for Season 9!
- Season 9 will run October 31-January 22
- Online shows again on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
- Black Joy Fridays continue online
- In-person shows across Baltimore!
Education
Two huge announcements! Highwire Improv is launching classes in 2023, and launching an instructor training and development program in October!
Core Curriculum classes are coming in early 2023!
- Launching with Fundamentals 1 and 2
- Curriculum development and review is underway – email us to participate.
Instructor Development Program launching in October!
To support our growing education program as well the need for coaches and applied improv facilitators, we are also launching a first of its kind instructor training and development program. Cohorts of 6-12 instructors will receive free professional development while learning the Highwire foundational curriculum.
To fulfill our mission of growing improv in Baltimore, we need to grow a base of safe, supportive, competent teachers!
Finances and Growth
| Month | Income | Expenses | Net Income |
| June 2022 | $1,378.96 | $5,305.46 | -$3,926.50 |
| July 2022 | $3,951.87 | $2,401.74 | $1,550.13 |
| August 2022 | $222.97 | $1,364.70 | -$1,141.73 |
Throughout August we had limited programming (only one show) and as such limited income, while we paid ahead for some key expenses like our jam venue and our website domain annual renewal.
| June | July | August | September | |
| Facebook Followers | 992 | 1,010 | 1,034 | 1,058 |
| Instagram Follows | 860 | 890 | 917 | 947 |
| YouTube views | 33,951 | 35,275 | 37,059 | 38,022 |
| Unique YouTube viewers | 1,400 | 2,700 | 3,900 | 2,200 |
| YouTube subscriptions | 610 | 620 | 632 | 641 |
| Workshops scheduled | 60 | 64 | 65 | 65 |
As we often say – the numbers are going up and to the right, with no major surprises.
