Improv Classes

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 100-700 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 in two locations in downtown Seattle and in Redmond. We offer 7 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.

Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater

1428 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101

The Improv School – Georgetown Studios

650 South Orcas, Suite 101
Seattle WA 98108

Redmond Community Center at Marymoor

6505 176th Ave NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Introducción a la Improvisación en Español. ¿Cómo lo hacen? Aprende lo básico de la improvisación. Descubra y practique el cómo escuchar mejor, usar su propia experiencia de vida para crear historias y trabajar en los principios fundamentales de la improvisación. La clase se centrará en la formación de equipos y en el concepto de que “si tu compañero se ve bien, tú te verás bien”. Se hará hincapié en comprender y utilizar las habilidades básicas de trabajo en escena y, lo que es más importante, divertirse. Muchas risas y clases muy activas. Bajo la guía de nuestra increíble de instructora, aprenderás a:

• Ser un mejor oyente
  • Conquista los miedos
  • Espontaneidad
  • Conoce gente nueva / Haz nuevos amigos
  • A ser un mejor solucionador de problemas
  • Desarrollar confianza en ti mismo
  • Aceptar equivocarse con más facilidad
  • Decir más “si” en tu vida
  • Salir de tu zona de confort
  • Conviértete en un mejor orador público
  • Descubre más sobre ti mismo

Estar en el aquí y ahora

Todos los estudiantes comienzan en este nivel. Es un requisito para los otros niveles.

Intro to Clown with Mick Holsbeke

Oct. 5 & 6  11:30AM – 3:30PM

Ever since we were able to stand, we were able to fall, and humans love to laugh at someone who stumbles, trips, bobbles, bumps into, gets hit by or struggles with problems that should be easily avoidable, or otherwise simple to solve. Following in the traditions of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Red Skelton, the internationally renowned clown, Mick Holsbeke, will guide students through an introduction to the foundations of Clowning, giving participants a broad range of experience in this complex art form. Participants will learn how to execute classic one-shot gags, and pratfalls safely, plus how to build endless combinations of slapstick shortcomings. Participants will also explore elements of presence, play, improv, timing, tension, rhythm, focus, emotional endurance, physical precision, character development, working with a partner, and status, in order to gently approach the elusive state of Clown.

Clown 2 with Mick Holsbeke

Oct. 19 & 20  11:30AM – 3:30PM

Clown 2 is designed to introduce participants to a variety of Clown exercises that will deepen their comprehension of Clown play, building on the foundations of Clown 1, and providing students with opportunities to strengthen their Clown muscles in front of an audience. Participants of this workshop will continue to refine their internal Clown motor, by engaging in structured improvisational games, and improvising in both solo and duo Clown situations. The exploratory nature of this workshop gives students the opportunity to hone their Clown skills, and further develop their ability to confidently perform Clown on stage. Hosted by internationally renowned Clown Mick Holsbeke, Clown 2 is open to students who have previously attended the six-week course in Physical Humor & Clown, or the Intro to Clown workshop.

Sketch Comedy Writing Through Improvisation with Joe Guppy

Oct. 26  – Dec. 7 , 1019  3:00PM – 5:30PM

Learn to write comedy with fun and energizing improv games, as taught by Emmy-award-winning comedy writer, Joe Guppy. Students 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 using story structure, and study scenes from Saturday Night Live, Key & Peele, and comedy films. Perfect for aspiring or experienced improvisers, actors, comedy writers, screenwriters, playwrights. The class culminates with a writers’ showcase at Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater (performance optional).

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

Date: 6 Saturdays October 26, November 2, 16, 23, 30 and December 7 (no classes on November 9 Veterans Day weekend)

Improv Date Night Workshop

November 23, 4:00PM – 6:00PM

Date Night
An entertaining improv workshop, discounted dinner and an improv show (or 3) for you and your sweetheart. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and evening as a couple! Come to Unexpected Productions’ Market Theatre in the heart of romantic Pike Place Market for a two-hour fun filled improv workshop. Then enjoy a discounted pizza with our excellent culinary neighbor, The Alibi Room and finally attend any or all of our 3 Saturday Improv Shows.

