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Improv Classes

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.

Learn More about the Improv School
UP Policy Against Harassment
Classes

Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater

1428 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101

The Improv School – Georgetown Studios

650 South Orcas, Suite 101
Seattle WA 98108

Summer Improv Class Schedule 2025
Improv 100
7/7 - 8/25
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Register
7/8 - 8/26
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
Register
7/9 - 8/27
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
Register
7/10 - 8/28
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Register
7/12 - 9/6
Saturdays 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle 98108
Register
7/13 - 9/7
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Register
Improv 200
7/7 - 8/25
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
SOLD OUT
7/9 - 8/27
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
SOLD OUT
7/13 - 9/7
Sunday 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
650 S Orcas RM 217 Seattle WA 98108
Register
Improv 300
7/7 - 8/25
Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
SOLD OUT
7/9 - 8/27
Wednesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Register
7/13 - 9/7
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
5700 6th Ave S, Suite 109, Seattle, WA, 98108
Register
Improv 400
7/08 - 8/26
Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
Register
7/10 - 8/28
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle, WA 98108
Register
7/13 - 9/7
Sundays 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 Seattle 981016
Register
Improv 500
7/10 - 8/28
Thursdays 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
650 S Orcas Suite 101 Seattle 981016
WAIT LIST
Improv 600
7/13 - 9/7
Sunday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
TBA
Improv 700: Advanced Rehearsal and Performance

Free Improv Class 6/14 3:00pm – 5:00pm

✨ Ever Thought About Trying Improv… But Weren’t Sure Where to Start? ✨

Totally get it—jumping into something new can feel a lot. That’s why we’re hooking you up with a FREE Intro to Improv Class made just for folks who are curious, kinda nervous, or just wanna try something different.

No experience? No stress. This class is 100% beginner-friendly. Like, truly. We’re talking zero pressure, major good vibes.

At Unexpected Productions—Seattle’s biggest & boldest improv school—we believe everyone has a creative spark. Whether you wanna level up your communication game, shake up your routine, or just laugh for two hours straight with cool strangers, we got you.

You’ll learn how to stay in the moment, trust your instincts, and say “yes, and…” to life
You’ll be guided by pros who make it all feel easy, welcoming, and seriously fun
‍♀️ You’ll meet awesome people and maybe even surprise yourself

But heads up: we’re only offering 50 spots—and these go fast. So if your gut’s like “do ittt,” listen to it.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 3:00pm–5:00pm
Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, 650 S Orcas, Suite 101Seattle WA 98108
Ages: 18+
Cost: $0.00 (yup, totally free)
Prerequisite: No improv experience needed
Max spots: 50 (Our regular classes are smaller, btw—12–16 students)

✨ Ready to play, explore, and let go a little?
Spots are limited, so snag yours now and come see what the Unexpected is all about.

Register Here

FESTIVAL UNEXPECTED 2025 Starting 6/23

Join us for the highly anticipated return of Unexpected Productions’ renowned improv festival, Festival Unexpected – Seattle! The festival features workshops with Patti Stile from Australia, Joe Bill from Chicago, and Geoff Alm from Seattle on Friday and Saturday, June 27th and 28th. Optional festival performances, parties, and social events from June 24th to June 29th.

Festival Workshop Schedule

  • 6/26 Thur
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 Joe Bill Workshop
  • 6/27 Fri.
  • 10 am – 12:30 pm Market Theater Workshop
  • 1:30 pm – 4 pm Market Theater Workshop
  • 6/28 Sat
  • 10 am – 12:30 pm Georgetown Workshop w/ Patti Stiles
  • 10 am – 12:30 pm Georgetown Workshop w/ Geoff Alm
  • 1:30 pm – 4 pm Georgetown Workshop w/ Patti Stiles
  • 1:30 pm – 4 pm Georgetown Workshop w/ Geoff Alm

