Unexpected Productions


Unexpected Productions is an improvisational comedy company in Seattle, Washington, USA. From their home at the Market Theater in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market, in Post Alley, Unexpected Productions produces year-round shows, teaches improv classes, and hosts the Seattle International Festival of Improvisation.

History

Unexpected Productions was formed by three different improv groups as the “Seattle Theatresports League”, and was the first improv group in the US to perform Theatresports, which now holds the title of the longest running show in Seattle. By 1988, the group was exploring many additional forms of spontaneous theatre, and the name was changed to “Unexpected Productions”. In June 2008, Unexpected Productions celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first Theatresports match.
Actor Brendan Fraser is among the graduates of Unexpected Productions improv classes, and Joel McHale was a Theatresports cast member from 1993 to 1997.

The Seattle International Festival of Improvisation

Unexpected Productions has, since 1997, hosted The Seattle Festival of International Improvisation. The festival gathers individual improvisers from around the world, who train together for a week long period, culminating in several performances. The festival has traditionally been held in June, around the anniversary of Unexpected Productions.
YearFestival Theme
1993The Seattle International Festival of Improv
1997All Female Cast
1999Old Friends
2000Get Out of your Skin
2001Body and Soul
2002Taking It Personally: Personal Stories, Collective Voices
2003Stereotypes and Clichés
2004Words, Sounds, Silence
2005Blurred Lines
2006Holding Up the Mirror
2007Jazz
2008Invisibility
2009Zen
2010Trinity: The Rule of Three
2011The Fool
2012Wabi Sabi
2013Between You and Me: The Audience and Performer
2014Serious Play
2015Emergence
2016All Around You
2017Power