The Workshop
Learn to play fun improv games together with other couples. The fundamental concept of improv is the practice of being present and available to your scene partner, using the rule that if your scene partner looks good you do too. This exercise in listening, creativity, and spontaneity is not only an art form but also an adventure in teamwork, communication, and hilarity. Two hours of laughs and learning with your significant other for a Saturday to remember. All for just $35 each person.

Creating Stage-Worthy Personal Stories Workshop with Kent Whipple

Nov. 3 – Nov. 24 , 1019  3:00PM – 5:30PM

Learn to tell a “Moth-type” story or any story on stage, work and with friends. Get comfortable on stage. This intensive workshop explores the art of oral storytelling including story creation, enhancement, and presentation. Learn simple practical story guidelines and step-by-step tools, to create incredible honest stories from your life experience. Learn how to share stories that are genuine, generous, and vulnerable in a fun creative space. We use the writing tools from Natalie Goldberg’s book, Writing Down the Bones, narrative improv games, the use of sense memory and unique storytelling techniques to create a “stage-worthy” story. This workshop is perfect for novice storytellers, or a chance to add to the skillset of a seasoned performer. Come share your story.

Attendance at the first session of your class is mandatory as it sets the agenda for the entire class. If you think you will have to miss the first class, please consider registering for the next quarter.

Viola Spolin Intensive for Alumni Players with Aretha Sills.

November 14th & 15th  7:00PM – 10:00PM

This two-night mini-intensive with side coach Aretha Sills is designed for players with some Spolin improvisation experience who’d like to delve deeper into the famously generative games and exercises in Spolin’s Improvisation for the Theater.

We’ll explore Spolin games that have been used by countless theater companies as rehearsal techniques or for devising/generating new material.

We’ll play warm-ups and scene games to discover how Spolin exercises can be used to build a strong sense of ensemble, create new material, or find brilliant and spontaneous moments when rehearsing scripted material. Class size is limited.

Returning players from Aretha Sills’ workshops or players with Spolin improvisation experience are invited to attend.

Viola Spolin Improvisation Intensive with Aretha Sills

Nov. 16th and 17th 11:00 AM – 5:00PM

Viola Spolin’s work has inspired generations of actors, directors, and educators. In the workshops with side coach Aretha Sills, we’ll explore the groundbreaking exercises and theatrical concepts found in Spolin’s Improvisation for the Theater with an emphasis on the philosophies of legendary improvisation innovators Viola Spolin and Paul Sills.

The weekend intensive is designed to introduce the key principles of Spolin’s revolutionary acting, directing, and teaching methods in two days (ten hours of play). Actors, educators, directors, improvisers, and all who wish to integrate spontaneity and play into their artistic practices or their daily lives are encouraged to attend. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

Explore the improvisational acting method of Viola Spolin to enhance your training as an actor, improviser, educator, writer, or director. Named “one of the most prominent acting techniques” by Backstage, Viola Spolin’s Theater Games release the intuition through spontaneity and play, opening up new avenues of expression in your work and life.

Plaground Jam for UP Students

2nd Saturday of Every Month 4:30 PM – 6:30PM

The Playground is jam for current UP students, former UP students, ensemble members, and alumni only to play with one another and continue to work on their Improv skills. Playground is led by one of Unexpected Productions ensemble members or teachers. The improv experience of the participants ranges from pro to none. The games help improvisers build skills, gain confidence, and nurturing creativity. But, the most important idea to remember about Playground… it is FUN. Space is limited.

Playground is run in conjunction with the Georgetown Art Attack. Second Saturday of every month. Participants are encouraged to enjoy the Georgetown Art Attack activities after Playground.

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

Dates: 8 Saturday classes
Time: 10:00am-12:30pm
Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, Georgetown Studios, 650 South Orcas, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98108
Cost: $225 ($237.24 including fees)
Prerequisite: None
Ages: 12 and above