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

Redmond Senior Center

8703 160th 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.

Ant Power – Emergent Improvisation with Beatrix Brunschko

Sat, June 22, 12:00 PM – 5:30

The Power of Ants Emergent Improvisation with Beatrix Brunschko

This summer for one day only Unexpected Productions offers this rare opportunity to study with one of Europe’s best improvisers. Don’t miss Beatrix Brunschko’s powerful teaching where she brings her extensive experience as an improviser and theater artist to Unexpected Productions in this workshop. Brunschko leads improvisers through a parallel journey of the ant world to capture the essence of improv, releasing the improvisers to a new level of understanding and performance of the craft. It’s active and immersive, guided by Brunschko’s unique teaching style straight from Austria. Take the deep dive and find out how The Power of Ants take you to the next level of spontaneous theater.

This workshop emerged out of the 19th Seattle Festival of Improvisation in June 2015.

Kevin McDonald-Kids In The Hall Method Improv to Sketch Workshop

Sat. 7/27 10am-5:30pm $180 Sat. Only
Sun. 7/28 10am-5:30pm $250 Sat. & Sun.

In this workshop, Kevin McDonald will teach the Kids in the Hall method of writing sketch comedy through improv. Students have the option of attending the workshop on Saturday ONLY or both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday’s focus will be a writing workshop in which Kevin will teach the students the Kids in the Hall method of writing comedy sketches through improv. Through warm-up games and improvised scene work, the group and Kevin work all day to develop 4 to 7 completely new comedy sketches.

On Sunday, the students who continue will have the opportunity to craft new sketches during the first half of the day. Then, in the afternoon, the class will spend the rest of the day preparing to perform their work in a Sunday night sketch show hosted and directed by Kevin McDonald himself.

Times:
7/27 Saturday workshop: 10am-5:30pm (with a one-hour lunch break midsession)
7/28 Sunday workshop: 10am-5:30pm (with a one-hour lunch break midsession)
Sunday show at 8:30pm
NOTE: The show is on Sunday night and only the students who take the 2-day workshop are eligible to be in it.

Sketch Comedy Writing Through Improvisation with Joe Guppy

August 3 – Sept. 14, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

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).

Musical Improv with Laura Hall from Whose Line is it Anyway

September 8, 1019  10:00AM -1:00PM

Have you always wondered, “How do they improvise the songs on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” If so then join with “Whose Line’s” musical director Laura Hall, and veteran Second City improviser Rick Hall for an Intro to Music Improv Workshop.

Laura & Rick have taught Music Improv all over the U.S. and Canada. They create a supportive, playful environment, starting with games and warm-ups to ease into singing.

Even if you’ve never done song improv before, you’ll build vocal confidence and learn to listen to each other and the accompaniment. And if you’re already experienced with song improv, we’ll stretch your skills and help you explore all sorts of fun new ways to use music. Before you know it, you’ll be belting out your own great improvised songs!

Storytelling Workshop with RISK!’s Kevin Allison

Wed. 8/18 7 6pm-8:00pm $80

In this class, Kevin Allison (founder of The Story Studio and RISK! and member of The State) will teach you the skills to wow a crowd with your story.

You’ll learn how to select compelling story topics, use the 5 Beat structure to build suspense, bring vivid dramatic action to life with sensory details, and unpack the larger thematic meanings of your narrative. This class encourages participation: everyone will be given the opportunity to apply storytelling techniques to one of their own stories.

A few students will be given the opportunity to share aspects of their story live on stage, and receive criticism so that we all can learn together.

Each participant will leave with a 4-to-6 minute story that builds upon the principles taught during the class.

Kevin Allison is the host and creator of the wildly popular podcast, RISK!, where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public. After starting from scratch in Kevin’s bedroom in 2009, RISK! has grown to have over one million downloads per month and has featured stories too uncensored to be played on public radio from Margaret Cho, Trevor Noah, Marc Maron, Sarah Silverman and regular folks from around the world. In 2018, RISK! released its first book through Hachette Books, called RISK! True Stories People Never Thought They’d Dare to Share, edited by Kevin, to critical acclaim. Kevin is also a member of the legendary sketch comedy group The State, whose 90’s MTV show remains a cult classic. In 2011, he created a storytelling school called The Story Studio, where he teaches performers and professionals from all fields how to wow a crowd with their own true stories.

Spend a week working with Seattle’ premiere improv company. Our professionally-trained instructors represent some of Seattle’s best and most experienced improv teachers and performers. We create a fun and supportive environment within which you will explore, develop, and succeed (and have a blast). For years, Unexpected Productions has produced the Hogan Cup, the first High School improvisation tournament. We are taking 35 years of experience and creating a camp just for you! The week will culminate on with a performance at Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater!

Age: Teens 12 and up.
Experience: No previous improv or theater experience is required or necessary.
When: Aug. 19 – 23
Each session runs Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the Georgetown Studios.
Friday, 8/23 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with the performance at 5:30 pm AT THE MARKET THEATER.

Improvisers will:

• • Study the fundamentals of improvisation.
  • Develop strong ensemble and character skills.
  • Develop stage presence.
  • Build patience, self-confidence, good communication skills, and a respect for other performers and their creativity.

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