The Art of Dread: Improvised Horror with Tim Harahan

Over four weeks, we’ll explore the core elements of improvised horror. The audience won't fear for people they don't care about, so we'll start by focusing on how to make them care as quickly as possible. Then we'll introduce suspense, monsters, and the Dread Triangle (like the fire triangle, but for fear) to bring the thrill of fear into your play. Add some work on editing to tell big stories that keep the audience leaning forward, and you'll have the foundations of a great spooky season play. Whatever genre of horror you love, these tools can help you thrill and delight.

Whether you love slashers, psychological horror, supernatural stories, creature features, folk horror, cosmic terror, or something entirely your own, this class will give you tools to make the scary stuff matter.

Come ready to create characters we care about, put them in terrible situations, and discover just how much fun dread can be.

Perfect for improvisers gearing up for October, this class is a chance to sharpen your horror storytelling skills before stepping into Halloween shows, haunted attractions, and other spooky-season performances.

Class Details

Dates: Four (4) Tuesdays starting 9/8

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: Tim Harahan

Tim Harahan is a longtime Seattle improviser, director, and teacher with extensive experience creating character-driven narrative improv. A member of the Unexpected Productions ensemble, Tim has performed in Seattle Theatresports, An Improvised Christmas Carol, and numerous Unexpected Productions shows.

Tim has a particular passion for genre storytelling and horror. He directed Horror Unexpected, an improvised horror show inspired by Stephen King's work, as well as Horror Unexpected Grimm, which explored the works of the fables. He created and directed Impossible Loves, a thrilling improvised paranormal romance. His directing and creative work also includes Show Your Game, a fast-paced improvised game-show format he created and directed. Tim has performed in over 150 Twisted Flick performances at Jet City Improv and has also appeared onstage in Unspeakable Horrors and Quiz Show.

As a teacher, Tim focuses on the connection between character, emotional investment, and storytelling, helping performers create scenes that feel grounded, compelling, and dramatically satisfying.

Tim brings that same approach to improvised horror: make the audience care first, then give them something to fear.

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.