Theatrical Styles Class with Alan Hawkins

Explore bold theatrical styles through improv, from classical and heightened to physical, melodramatic, and contemporary. Come play.

This class invites improvisers to explore a wide range of theatrical styles and performance traditions, using improvisation as the engine for discovery. While Shakespeare provides one historical foundation, the emphasis is on learning how different styles shape character, language, movement, and storytelling—and how to shift between them with confidence and play.

This is a practical, hands-on class focused on experimentation, adaptability, and joyful risk-taking.

What You’ll Do

Explore a variety of theatrical styles through improvisation, including

• Classical and heightened theatre
• Shakespeare-inspired performance
• Melodrama and farce
• Physical and movement-based theatre
• Contemporary and genre-based stage styles
• Learn how style affects character, language, physicality, and emotional stakes
• Practice transforming the same scene by changing theatrical style
• Perform improvised scenes and monologues with clear stylistic choices
• Build versatility, confidence, and range as a theatrical improviser

This class is ideal for students who want to expand their expressive toolbox, deepen their understanding of theatrical storytelling, and become more adaptable performers. Whether you’re interested in classical forms, bold physical comedy, modern realism, or stylized stage work, this class offers a playful, supportive space to explore how style shapes the stories we tell.

Unexpected Productions Improv School is thrilled to bring our newest Eastside improv classes to Issaquah, serving the communities of the Sammamish Plateau, East Renton, Bellevue, Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend, and beyond.

Class Details

Dates: Four (4) Tuesdays

Time: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm

Location: Unexpected Productions – Issaquah

1315 NW Mall Street, Suite 4, Issaquah, WA 98027 (next to the Gaslamp Bar and Grill)

Maximum Students: 16

Cost: $270

Prerequisite: Improv 100 or equivalent

Meet Your Instructor: Alan Hawkins

Alan Hawkins is an improviser from Los Angeles and Chicago with over two decades of performance and teaching experience. A graduate of The Second City Conservatory, The Second City Musical Conservatory, iO West, Comedysportz Chicago, and The Annoyance, Alan has performed across the U.S. and internationally with the acclaimed trio Extra Shelves and as a guest with Grand Theft Improv in London. He has taught and directed for numerous programs, including the Teen Comedy Festival in Chicago.

Alan is an ensemble member of Unexpected Productions—America’s longest-running Theatresports company—and the author of “YOU CAN'T LEARN IMPROV FROM A BOOK.” His classes are known for being energetic, supportive, and deeply fun.

What to Bring

This class involves movement, so please dress comfortably and bring a bottle of water.

Cancellation Policy

We are unable to offer refunds.