UNEXPECTED PRODUCTIONS INC
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Mission Statement
Unexpected Productions Mission Statement “Unexpected Productions is dedicated to the art and spirit of improvisation. We engage and enlighten artists and audiences with improvisational theater and spontaneous storytelling in all its forms. Our approach is professional, modern, innovative and intelligent, illuminating the humor and truth in our world.” Renewed and approved by the by the Board May 12, 2014
About This Cause
Founded in 1983, Unexpected Productions is the oldest improvisation company in the Pacific Northwest with strong ties to the national and international improv communities. We have a long history of innovation. Our staple show, Theatresports, was the first of its kind in the US and is the longest running show in Seattle. On the flipside, our long-form improvisation series, Market Fresh has produced over 100 different shows, exploring various forms of poetry, theatre, music and film styles. A primary goal of Unexpected Productions is to expand the art of improvisation and spontaneous storytelling. We nurture and encourage collaboration among local and international improvisers. We've toured Europe, Canada, the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, as well as performing in over 30 arts festivals including the 1988 Winter Olympics, Bumbershoot, and the World Cup in 2006. UP has produced 11 International Festivals of Improvisation, 4 NW Women in Improv festivals and 9 Improvathons. Furthermore, we consistently bring notable improvisers, such as Joe Flaherty, Rachel Rosenthal, Stephen Nachmanovitch, and famed improv guru Del Close to perform and teach workshops at our theatre. Education is another way we are dedicated to promoting the art of improvisation. Founded in 1985, our school consists of level courses with performances. We also have several workshops and specialty courses available as well as outside courses taught by ensemble members. Former students have been featured in TV shows such as Talk Soup, Friends, Bill Nye, Almost Live, Frasier, etc. Many former students have created their own troupes, which delights us as it furthers the artistic diversity of the improvisation scene in Seattle. During 2011, Unexpected Productions faced the greatest challenge in its history. In November 2008, Seattle voters passed the Pike Place Market Levy; this action forced us out of our home for 7months in 2011-12. The Intiman Theater became available for our temporary home. We were able to continue our performances and programs with limited interruptions. In May 2012, we moved back into the Market Theater. During one of the greatest stresses of the company' s history, we did not incur any debt. In June 2013, we signed a 10-year lease. We were excited and honored to be celebrated our 30th anniversary. Our International Festival of Improv, now in its 18th year, has brought improvisers from around the world to Seattle. After the festival, they bring back to their homes styles and expertise that they learned. 2014s participants traveled from Spain, France, Japan, Slovenia, Germany, Mexico, Holland, Canada, Italy, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, as well many local artists. This year we are excited to add India to the list of participants This festival is so popular that other theaters in cities throughout the world have modeled their own after this Seattle design. Unexpected Productions has a global impact. “This festival gives me the opportunity to explore and grow in unique and specific areas of Improvisation that I might otherwise give less thought, reflection and practice. As a leader in my field, I am regularly in the position of leadership and direction which means I am rarely lead or directed. This can feel very stifling as an artist, but the Seattle International Festival of Improvisation is one of very few events wherein I feel I grow as an artist every year,”Domeka Parker, Festival Participant, USA Oregon From our home at the Market Theater in Seattle’s Historic Pike Place Market, Unexpected Productions has created well over 200 original shows, including 18 new work in the past two years. In addition, Unexpected Productions' has presented Seattle Theatresports, the first Theatresports in the United States, and now noted as Seattle's longest running show. Unexpected Productions is notable for operating in the black, almost exclusively from ticket sales, with little funding from government or corporate support. While doing this, we are providing affordable shows that are unique and affordable for Seattle and audiences. Unexpected Productions’ Improv School has taught new skills to tens of thousands of students. Now, improv troupes in cities across the country boast members educated by this unique institution. Each fall we bring high schools from throughout the city together with our youth program, the Hogan Cup, where we teach active listening, verbal/non-verbal communication, creativity, acceptance of ideas, responding quicker in the moment. Many corporations have hired Unexpected Productions to not only teach improv skills, but skills that can apply to everyday life. Multinational corporations based in Seattle, like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks have integrated Unexpected Productions’ trainings into their daily operations.