Improv Classes

This four-session course is designed to give improvisers space to practice simple acting techniques that help develop authenticity in improvised scenes and games. Bringing these skills to improv also builds connection between characters and helps form more compelling stories for the audience. We will practice staying present, look closely at moving from moment-to-moment, and make sure our actions allow space for reaction. Becoming aware of how we use our mind, our body, and our heart while improvising is essential. These skills are a must for improvisers who want to reach for more meaningful characters and stories.

Dates: 4 Thursdays March 12, 19, 26 and April 2nd

Time: 7-9:30pm

Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, Georgetown Studios, 650 South Orcas, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98108 https://goo.gl/CMCRQp

Maximum Students: 14

Cost: $195

Prerequisite: Improv 200 or equivalent or by teacher approval

Ages: 18+

Instructor:

Cynthia Lair began her life as an actress with a B.A. in theater. From there she became an acting apprentice at the Actors Theater of Louisville, followed by professional roles in regional theaters. After moving to NYC she continued her training with Uta Hagen and her performing with on-stage roles and on-camera roles in numerous national commercials. Some of her favorite theater roles, The Kathy & Mo Show, The Glass Menagerie, and Hard Times came after moving to Seattle. Her theater work combined with improv training has led to much fun in improvised plays such as Four Hearts, Shakespeare Unexpected, Atomic Sci Fi, A Shadow in the Doorway, and Austen Unbound. Cynthia has been an ensemble member and teacher at Unexpected Productions since 2015.

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 8-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.

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: 3/21- 5/9 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: $285

Prerequisite: None

Ages: 18+

Looking for a date night that’s more than just dinner and a movie? Jump into Playful Connections, a high-energy, two-hour workshop experience for couples and friends who want to laugh, connect, and grow closer.

This light-hearted class focuses on the adventure of teamwork. Using the world-renowned philosophy developed by Unexpected Productions, ensemble member Sara McMahon, you’ll explore the practice of being present and available to your scene partner, because in improvisation, if your scene partner looks great, so do you!

What’s Included:

• A 2-Hour Workshop: Learn the secrets of spontaneity, better listening, and “failing” hilariously.
• Date Night Bonus : Every registration includes an Admit-Two pass to a show at our iconic Pike Place Market Theater!
• Easy Logistics : Hosted in Georgetown with plenty of free parking and great local bars/restaurants nearby for a post-class toast.

The Playdate Deck Package : Includes two workshop admissions + 2 tix to any regular show at Unexpected Productions + The Playdate Deck

The Basic Package : Includes two workshop admissions + 2 tix to any regular show at Unexpected Productions (no Playdate Deck included)

Meet Your Instructor: The class is led by veteran improviser Sara Carmer McMahon. A graduate of NYC’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy and a long-time company member at Unexpected Productions, Sara specializes in using Applied Improv to foster empathy and connectedness. She is also the creator of The Playdate Deck, a game designed specifically to build relationship resilience through play.

Date and Time: 1 day only, Saturday, Apr 4, 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Age Requirements: 18+

Join veteran improviser Chad O’Bara for a specialty class designed to get you out of your head and back to the pure joy of spontaneity!

Stop thinking. Start reacting. After years of learning the “rules,” it’s time to trust your training enough to let it go. Join veteran improviser Chad O’Bara for a 3 hour specialty class designed to help you bypass the internal critic and return to the pure joy of spontaneous, high-stakes play.

This workshop is inspired by the philosophy of No-Mind championed by Jet Li—a state of peak performance where the mind does not think, it merely reacts. Using Chad’s signature “from-the-gut” approach, you’ll explore exercises and techniques designed to help you stop “working” the scene and start living it. This is the ultimate opportunity for experienced students and program graduates to shed conscious habits and rediscover the thrill of free-falling.

Elevate Your Craft:
Intuitive Reactivity: Move beyond “calculating” your next move and learn to trust your immediate, raw instincts.
Break the Patterns: Identify and shed the cerebral habits that keep your scenes “safe,” moving instead toward bold, authentic choices.
Radical Presence: Silence the mental chatter to become more deeply connected to your partner and the environment.

Ready to get out of your head? Reclaim the freedom of the gut reaction in a high-energy, anxiety-free environment.

Location: 650 S Orcas St, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98108
Maximum Students: 16
Cost: Ticket price $95.00
Prerequisite: Recommended (but not required): Improv 300 or other on-stage performance experience
Age: 18 and above

**Cancellation policy: If you must cancel before the first class, we can only offer credit towards the same level class next quarter. We are unable to offer refunds. If you cancel after the first class we cannot offer credit towards a future class. Again, we are unable to offer refunds.