Unexpected Productions is one of the best and most renowned improvisation that America has to offer. Their unique storytelling skills combined with flash wit and humor make them one of the best improv groups anywhere. Under the direction of Randy Dixon, Unexpected Productions will challenge you, entertain you, make you think and make you laugh.

“Watching this improvisational group is like watching a great rock band – each show is raucous, inspired, and completely unpredictable. The immensely talented, very funny company performs at the Market Theater.” Seattle Magazine

“What makes this theater company stand out is the highly creative scene structure and dynamic use of audience participation.” – Kelley Guiney, EcoVision Journal

“The improv is clever and does not rely on shock humor to amuse its audience.” – Eva Hoffman, Outspoken

“Whatever Unexpected Productions did, responding spontaneously to the audience input, was inspired and put a spell on everybody….Don’t dare miss the next one.” – Gisela Bartens, Kleine Zeitung Graz, Austria

“Maximum spontaneity, wit, and physical fantasy… No matter what show they do, there are only winners in the end.” – Gisela Bartens, Kleine Zeitung Graz, Austria

“This group displayed a highly accessible form of improv that allowed the audience to remain engaged and entertained. Their subtle humor and true storytelling ability make this group a must see if you are out in Seattle.” Jonathan Bender, Improvreview.com

During the company's past 24 years, the performance spaces have changed, most of the names have changed, and if you know anything about improv you know the shows have changed. But for 23 years, Unexpected Productions has been producing a wide array of improvisational-based theater for Seattle audiences, while developing a worldwide reputation for high quality improvisation.

The foundation for Unexpected Productions was laid in 1982, when a troupe of dedicated improvisers became the first in the US to perform Theatresports, after a workshop with Theatresports creator, Keith Johnstone. In 1983, Seattle Theatresports was performed on Monday nights at Swannie’s Comedy Underground. From there, with a small but loyal audience, the troupe grew their audiences while performing shows in various Seattle locales such as Pioneer Square Theater, Scoundrel's Lair, and The Group Theater.

In 1988, Unexpected Productions was officially established as a non-profit theater and the company moved to the Intiman Playhouse, where they regularly performed for a full house. In 1990, Unexpected Productions moved and began producing shows other than Theatresports. Though a few of the shows were scripted, they were all improvisation-based productions, the scripts were developed out of stories that occurred during improvised scenes. The other shows, which continue today, were based on long form improv styles in keeping with Unexpected Productions’ narrative focus. In May of 1991, the company found a permanent home at the Market Theater in the Pike Place Market, where sell out crowds have enjoyed their work ever since.

In almost 25 years, Unexpected Productions has performed far more than 2,000 shows, both TheatreSports™ and a number of original long form productions for almost 300,000 satisfied audience members. Under the direction of Randy Dixon, founding member and Artistic Director since 1988, Unexpected Productions has established a year round improv school, an annual International Festival, and Seattle’s original annual High School Improv Tournament.

For years Unexpected Productions company members have been performing, teaching, and participating in festivals with improv groups all around the US and all around the world. In so doing, Unexpected Productions has established a global reputation as leaders in improvisation and innovators in the craft. In 1993, UP hosted the first International Improv Festival, bringing groups from Germany, Austria, Canada and parts of the US together to learn and perform in Seattle. Going on its seventh year, the festival and UP’s international participation in improv, are still going strong.

Today, Unexpected Productions is 30 members strong, and the tightly woven ensemble uses audience suggestions, experiences and sometimes even the audience themselves to create a show that is funny, unique, and always entertaining. Unexpected Productions is dedicated to promoting the art and spirit of improvisation. They provide entertainment and education by illuminating, with integrity, the humor and truth in our world.

Randy Dixon, Artistic Director

Randy Dixon is regarded as one of the most experienced improvisational artists. He was a member of the legendary Seattle improvisation troupe, None of the Above. In 1983, he was a founding member of Unexpected Productions and has served as the company’s Artistic Director since 1988. Randy has taught improvisational theater and acting in Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Holland, and all over the U.S. and Canada. His approach to improvisation has been influenced by his studies with the late Del Close (creator of the Harold), Paul Sills (founder of Second City), and Keith Johnstone (author of Impro and creator of TheatreSports). In addition to his work with theater professionals and the general public, he has taught workshops for various corporations. His book on Improvisation, Being Present: Spontaneous Storytelling and the Art of Improvisation was published in 2000.

Randy has B.F.A. in Drama and a Master’s Degree in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Jungian Depth Psychology.