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Why Take Improv?

In this fun and exciting interactive process, you will gain self-confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and learn the type of teamwork necessary to create something original and brilliant from scratch. Right from the start, our students are on their feet exploring hilarious exercises and skill-driven games in an incredibly supportive and fun environment under the guidance of our caring and experienced faculty,

Unexpected Productions’ teachers instruct the basics of improv, which are not only useful to improvisers, but to anybody wanting to work with others, as a member of a team, as an effective communicator, as a good listener, or simply as a friend!

All 100-600 classes are for ages 18+. Get ready to:

  • Discover the joy of spontaneous storytelling
  • Conquer fears
  • Improve your job skills
  • Spark creativity
  • Meet people/make new friends
  • Become a better listener
  • Be a better problem solver
  • HAVE A BLAST

Our celebrated education program is the most established improv school in the region. We host classes online. We offer 6 levels of classes with 4 quarters a year. We also offer specialty improv classes, storytelling, sketch and stand-up comedy classes from renowned teachers from around the globe.

Classes

Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater

1428 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101

The Improv School – Georgetown Studios

650 South Orcas, Suite 101
Seattle WA 98108

Spring Schedule 2024
Improv 100
3/16 - 5/4
Saturdays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
3/17 - 5/12
Sundays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
3/17 - 5/12
Sundays 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
3/18 - 5/6
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
3/19 -5/7
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
3/20 -5/8
Wendesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
3/21 - 5/9
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Improv 200
3/16 -5/4
Saturday 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
3/17 -5/12
Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
3/18- 5/6
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
3/19 - 5/7
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
3/20 - 5/8
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
Improv 300
3/17 - 5/12
Sundays 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
3/18 - 5/6
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
3/20 - 5/8
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
Improv 400
3/19 - 5/7
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
3/21 - 5/9
Thurdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
Improv 500
3/17 - 5/12
Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
3/21 - 5/9
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 Seattle 981016
Improv 600
3/17 - 5/12
Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Improv 700: Advanced Rehearsal and Performance
3/27 - 5/1
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
650 South Orcas, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98108
4/17 - 5/22
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
650 South Orcas, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98108
5/8 - 6/12
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
650 South Orcas, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98108

Improvisation and Mindfulness: with Joe Guppy, M.A., 3/7

The traditional view of Improv is that it’s high-energy, movement-oriented, and comedic. The traditional view of Mindfulness is that it is calm, low-energy, still and serious. What happens when Mindfulness exercises are alternated with Improv games or when Mindfulness is incorporated into Improv? Explore these questions to discover the joy and spontaneity in grounded, rooted moments of mindfulness. Joe will lead group games and exercises in this evening of collaborative creation and being present and available in the Now.

Date: March 7
Time: 7:00 – 9:30
Location: Unexpected Productions’ School of Improv, 650 S Orcas St Suite 101, Seattle 98108
Maximum Students: 15
Cost: $85
Prerequisite: None

Teacher Bio: Joe Guppy, M.A., is an original founding member of Unexpected Productions’ Theatresports , a founder of the Seattle improv group, The Off the Wall Players, and former head writer/ performer for KING-TV’s comedy show Almost Live, where he won eight northwest Emmy awards. He’s worked in Los Angeles as a television writer/performer and been a Seattle-area psychotherapist and group leader. He’s taught many workshops on improvisation, meditation, and mental wellness.

WAIT LIST

Sketch Comedy Writing Through Improvisation with Joe Guppy 3/16 – 5/4

Join the fun and energizing improv games to learn how to write comedy, taught by Emmy-award-winning comedy writer, Joe Guppy. In this class, you will learn basic improv skills and how to build a comedy premise. We will gather around a supportive and encouraging writer’s table to rewrite and study scenes from popular comedy shows like Saturday Night Live, Key & Peele, In Living Color, The Kids in the Hall, A Black Lady Sketch Show, The State, and comedy films. This class is perfect for aspiring or experienced improvisers, actors, comedy writers, screenwriters, or playwrights. The class will culminate with a writer’s showcase where you can put your skills to the test.

