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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

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

NOCHE DE IMPROV EN ESPAÑOL with Laila Valencia Third Monday of the Month

Noche de Improvisación es una noche de jam para estudiantes actuales de UP, exalumnos de UP, miembros del conjunto y exalumnos, para jugar e

Noche de Improvisación en español, es una noche de jam para los que hablan FLUIDAMENTE español, que ya sean estudiantes actuales de UP, exalumnos de UP, miembros del conjunto y exalumnos, para jugar juntos y seguir desarrollando sus habilidades de improvisación en español. Noche de Improvisación en español , está dirigida por Laila Valencia. Los juegos ayudan a los improvisadores a desarrollar habilidades, desarrollar confianza y fomentar la creatividad. Pero lo mas importante es … ¡es en español y es DIVERTIDO! El espacio es limitado a 16 personas.

Fecha y hora: El tercer lunes de cada mes, de 7 a 9 p. m.

Ubicación: 650 S Orcas Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98108

Precio: $10 (11.24 con cargos)

El Requisito Previo: Unexpected Productions Improv 100

Laila Valencia Nació en Guadalajara Jalisco México finales de los
años 70as, donde vivió toda su infancia y adolescencia, siempre tuvo interés por las artes escénicas y participó en varios proyectos de teatro y danza contemporanea en la UDG , a finales de los 90tas, Se va a vivir a Seattle WA donde conoce la técnica de comedia en improvisación , de la cual se enamora se inscribe en clases y talleres especializados,con maestros como Keith Johnstone creador de Theatresports, Gorilla and Maestro improv shows, Randy Dixon director artistico de Unexpected Produccions desde hace 20 anos, talleres con Gary Austin, Asiste a retiros de improvisacion en Nueva York con artistic new direcctins y desde entonces a participado en 6 festivales internacionales de improvisación,A Impartido clases para toda las edades, ahora es miembro de de la compañía más antigua de improvisacionnen Seattle Unexpected Productions, en la cual continúa su preparación y actúa dos o mas veces por semana , siempre está trabajando en proyectos diferentes, forma larga y corta de improv, contando historias que se inspiradan con las ideas del público.

REGISTER HERE

Mime and Physical Improv with Jay Hitt  12/4 & 12/11  7:00pm -9:00 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

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: Thursday Dec. 4th & 11th
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, Georgetown Studios, 650 South Orcas, Suite 217 Seattle, WA 98108 https://goo.gl/CMCRQp
Maximum Students: 20
Cost: $151.31 ($130 + $21.31tax)
Prerequisite: All levels welcome

Teacher Bio:
Jay Hitt is an improviser, director, and educator renowned for his groundbreaking work in non-verbal improvisation. As the creator and director of Mouth Wide Shut, he has pioneered a completely non-verbal improvised show that seamlessly blends Pantomime, Figurative Mime, Corporeal Mime, and various dance styles to bring audience suggestions to life. These suggestions, staying true to the nature of the show, are also retrieved non-verbally, creating an immersive and unique theatrical experience.

In 2020, Jay launched the Fearless Physical Improv Workshop with Jay Hitt, a non-verbal comedy workshop at Unexpected Productions designed to push improvisers beyond spoken language and into the realm of physical storytelling. This workshop quickly gained popularity, selling out consistently and making its way to improv festivals, where Jay continues to share his expertise with eager performers.

Jay’s talents extend beyond the improv stage. In 2018, he was a featured artist in an updated version of The Gong Show, hosted by Mike Myers. That same year, he was a featured guest on the podcast Folk Stories (folkstories.org), where he discussed his journey in improvisation and mime. He also showcased his skills on a segment for KING5’s Evening Magazine, performing as a featured mime in a humorous hotel front desk skit (KING5).

His performances have been celebrated at numerous prestigious improv festivals. In 2025, Mouth Wide Shut was featured at the Third Coast Improv Festival in Nashville, showcasing his distinctive approach to non-verbal improvisation. Additionally, Jay has performed at the Alaska State Improv Festival and the Annual Improvaganza Hawaii Festival of Improv.

Jay is also a key figure in the Seattle improv community. As the Managing Director of Unexpected Productions, he has played a significant role in shaping the city’s improv scene since joining the company in 1993. His journey in improv began in 1988, and over the decades, he has performed and directed a diverse range of short and long-form improv productions, including Playborhood, Black Ice: An American Sitcom Improvised and Poe Unexpected: An Improvised Edgar Allan Poe. In 2008, he created the Duo Improv Showcase, Seattle’s only improv open mic, providing a platform for improvisers to experiment and grow.

Jay’s dedication to his craft is reflected in his extensive training. He has studied with renowned U.S. and European coaches, refining his expertise in physical improvisation, mime, and object work. Since 1998, he has taught and coached improv, earning recognition for his fearless and dynamic approach. His precise attention to object work and environment creation has set him apart as one of the most skilled improvisers in the field.

Jay Hitt’s passion for improvisation continues to inspire performers and audiences alike, proving that the art of storytelling transcends words and that physical expression holds limitless potential on stage.

**Cancellation policy: We are unable to offer refunds.

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

Improv Date Night with Sara McMahon 12/6

Improv Date night is an entertaining improv workshop and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon as a couple!

Learn to play fun improv games together with other couples. 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. 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. Each couple will receive a pass for free to come to a show of Fa La La La Ha Ha Ha or TheatreSpots in the future at Unexpected Productions. Two and a half hours of laughs and learning with your significant other for a Saturday to remember.

Date: 12/6

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: 1428 Post Alley 98101 The Market Theatre

Maximum Students: 10 couples

Cost: $120 per couple

Prerequisite: All levels welcome

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
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