Unexpected Productions

An Improvised Christmas Carol
2025-11-30 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-04 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-05 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-06 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-07 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-11 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-13 19:30 - 20:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
It’s heartwarming, it’s side-splitting, and it’s the perfect holiday tradition for the whole family!
An Improvised Christmas Carol takes Dickens’ classic holiday tale and turns it into a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure where anything can happen. Guided by audience suggestions, our talented cast creates an entirely unique performance every night, blending over 30 unexpected ideas into a hilarious and heartwarming story. From surprising twists to brand-new characters, no two shows are ever the same, making this the perfect holiday tradition for the whole family. Don’t miss out—our final performance is on December 23. Don’t be a Scrooge—grab your tickets now!
Created by Randy Dixon and directed by Tony Beeman.

Graduate Greenhouse
2025-12-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Get ready to be surprised, delighted, and maybe even see your wildest idea take on a life of its own!

Graduate Greenhouse is a Wednesday night showcase featuring alumni from Unexpected Productions Improv School. Each performance highlights a different alumni group, putting their training to the test with unpredictable scenes, various formats, and improvised stories. From long-form storytelling to character work, these performers explore the boundaries of improv.
Wednesday, Nov 26, Stage of Fools — Hamlet & Cheese at Unexpected Productions. Prepare your hearts and warm up your iambs: Hamlet & Cheese returns with the show Stage of Fools, a queer-led Shakespearean(ish) improv romp where Elizabethan vibes meet theatrical nonsense. It’s silly, heartfelt, surprising, and absolutely none of it is from the original folio. Zero Shakespeare knowledge required—just an appetite for fun, heart, and a little chaos.
Wednesday, Dec 3, Space Lobsters presents Blank Space. Each performance begins with nothing — a blank space — that the ensemble fills collaboratively, moment by moment, without preset structure, characters, or games.
Wednesday, Dec 10, Get ready for some seasonal magic!
Based on your suggestions, FKA and “Hall-Mark” Church will joyfully create a heartwarming (and hilarious) holiday special full of all the classic tropes. Meet-cutes, small towns, laughter & more…all made up on the spot!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Stick around for a double feature as we roll into Seattle’s longest-running Improv Open Mic: the Duos Open Mic! Starting at 8:00 pm, this weekly showcase promises even more laughs, surprises, and improv magic.

Duo Comedy Showcase 2025
2025-12-03 20:00 - 21:15, 2025-12-10 20:00 - 21:15 | Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Seattle’s one and only open mic dedicated to two-person improv teams! Watch as duos create hilarious, quick-witted, and seemingly impossible scenes right before your eyes—entirely made up on the spot. It’s comedy chaos, brilliantly constructed and spontaneously performed.At Duos, everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. Newer improvisers hone their craft while seasoned pros experiment, play, and try something new. Who knows?
All experience levels are welcome! Sign up your team and give the audience a show they’ll never forget. You could be the next Key & Peele, Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, or even a chaotic duo like Deadpool & Wolverine. email duoshowcase@gmail.com
Whether you’re performing or watching, this is Seattle’s midweek comedy fix you don’t want to miss. Come laugh, play, and discover the magic of improv!

Mime and Physical Improv with Jay Hitt
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
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: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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.

Mime and Improv in Action with Jay Hitt
2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
What if you could build an entire world on stage using nothing but your body and imagination? In this dynamic and playful class, you’ll discover how mime techniques and physical improv can transform empty space into vivid environments filled with objects, characters, and stories.
Through guided exercises and performance games, you’ll learn the foundational tools mimes use to create invisible walls, lift imaginary objects, define environments, and communicate clearly without speaking. These skills will deepen your physical awareness, sharpen your stage presence, and give you powerful new ways to express ideas in improv scenes.
This class is perfect for improvisers who want to strengthen their physical storytelling, improve object work, and explore the expressive possibilities of movement. Expect a highly active, supportive environment where you’ll experiment, play, and learn to make the invisible visible.
Class Details
Dates: Four (4) Fridays
Time: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
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
Prerequisite: Any Improv Class or Experience
Meet Your Instructor:
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.

Seattle Theatresports Improv 2025
2025-12-05 21:30 - 23:00, 2025-12-06 21:30 - 23:00, 2025-12-12 21:30 - 23:00 | Unexpected Productions Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Be a part of the magic of Theatresports, Seattle’s favorite improv competition for over 40 years! Join us at the iconic Gum Wall in Pike Place Market for a high-energy showdown featuring the city’s best improvisers creating hilarious scenes, songs, and games—all inspired by your suggestions.
With two teams battling, a lively host, judges you can boo, and the legendary gum wall race, this fast-paced show is packed with unforgettable moments and endless laughs.
Doors open at 9 PM every Friday and Saturday, with the show starting at 9:30 PM. Don’t miss the fun—be part of the action!
TheaterSports, all the way! They are goofy, silly, funny, unabashed, clever, witty people. I didn’t know what to expect before going but found myself laughing at practically everything they did or said. This is improv comedy at its finest. Lea A., 5 stars, Yelp

Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha: A Holiday Musical Extravaganza!
2025-12-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
This holiday comedy show begins with a festive sing-along and ends with a movie musical based on your suggestions. Saturdays in December
Sarah Hanchar, Christine Riippi, and Guy Nelson, members of the Unexpected Productions ensemble, are joining forces to celebrate the most beloved aspect of the holiday season: Hallmark’s feel-good holiday movie musicals! This festive event will commence with a sing-along and culminate in a holiday movie musical tailored to your suggestions. Bring the whole family to the Unexpected Productions Market Theater and enjoy some cheerful yuletide fun. Who needs Auld Lang Syne when you can have brand new songs to celebrate the season?