Skills offered in class: Fundamentals of comedy writing, basic scene improvisation, story structure, rewriting, and how to create a comedy premise.

Date: 8 Saturdays 3/16 – 5/4
Time: 10:00 – 1:00
Location: 5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108 The last class will include a showcase performance in the last hour of class.
Maximum Students: 12
Cost: $300.00
Prerequisite: None
Age: 18+
Teacher Bio: Joe Guppy, M.A., won 8 Emmys and a Writers Guild award for comedy writing and performing. He’s a former head writer/cast member for the Seattle comedy show Almost Live, which ran for 15 seasons on KING-TV5, with two runs on Comedy Central. Joe is a founding member of Seattle TheatreSports and has written television scripts in Los Angeles for directors John Landis (Blues Brothers, Animal House) and Blake Edwards (Pink Panther). He’s taught fiction and scriptwriting at Seattle University and is an experienced group leader.

Register Here

Improvised Song and Music Intensive with Ron Hippe, Starting 4/2

This class is an intensive study of Musical Improv that will review classic song forms in a way that relates to improv and allow participants to learn, practice, and perform in a constructive group setting. We examine rhyming, timing, counting, and “feeling” sections of a song. Using simple suggestions, we blitz-practice, creating as many memorable choruses as possible. We explore how to make lyrics and content “poetic.” Learn to create songs & stories on the spot. This class runs the musical gamut: Gregorian chants, over-the-top pop songs, high-energy Broadway musicals, smoky jazz tunes, and dropped beats. No singing experience necessary.

Date: Tuesdays, 4/2 – 4/26
4 Classes: 7:00 pm-9:30 pmLocation: Unexpected Productions Improv School, Georgetown Studios, 650 South Orcas, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98108 https://goo.gl/CMCRQp
Maximum 16 Students
$150

Prerequisite: Must have completed 100 or equivalent

Register Here

Stage-Worthy Personal Stories In Person Workshop Spring 24
Starting 3/16

Unleash your inner storyteller and captivate your audience, whether it’s in a professional setting, among friends and family, or on stage. Gain confidence and bring your stories to life. Share your unique narrative and make a lasting impression.

Learn the power of personal storytelling and the art of vulnerability in this fun 6-week class. Develop relatable, engaging, and entertaining personal stories from your life experiences. The workshop explores the art of oral storytelling, including story creation, enhancement, and presentation. You’ll learn simple, practical story guidelines and step-by-step tools to create honest and incredible stories.

Kent Whipple, founder of the storytelling program at Unexpected Productions Improv School, is the instructor. He teaches intro and advanced classes, is the narrative coach for the improv ensemble, and hosts Inside Story, a storytelling show. He was also featured on the PBS show, Stories from the Stage, showcasing the power of real stories told by masterful storytellers.

This workshop is suitable for novice storytellers, or to enhance the skills of a seasoned performer. Attendance at the first session is mandatory, as it sets the agenda for the entire class. Please ensure you are vaccinated and bring proof of vaccination to show your instructor at your first class.

Skills taught in class include successful storytelling techniques, identifying story arcs, creating story stakes, identifying story-worthy material, and gaining audience trust. The objective is to create a stage-worthy story to be presented in front of a live audience.

