ImprovFestivals.orgFestival Unexpected
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 24-30, 2026 |
| Location | Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Venue | Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley (Pike Place Market); The Improv School (Georgetown) |
| Language | English |
| Organizer | Unexpected Productions |
| Website | unexpectedproductions.org |
| Unexpected Productions | |
| Tickets | Eventbrite |
| Also known as | Seattle International Festival of Improvisation |
Overview
Festival Unexpected, sometimes billed as the Seattle International Festival of Improvisation, is the annual improv festival produced by Unexpected Productions at its home venue, the Market Theater in Pike Place Market. Unexpected Productions is one of Seattle's longest-standing improv theaters, rooted in the TheatreSports / Keith Johnstone tradition, and the festival reflects that lineage with international teaching faculty alongside local and touring acts.
The festival runs for a full week, combining daytime workshops with evening performances across the Market Theater and a second space in Georgetown. Registration is open to intermediate and advanced improvisers.
Headliners
The 2026 edition features teachers Inbal Lori and Kelly Kitchens, with workshops and performances centered on subtext and staging. Evening shows include the Loose Canons Show with teacher performances, two nights of TheatreSports battles, and the closing Deep Dream directed by Inbal Lori.
Workshops
Workshops run Thursday through Saturday at the Market Theater and The Improv School in Georgetown. Registration includes workshop attendance, tickets to all festival shows, a performance spot in the Sunday Dust-Up showcase, and entry to social events. Previous improv experience required.