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Why Take Improv?

Ready to shake things up? At The Improv School, Seattle’s biggest and boldest improv school, you’ll unlock creativity, confidence, and the superpower of thinking fast on your feet. In this fun, interactive process, you’ll gain self-confidence, sharpen your communication skills, and master the art of teamwork—whether you’re building a scene from scratch or navigating real life.

From day one, you’re on your feet diving into hilarious exercises and skill-packed games, all in a wildly supportive environment led by our experienced (and genuinely awesome) faculty.

We teach the basics of improv—but here’s the secret: it’s not just for performers. These skills will level you up as a collaborator, communicator, problem solver, and even just as a better human. Whether you’re here to conquer stage fright, crush it at work, meet new people, or just HAVE A BLAST, we got you.

Get ready to:

  • Tell stories on the fly
  • Boost your creativity
  • Build confidence
  • Meet your new crew
  • Become a sharper listener & teammate
  • Solve problems like a boss
  • And yeah… have ridiculous fun while doing it

Our education program is the most established improv school in the region, with 7 levels of classes, 4 quarters a year, plus specialty workshops like musical improv, physical improv, acting for improvisers, improvised Shakespeare, storytelling, sketch, stand-up, and more, taught by world-class instructors.

Classes

Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater

1428 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101

The Improv School – Georgetown Studios

650 South Orcas, Suite 101
Seattle WA 98108

The Improv School – Issaquah

1315 NW Mall Street, Ste. 4
Issaquah WA 98027

Winter Improv Class Schedule 2026
Improv 100
1/10 - 2/28
Saturdays 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
1/11 - 3/1
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
1/12 - 3/2
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
1/13 - 3/3
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
1/14 - 3/4
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
1/15 - 3/5
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Improv 200
1/11 - 3/1
Sunday 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
1/12 - 3/2
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
1/13 - 3/3
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
1/14 - 3/4
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
Improv 300
1/11 - 3/1
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
1/12 - 3/2
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
1/14 - 3/4
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Improv 400
1/11 - 3/1
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 Seattle 981016
1/13 - 3/3
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
1/15 - 3/5
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Room 217 Seattle 98108
Improv 500
1/11 - 3/1
Sundays 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
1/15 - 3/5
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 Seattle 98108
Improv 600
1/11 - 3/1
Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
1/15 - 3/5
Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 (The Stage Room) Seattle WA 98108
Improv 700: Advanced Rehearsal and Performance
1/7 - 2/11
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 98108
2/18 - 3/25
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 98108
Issaquah Winter Improv Class Schedule 2026
Intro to Improv
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027
Improvised Shakespeare
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027
Musical Improv
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027
Advanced Improv
Sundays 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027

 Joe Bill Workshop Weekend 12/27 & 12/28

Join Joe Bill for a wild ride through improv at Unexpected Productions – it’s gonna be a blast! Pick one, two, or all three workshops.

If you’ve ever wanted to study with one of the most respected improv minds in the world, this is your chance. Joe Bill, legendary teacher, longtime iO faculty member, master of power improv, duo work, and deep scenework, is coming to Unexpected Productions for two days only to teach three rare, high-impact workshops on December 27 and 28.

Opportunities like this don’t come around often. Joe’s workshops are known for transforming improvisers’ confidence, sharpening their instincts, and giving them tools that last a lifetime onstage.

Choose the path that fits your goals:
One workshop $150
Two workshops $275 ($137.00 each)
All three $350 (the best deal by far)

Take one, take two, or take all three, and whatever you choose, you’ll walk away a stronger, bolder, and more grounded improviser. These sessions are rare, in demand, and expected to fill quickly. Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of improv’s most celebrated teachers.

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The First 30 Seconds Improv Workshop with Joe Bill

12/27/25 10am – 12:30

In Improvisation scenes, the ending often lies in the beginning. I will show you how to begin your scenes with focus & playfulness and how to begin to bring your inner Engineer & Jazz Musician into Harmony through the way that you listen. We’ll focus on the first 30 seconds of a scene to discover your characters (How they do, What they do, Who they are) evolving from the recognition of “How am I?” and “How are you?” & “How are WE?” I’ll help increase your awareness of the two types of dialogue (Circumstantial & Interpersonal) to give you the best chance to play an honest, grounded scene rooted in depth and discovery, AND how comedy & story come as a consequence of connection rather than goals you’re desperately chasing.

Maximum Students: 16

Prerequisite: Intro Level of Improv completed

Location: The Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seattle WA 98101

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Harmonizing the Engineer & Jazz Musician in Improv

12/27/25 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm

In each of our heads lives an engineer and a jazz musician. A lot of times when we improvise, the more we lead with our engineer, the more blind to Jazz opportunities we become…and vice versa. In this workshop, I will lead you through different exercises and improvised scenes with the goal of having you feel these two sensibilities come into harmony in your own head and between scene partners in order to bring honest, emotional presence when playing scenes for humor or story.

Maximum Students: 16

Prerequisite: At least one year of improv experience

Location: The Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seattle WA 98101

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The Internal Narrative Improv Workshop with Joe Bill

Date: 12/28/25 10-12:30

This workshop will focus on the fundamentals of the ACTING part of narrative improvisation. We will practice skills that connect our internal process to our external words and actions, and yes, I will also use some neuroscience ideas to help introduce you to your Engineer and Jazz Brain and help you bring those sensibilities into harmony when you’re improvising scenes in a Narrative context! We’ll cover the importance of Listening Through Emotion, Psychological Awareness and Narrative Strategy, Forwarding Relationships, Manifesting Story, and Comedic Promises so that both Story and Comedy are a consequence of the connection between characters that we care about. We’ll also touch on Comedy Through Connection and Hot Reads as techniques we can use in the moment to engage each other, our story, and our audience. I will also offer some personal and general feedback to help you apply these skills going forward in your Improv life!

