IMPROV 500: The Art & Craft of Improv, Sundays, Summer '26

Translate the skills and techniques from previous levels into the Art and Craft of Improv and playfully explore the *why* behind the theory!
About this Event

This class synthesizes the skills, techniques and philosophies learned in previous classes, exploring what it takes to turn improv into art. The emphasis is on playing with the principles of improvisation and discovering the choices available to advanced improvisers. Students will learn to bring their own lived experiences to the stage and to heighten them for theatrical performance. The class culminates with an introduction to and showcase performance of the original Unstructured Harold.

Date and Time: 8 weeks, 8 Sundays, Jul 12 to Aug 30, 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Location: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101
Age Requirements: 18+
Prerequisites: Unexpected Productions Improv 400
Maximum Students: 16
About the Teacher: Tony Beeman is the Artistic and Education Director of Unexpected Productions. A veteran improviser, director, and educator who has performed, taught, and directed across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, he champions the idea that improvisation is not merely a performance technique but a radical tool for human connection. His teaching and directing are defined by a commitment to theatricality and sincerity, focusing on improvisation that feels like traditional theatre through ensemble storytelling, poetic language, and grounded authenticity.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Tony has overseen more than 30 full-run productions, specializing in both organic long-form improv and improvised plays. His show Four Hearts, an improvised homage to the works of Edward Albee, has been adapted by theater companies in Canada, Colombia, and Japan. Tony's performance work is deeply rooted in literature and poetry, including a 15-year tenure portraying the Three Ghosts of Christmas in A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol and his annual turn as Edgar Allan Poe in Poe Unexpected.  
Tony believes the most compelling theater happens when performers bring their authentic selves to the stage, embracing the "joyful failure" inherent in the art form. He is always eager to discuss the nuances of improvisational play and will gladly stay up talking shop with you until the earliest hours of the morning—if you let him.
Cancellation policy:  We are unable to offer refunds. In limited cases, we can offer credit for a future class up to one week before the class starts.