Taste of Improv - Improv Open Mic Georgetown Art Attack
2025-12-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Unexpected Productions Improv School ISSAQUAH/EASTSIDE, 1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA, 98108, United States
Welcome to the Taste of Improv & Maestro Impro Party! Join us for a night filled with laughter and creativity at Unexpected Productions Improv School. Doors open at 6:30pm. 7pm will be an improv jam open to all levels. 9pm will be Maestro Impro, a competitive improv format by Keith Johnstone. Then stick around for the party after for some mixing, dancing and hanging out. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of this improv community event! OH! And try the new UPA: Unexpected Pale Ale by Homeschool Science Brewing!

Unexpected Productions Improv SchoolStage Room5700 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Mixtape: An Improvised Playlist
2025-12-06 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-12-12 19:30 - 20:45 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind night of improvised musical chaos and creativity!
Join us for Musical Improv Madness, where our hilarious cast teams up with a live musician to create a completely unique playlist—inspired by you.
You call the shots: pick the vibe, the lyrics, and the beats, and watch the magic happen. Don’t worry; our friendly host will keep it fun, chill, and vibes-only. Whether you’re into pop, rap, emo ballads, musicalor something in between, we’ll bring your ideas to life in the most unexpected (and unforgettable) way.
Don’t miss it—your playlist dreams are waiting to drop. Let’s make some noise!

An Evening with Randy Dixon: Stories, Secrets & the Art of Improv
2025-12-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
A live conversation and improv celebration with Randy Dixon, featuring and interviews insights, and classic formats performed live
A rare and inspiring night as Artistic Director Jill Farris sits down with Randy Dixon, Unexpected Productions’ former Artistic Director and one of the true pioneers of improvisational theater. Together, they’ll explore his artistic philosophy, his insights on creativity, and stories from years shaping Seattle’s improv community. Throughout the evening, veteran members of the Unexpected Productions ensemble will take the stage to perform excerpts and demonstrations of Dixon’s legendary approach and philosophy.
Dixon served as Artistic Director of Unexpected Productions for 33 years and was with the company 38 years, creating internationally performed shows/formats such as An Improvised Christmas Carol, Black Eyed Blonde, Spoken, Campfire, Afterlife, and Blank Slate. He also launched the Seattle International Festival of Improv and founded The Orcas Island Project, an international ensemble devoted to improvisation as a tool for creativity and human connection.
This evening is both a tribute and a masterclass, offering audiences a glimpse into the creative vision of a world-renowned improviser whose influence spans generations. Don’t miss this heartfelt celebration of art, laughter, and legacy.

No Strings Attached: An Improvised Puppet Show for Grownups
2025-12-07 19:00 - 20:15 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
At Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater, puppets let their hair down (or strings loose) in No Strings Attached—a hilarious, adults improv puppet show. After a long day entertaining the kids, these puppets are ready to play—singing bawdy songs, cracking jokes, and getting up to all kinds of outrageous fun. And the best part? You call the shots with your suggestions!
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind comedy show at Pike Place Market. It’s puppets, it’s improv, and it’s guaranteed to make you laugh.
THIS SHOW CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT, LANGUAGE, AND SITUATIONS

Graduate Greenhouse FKA: An Improvised Holiday Special
2025-12-10 19:00 - 19:45 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Get ready to be surprised, delighted, and maybe even see your wildest idea take on a life of its own!

Graduate Greenhouse is a Wednesday night showcase featuring alumni from Unexpected Productions Improv School. Each performance highlights a different alumni group, putting their training to the test with unpredictable scenes, various formats, and improvised stories. From long-form storytelling to character work, these performers explore the boundaries of improv.
Scroll to Wednesday the 10th on the Graduate Greenhouse page, TICKETS HERE
Wednesday, Dec 10, Get ready for some seasonal magic!
Based on your suggestions, FKA and “Hall-Mark” Church will joyfully create a heartwarming (and hilarious) holiday special full of all the classic tropes. Meet-cutes, small towns, laughter & more…all made up on the spot!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Stick around for a double feature as we roll into Seattle’s longest-running Improv Open Mic: the Duos Open Mic! Starting at 8:00 pm, this weekly showcase promises even more laughs, surprises, and improv magic.

Free Introductory Improv Class
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Unexpected Productions Improv School ISSAQUAH/EASTSIDE, 1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA, 98108, United States
✨ 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: Sat. Dec. 13
Time: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Location: Unexpected Productions Improv School, 650 S Orcas, Suite 101, Seattle 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

Taste of Improv - Improv Open Mic Georgetown Art Attack
2025-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Unexpected Productions Improv School ISSAQUAH/EASTSIDE, 1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA, 98108, United States
Step Spotlight at ART ATTACK Jump into the Wild World of Improv — in Georgetown
A Taste of Improv—a free, no-pressure open mic night where anything can happen. It’s fast. It’s funny. It’s unscripted chaos. And it’s all you.
Whether you’re a student, a pro, or just checking out the Art Attack, this is your chance to take the stage, make bold choices, and have a blast doing it.
Join Unexpected Productions Improv School as we join Georgetown’s ART ATTACK with a spontaneous showcase of improv talent. Bring your squad, support each other, and celebrate the joy of live, unfiltered performance.
Hit the Georgetown Art Attack, then head over to the Improv School.
Come for the art. Stay for the improv. See you there!
Unexpected Productions Improv SchoolStage Room5700 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
