Unexpected Productions

Seattle Theatresports Improv 2025
2025-11-21 21:30 - 23:00, 2025-11-22 21:30 - 23:00, 2025-11-28 21:30 - 23:00, 2025-11-29 21:30 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

Mouth Wide Shut: A Physical Improv Comedy
2025-11-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
The art of silent comedy with the unpredictable fun of improvisation.
Mouth Wide Shut is a love letter to the history of physical comedy and improvisational theater. Drawing inspiration from silent movies, classical mime, and contemporary groups like Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil, it’s like a mashup of the best of the past and present that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge. And the fact that you play such a crucial role in shaping the show makes it even more unique.
It’s not just about watching comedy; it’s about becoming part of the comedic journey. “Mouth Wide Shut” promises to be an evening where laughter knows no bounds and surprises lurk around every corner! This show is a delightful and unforgettable experience that promises to entertain audiences of all ages!
“Mouth Wide Shut is clever and very funny.” Ryan D., 5 Stars Google
“Went as a suggestion from a local. Best decision I’ve made in a whim! Such a good show…had an amazing cast, kept me laughing the entire time. Would love to go again.” Terra M 5 Stars Google
“This was the first time I’ve ever been to an improv show and I was definitely entertained. I had no clue what to expect and didn’t know how improv shows worked, I just came in with an open mind and enjoyed every minute of it!” Kristina L. 5 Stars Yelp

Fa la la la la, ha ha ha ha: A Holiday Musical Extravaganza!
2025-11-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-29 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?

Murder at Market: An Improvised Agatha Christie
2025-11-22 19:30 - 20:45 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Experience an improvised comedy show with comedic characters, red herrings, and clever clues to keep you entertained until the end
When a body turns up at Unexpected Productions, the game is afoot! A vintage cast of colorful, cliché characters must unravel the crime—but in this whodunit, nothing is scripted, and anything can happen.
Inspired by the legendary Agatha Christie, this entirely improvised mystery weaves your suggestions into a suspenseful, side-splitting thriller. Can they crack the case before the next victim falls? Grab your monocle, don your finest tweed, and prepare for an evening of intrigue, wit, and unexpected twists.
Every show is a brand-new mystery. Every ending is a surprise.
Directed by Dave Morris, Paper Street Theatre, Victoria B.C.

An Improvised Christmas Carol
2025-11-22 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-11-23 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-11-27 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-11-28 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-11-29 19:30 - 20:45, 2025-11-30 19:30 - 20:45 | 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.

Unexpected Cinema: An Improvised Movie Live
2025-11-23 19:00 - 20:15 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Unexpected Cinema is a one-of-a-kind movie experience where local improv talent and filmmakers come together to create a film live in real-time. The audience chooses the movie’s title, and then, with no script or rehearsals, the cast and crew shoot the entire film right before your eyes. Shot in real locations, the story unfolds unpredictably, with every scene improvised and every moment unique. It’s a thrilling, unscripted cinema experience you’ll never see anywhere else!

No Strings Attached: An Improvised Puppet Show for Grownups
2025-11-23 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-11-30 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

Hogan Cup 2025
2025-11-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Congratulations to the teams who advanced to finals! The final teams face off in the improv championship matches between Puget Sound high schools! The Hogan Cup is the first high school improvisational competition of its kind in the Northwest, with top training from Unexpected Productions coaches. Admission is free for participating students and teachers.
Unexpected Productions has been nurturing the next generation of improvisers through dynamic, hands-on training for over two decades The stage is set for the ultimate improv showdown as high school teams from Puget Sound face off in the Hogan Cup Improv Championship!
2025 Hogan Cup Finalist
Center High School
Bishop Blanchet High School
Inglemoor High School
Mountlake Terrace High School
Unexpected Productions has been nurturing the next generation of improvisers through dynamic, hands-on training for over two decades. The Hogan Cup Finals mirror many elements of our signature Theatresports, with one key difference: this event emphasizes learning, collaboration, and creative exploration in a supportive, low-pressure environment. It’s about teamwork, growth, and having fun—without fearing “mistakes.”
Admission is free for all participating students and teachers.Your ticket supports the Hogan Cup program, ensuring we can continue bringing this incredible opportunity to local students for years to come.
Please join us in applauding all participating schools for their dedication, spirit, and artistry:
All participating Schools
Bishop Blanchet High School
Bothell High School
Center High School
Franklin High School
Garfield High School
Inglemoor High School
Kamiak High School
Lincoln High School
Meadowdale High School
Mountlake Terrace High School
New Port High School
Shorewood High School
Woodinville High School

Improv Unexpected at Jules Maes in Georgetown
2025-11-25 21:00 - 22:00 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States
Improv comes to Georgetown! Seattle’s legendary improv company, Unexpected Productions, brings you the Improv Unexpected. The talented cast members take your suggestions and spontaneously create hilarious stories, zany scenes, and fun songs right on the spot and in the moment just for YOU!
21+ with valid ID. All sales are non-refundable. If the event is rescheduled, all purchases will be honored for the next event date. If the event is canceled, all purchases will be refunded in full

Graduate Greenhouse
2025-11-26 19:00 - 19:45, 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
2025-11-26 20:00 - 21:15, 2025-12-03 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!

Thanksgiving Day - CLOSED
2025-11-27 | Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley at the Gum Wall in Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101, United States

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.