Dates: 6 Saturdays. 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm NOTE: Attendance at the first session of your course is mandatory as it sets the agenda for the entire quarter. If you think you will have to miss the first class, please consider registering for the next time the class is offered.
Location: Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seattle 98101
Maximum Students: 12
Cost: $250
Prerequisite: None
Ages: 18+

WAIT LIST

Advanced Improvised Hip Hop SPRING ’24
3/16-4/20, 4:00 – 6:30 pm

Continue where you left off with Dre in the Introduction to Hip-Hop class. Further your growth as an improviser taking your Hip Hop to the next level. See rhythm and poetry come alive in your scenes challenging your new found skills at the advanced level.
Deepen your understanding of hip-hop and how to use the Five Pillars of Hip Hop, beat boxing, and free styling to enhance scene work and have fun on stage.
Dates: 6 Saturdays, 3/16-4/20
Time: 4-6:30 pm
Location: 650 S Orcas Suite 101, Seattle 98108
Maximum Students: 14
Cost: $285 (297.13 including fees)
Prerequisite: Improv 100 or equivalent or by teacher approval and Fundamentals of Hip Hop
Ages: 18+
Instructor: Dre Anderson
Unexpected Productions’ ensemble member, Dre Anderson is excited to teach Fundamentals of Improvised Hip Hop at the Improv School. With over a decade of experience collaborating with Seattle artists, Dre enjoys sharing his love for freestyle and technique to help others unlock their potential. As co-director of An Improvised Hip Hopera and performer at Unexpected Productions, Dre combines improvisation with hip-hop to create original songs, characters, and stories. When not on the Unexpected Productions’ stage you’ll see Dre working in the community as a teaching artist for Seattle Theatre Group and Seattle Children’s Theater and operating cameras for Pacific Northwest Theatre Associates.
When not on the Unexpected Productions’ stage you’ll see Dre working in the community as a teaching artist for Seattle Theatre Group and Seattle Children’s Theater and operating cameras for Pacific Northwest Theatre Associates.

Register Here

Mime and Physical Improv
April 18 and 25 May 2 and 9, 7:00 -9:30 pm

Mimes are able to create full environments and objects using only their skill and imagination. How do they do it? This class will show you. You’ll learn the basic skills a mime uses to transform an empty space into a full world of endless possibilities.

Date: 4 Thursdays April 18 and 25 May 2 and 9
Time: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, Georgetown Studios, 650 South Orcas, Suite 217 Seattle, WA 98108 https://goo.gl/CMCRQp
Maximum Students: 20
Cost: $150.00
Prerequisite: All levels welcome

Teacher Bio:
Jay Hitt is the creator and director of Mouth Wide Shut, a completely non-verbal improvised show that uses Pantomime, Figurative mime, Corporeal mime, and various types of dance to create scenes based on the spectators’ suggestions. these suggestions are also retrieved non-verbally.

Jay is also the Managing Director of Unexpected Productions and has been with this improv company since 1993. He has performed and directed a variety of short and long-form improv shows since 1988. He created the Duo Improv Showcase in 2008. He has studied with great coaches from America and Europe and has been teaching and coaching improv since 1998. He is well known for his fearless approach to physical improv and his precision when it comes to object work and environment creation.

NOTE: Please note that this class has a great deal of movement and action. Please dress accordingly and bring a bottle of water.

Register Here
Teen Improv Class Spring 2024

Why Improv for Teens? In Youthprov, students learn the fundamentals of good improvisation through games and exercises. The games are fun and entertaining but they are also a creative process that encourages support, active listening being present, and intelligent risk-taking on and off the stage.
We help teens build self-confidence, public speaking ability, and cooperation all while having a blast! Our classes boost our student’s confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

Improv teaches us to accept mistakes as gifts and communicate thoughts and ideas more effectively. AND, LIKE WE MENTIONED… IT’S FUN!

The focus is on creating ensemble work in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Students have a blast, make friends and gain incredible life skills.

Students take classes to:
• Improve listening skills
• Improve their public presentation skills
• Gain amazing teaming skills
• Overcome shyness
• Build confidence
• Improve communication skills
• Think on their feet
• Take intelligent risks
• Come out of their shell
• Have a safe place to take risks

Teen Improv Class Spring 24
Dates
Day and Time
Location
Registration
4/7 - 5/26
Sundays 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Seattle