Information for Visiting Performers

Festival Information

Festival Passes

All performers will receive a festival pass allowing entry to all shows for free, contingent on space availability. If performers would like to guarantee access to a particular show, they should purchase a ticket. Free entry to shows with limited available seating will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Musical Directors/Accompanists

Visiting teams that are not able to bring their own Musical Director/Accompanist with them will have the ability to be provided an experienced Musical Director/Accompanist for both their performance and a 30-minute pre-show rehearsal. The cost for this service is $60. If you think you may need a Musical Director/Accompanist through this service, please be sure to indicate that on your submission form.

Teaching Opportunities

We are looking to include guest teachers as part of the festival. Teachers who are selected will be guaranteed payment regardless of how many people sign up for their workshop. If you’d like to be considered as a teacher, please be sure to fill out the Teacher Application Form, in addition to your team submission form.

Applying

Applications are now open for all. Applications will be closing June 1st and decisions will be made shortly thereafter to ensure all visiting teams have time to make travel and accommodation plans. You can learn more about submissions and apply here.

Travel Information

Location

All Out Comedy Theater is located at 2550 Telegraph Ave, in Oakland, CA. Please be aware that there is a location with the same street address in the neighboring city of Berkeley (about 4 miles from All Out Comedy). Make sure to enter "Oakland" as the city when getting directions from Google Maps.

Hotels

Performers are welcome to stay anywhere in the Bay Area. We have secured a block of rooms at the nearby Moxy Hotel, which is a short 4-minute walk from All Out Comedy, along Oakland’s vibrant Telegraph Avenue. The standard room rate is $160 and is valid for bookings made before October 1, 2024. To take advantage of our group rate, book your room using this link.

Air Travel

The closest airport to All Out Comedy Theater is Oakland International Airport, which is directly accessible by BART. Southwest is the largest carrier out of Oakland, but the airport is also served by a number of airlines. You may also want to consider flying into San Francisco International Airport, which is located just across the bay. Although SFO is farther from the venue, it is also accessible by BART and provides many more direct flights.

Getting Around by Transit

The festival venue is located in Oakland’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood, which is easily accessible by public transit, particularly the local rail system, BART, which provides direct access to San Francisco’s downtown and Mission district, Berkeley and other Bay Area cities. The theater is a short 12-minute walk from the 19th Street Oakland BART station. The local transit system, AC Transit, also operates several lines near the theater, including line 6, which stops directly in front.

Getting Around by Car

If you choose to drive to the festival or rent a car, there is ample street parking in the neighborhood. Please be aware that car break-ins are unfortunately common in all parts of the Bay Area, but the risk reduces dramatically when you don’t leave any bags or goods inside the car. There are also several paid parking facilities within a short walk of the festival venue that provide more protection, including: The Hive (2335 Broadway); The YMCA Garage (2353 Webster St); and Alexan Webster Public Garage (2330 Webster St).

The Bay Area Musical Improv Festival is run by Bay Area Musical Improv, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is create opportunities for musical improvisers in the San Francisco Bay Area.