This will feel very much like an acting class because it is!

Maximum Students: 16

Prerequisite: At least one year of improv experience

Location: The Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seattle WA 98101

Register Here

Advanced Storytelling with Kent Whipple

“When you write a memory, it isn’t in the past anyway. It’s alive right now.” ― Natalie Goldberg

This class is designed for those who have completed the Unexpected Productions Creative Storytelling course and are ready for advanced-level story exploration and creation. Our aim is to help you broaden your story repertoire, establish a stronger connection with your audience, and improve your performance skills. During the course, we will cover topics such as narrative development, audience rapport, themes, and your personal storytelling journey. We’ll explore how to create stories by delving into your personal histories and memories, including those you may be hesitant to share. Each class will focus on two concepts: one practical (sensory work and presentation) and one more abstract (vulnerability, empathy, and listening). With a maximum class size of 12, all students will have the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback. Participation is mandatory, and we are excited to assist you in enhancing your storytelling abilities on a deeper and more meaningful level.

Dates: 6 Saturdays. 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, starting January 17, 2026

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: $295 (308.56 with fees)

Prerequisite: Must have taken Unexpected Productions Creating Stage-Worthy Stories class.

REGISTER HERE

Improvised Shakespeare with Alan Hawkins – Issaquah Jan. 6 – Jan 27 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Play games and perform scenes in the style of Shakespeare and use his work to learn addtional theaterical styles.

Unexpected Productions Improv School is thrilled to bring our newest Eastside improv classes to Issaquah, serving the communities of the Sammamish Plateau, East Renton, Bellevue, Snoqualmie Valley, Northbend and beyond. Whether you’re a theater lover, a creativity seeker, or simply looking for a fun and energizing night out each week, this class invites you to step into the bold, playful world of Shakespeare—improvised.

What You’ll Do

Explore Elizabethan theatre through movement, language, and imagination—even if you’ve never read or seen a Shakespeare play. Using techniques inspired by the world’s most iconic dramatist, you’ll learn to:

  • Build improvised characters with heightened language
  • Discover rhythm, status, and storytelling Shakespeare-style
  • Play games that unlock poetic thinking and spontaneous creativity
  • Perform monologues and scenes inspired by Shakespeare’s themes, comedy, and drama
  • Use the Bard’s work to learn addtional theaterical styles

This class is active, expressive, joyfully challenging, and perfect for Eastsiders wanting a unique, high-quality creative experience close to home.

Class Details

Dates: Four (4) Tuesdays

Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm

Location: Unexpected Productions – Issaquah

1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027 (next to the Gaslamp Bar and Grill)

Maximum Students: 16

Cost: $270 ($282.29 with fess and taxes)

Prerequisite: Improv 100 or equivalent

Meet Your Instructor: Alan Hawkins

Alan Hawkins is an improviser from Los Angeles and Chicago with over two decades of performance and teaching experience. A graduate of The Second City Conservatory, The Second City Musical Conservatory, iO West, Comedysportz Chicago, and The Annoyance, Alan has performed across the U.S. and internationally with the acclaimed trio Extra Shelves and as a guest with Grand Theft Improv in London. He has taught and directed for numerous programs, including the Teen Comedy Festival in Chicago.

Alan is an ensemble member of Unexpected Productions—America’s longest-running Theatresports company—and the author of “YOU CAN’T LEARN IMPROV FROM A BOOK.” His classes are known for being energetic, supportive, and deeply fun.

REGISTER HERE

Improvised Musical Style and Lyrics with Ron Hippe – Issaquah, Jan. 7 – Jan 28 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Find Your Voice, Build Your Confidence, and Create Songs on the Spot!

Now at Unexpected Productions’ new Issaquah location, unlock your creativity in a supportive, playful, and joy-filled class designed for anyone who’s ever hummed in the car, belted in the shower, or wondered, “How do musical improvisers make that magic happen?”

Whether you’re a seasoned improviser or stepping into musical improv for the first time, this course welcomes you with open arms—no prior singing experience required.

What You’ll Learn

This intensive, dynamic class explores the foundational skills of musical improvisation through hands-on practice and group collaboration. You’ll learn how to:

  • Create songs and stories in the moment
  • Understand classic song forms and how they apply to improv
  • Strengthen your sense of timing, rhythm, and rhyme
  • Turn simple prompts into memorable choruses
  • Build lyrics that feel poetic, emotional, or downright hilarious
  • Jump confidently between styles—from Broadway to jazz, pop to chants

It’s fun, supportive, and incredibly energizing. You’ll be surprised at what you can create with your classmates—often within minutes. Unexpected Productions Improv School is thrilled to bring our newest Eastside improv classes to Issaquah, serving the communities of the Sammamish Plateau, East Renton, Bellevue, Snoqualmie Valley, Northbend and beyond.

Class Details

Dates: Four (4) Wednesdays

Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm

Location: Unexpected Productions – Issaquah

1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027 (next to the Gaslamp Bar and Grill)

Maximum Students: 16

Cost: $270 ($282.29 with fees and taxes)

Instructor: Ron Hippe

Ron Hippe joined Unexpected Productions in 1990 and has performed globally—from San Francisco to London and Vienna. He has appeared on Broadway in the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Kentucky Cycle and worked with Seattle Rep, ACT, and Intiman. Ron is also a veteran voice-over artist, actor, musician, and singer-songwriter. His teaching style is upbeat, encouraging, and rooted in decades of professional experience.

Prerequisite: Improv 100 or equivalent

REGISTER HERE
Teen Improv Class Winter 26

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 Winter 26
1/11 - 3/1
Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
650 South Orcas Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98108
Get Tickets