Optional Performance Schedule

  • 6/23 Mo. 7:00 pm F.U. Orientation Party
  • 6/24 Tue 8:00 pm – 10:00pm Jules Maes Festival Duos/Trios/groups
  • 6/25 Wed 7:30-10pm – Festival Duos/Trios
  • 6/26 Thu 7:30 pm-10 pm – Festival Loose Canons show Mucho Improv/ Joe Bill-Patti Stiles in Our Play
  • 6/27 Fri
  • 6 pm to 7 pm – Market Theater Pro Show
  • 7:30 pm-9 pm – Market Theater Pro Show
  • 9:30 pm-11 pm – F.U. Theatresports
  • 6/28 Sat
  • 6 pm to 7 pm – Market Theater Pro Show
  • 7:30 pm-9 pm – Market Theater Pro Show
  • 9:30 pm-11 pm – F.U. Theatresports
  • 6/29 Sun7:30 pm – The F.U. Left Overs

Your registration includes

  • Attendance at group workshops on Thursday with the festival teachers
  • Attendance at group workshops on Friday with the festival teachers
  • Attendance at focused workshops with the festival teachers on Saturday
  • Tickets to attend all shows, including the guest teacher performances on Friday and Saturday
  • Performance opportunities in Sunday’s closing performance
  • Attendance at Monday’s welcoming party and social events throughout the week
  • Participation in select shows throughout the week (to be determined later)

Events will be held at Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater in the historic Pike Place Market and at The Improv School in Georgetown.

Previous improv experience is required.

Please note that events, workshops, teachers, and performances are subject to change.

Register Here

Improv Date Night, 6/8 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Improv Date Night is an entertaining improv workshop and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon 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.
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 and a half hours of laughs and learning with your significant other for a Saturday to remember. All for just $60 for each person. Each couple will receive a pass for free to come to a show of their choice in the future at Unexpected Productions.

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 making a day to remember.

Date: June, 8, 2025

Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Location: The Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seatte 98101

Maximum Students: 10 couples

Cost: $120 per couple

Prerequisite: All levels welcome

Teacher Bio: Sara McMahon Improviser/Teacher/Facilitator

For the last 16 years, Sara has been performing and teaching around the Seattle area. She has facilitated workshops for elementary, middle, and high schools, tech companies, company retreats, parent-child improv nights, and even mock trial teams. She tailors each workshop to the needs of the attendees, maximizing fun and connection. She believes that empathy is at the heart of both great improv and great relationships.

Improv is a collaborative art form. It’s all about saying Yes, and… to your partner and making them look good. By investing your time together in this workshop, you will find pathways to deepen your bond and foster an environment of openness, listening, playfulness, creativity, and relationship resilience,” Sara McMahon.

NOTE: Please note that this class has a great deal of movement and action. Please dress accordingly and bring a bottle of water.

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

Register Here

Stage-Worthy Personal Stories Workshop with Kent Whipple 7/12 3:00pm – 5:00pm

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: 7/12 -9/6. 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm skipping Labor Day weekend

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+

 

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

Register Here

Improvised Shakespeare Workshop Level 1, 7/13 10:30am-3:00pm

Discover the world of the Elizabethan theatre even if you have never seen or read a single play by William Shakespeare. This workshop will explore the techniques and approaches that will help you paint with all of the colors of the world’s most recognized playwright. Students will improvise scenes, perform monologues and play games based around the exercises in this workshop.

Date: Sunday 7/13
Time: 10:30 – 3pm with a half hour lunch
Location: 650 S Orcas Rm 217Seattle 98108
Maximum Students: 16
Cost: $130.00
Prerequisite: Improv 100
Teacher Bio: Alan Hawkins Improviser/Teacher/Facilitator
Alan Hawkins is an improviser from Los Angeles and Chicago. He has been performing, directing, and teaching theater and improv since 2004. Alan is a graduate of The Second City Conservatory, The Second City Musical Conservatory, The iO West Program, The Chicago Comedysportz Training Center, and The Annoyance program. He has been fortunate enough to participate in many festivals across the US with the three-man group Extra Shelves and has been a guest player with Grand Theft Improv in London, UK. He was also an instructor and director for the Teen Comedy Festival in Chicago. Alan is an ensemble member of Unexpected Productions, the longest-running Theatersports theater in America. He’s also the author of the book “YOU CAN’T LEARN IMPROV FROM A BOOK.”

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

Sketch Writing with The Kids in the Hall’s Kevin McDonald!  9/27

Spend a weekend learning sketch comedy from one of the best in the biz! Kevin McDonald—co-founder of The Kids in the Hall—returns to Seattle to teach you how to turn funny ideas into fully formed sketches. Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your comedy writing, this is a rare chance to workshop material with a true legend.

You have two ways to join:

Option 1: One-Day Class – Saturday Only

Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 11:00pm – 3:00pm
Cost: $150 (plus fees)
Class: One Line Premise
In this focused session, you’ll bring a one-line sketch idea (e.g., “What if a guy was $10 short of being a millionaire?”) and Kevin will help you turn it into a sketch. Expect group feedback, guidance on comedic structure, and personalized notes from Kevin himself.

The Sunday class is not available without taking the Saturday class.

Option 2: Full Weekend Intensive – Saturday & Sunday

Dates: Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28
Time: 11:00pm – 3:00pm both days
Cost: $230 (plus fees)
Class: Writing for Sketch
After Saturday’s premise class, you’ll write a draft sketch overnight. Sunday is all about workshopping those brand-new scripts. Kevin will lead table reads and give detailed feedback on structure, voice, rewrites, and punch-ups.

Location: 5700 6th Ave S Suite 109 Seattle. WA 98108

Maximum Students: 14

Prerequisite: None

Ages: 18 and above

About the Instructor: Kevin McDonald has written for The Kids in the Hall, The Martin Short Show, and Saturday Night Live. This is his fourth workshop with Unexpected Productions.

He founded The Kids in the Hall with his friend Dave Foley. They met in Toronto at the Second City Training Center, and the two wrote and performed in sketches together more than any other pair in the group. In the troupe’s TV show and stage shows, he portrays several favorite recurring characters, such as the King of Empty Promises, Sir Simon Milligan, and Jerry Sizzler. Still, it’s a frequent running gag that McDonald is the least popular member and always struggling not to get kicked out.

Since The Kids in the Hall’s end in 1994, he’s played many roles in movies like Boy Meets Girl, Agent Pleakley in the Lilo & Stitch series, and Harry Potter in Epic Movie. On TV, he has appeared on The Martin Short Show, Ellen (as a radio personality), That ’70s Show (as a confused young cleric, Pastor Dave), Seinfeld, Friends, NewsRadio (on which Foley starred), MADtv, Arrested Development, and Corner Gas. McDonald has also done voice work for various animated series, including Invader Zim (in which he did the voice for Almighty Tallest Purple), The Angry Beavers, Catscratch (in which he voiced Waffle), and Clerks: The Animated Series. He also played an imaginary friend named Ivan in the Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends episode Sight For Sore Eyes, and appeared in the music video for “Roses” by Outkast.

In 2006, McDonald hosted a CBC Television special, featuring several of Canada’s best-known sketch comedy troupes. “Sketch with Kevin McDonald” won a Canadian Comedy Award (Best-Taped Live Performance – The Minnesota Wrecking Crew), with The Imponderables nominated for the same award.

He was recently in Montréal as a part of the Just for Laughs Festival with the reunion of The Kids in the Hall, and also with his show “Hammy and the Kids” with Craig Northey, based on his two dysfunctional families, his father (“Hammy”) and The Kids in the Hall.

Register Here
Teen Improv Class Summer 25

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 Summer 25
7/13 - 9/7
Sunday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
650 South Orcas Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98108
Register
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