The husband and wife improv team, Nicholas Riggs and Hannah Prince, have long dreamt of opening an improv comedy theater. The arts boom in St. Pete is turning that dream into a reality. Unscripted Theatre, a 1,000 sq. ft. improv comedy theatre located at 14 18th Street South, provides a place for comedic creatives to exercise their craft.

Drawing inspiration/techniques from institutions that have produced the world’s top performers and personas in Late Night and SNL.

The owners have traveled the country for the past five years to work with some of the greatest improv teachers in the world at institutions like Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Groundlings, iO and the Annoyance. Visitors will be able to enjoy a selection of wine and beer, along with a selection of improv books and snacks.

Over fifty local improvisers and 11 teams have signed up to perform in their upcoming shows.

Unscripted will run four shows a week — two show on Fridays and Saturdays, 7-8pm and 9-10pm. On Fridays, the venue will host their Maestro Show, which is described as a Whose Line Is It Anyway-style competition. The second show on Friday will feature two teams from the Tampa Bay area and Orlando performing long form improv. The performances will be similar to one act plays, with stories/skits inspired by audience suggestions.

They’ll also offer classes weekly classes for those interested in learning improv skills for those beginning their journey in the entertainment world. Classes run for six weeks and are open to students of all skill levels. Future visitors can look forward to twice monthly socials on Wednesday nights.

To learn more about the new theatre and to view their calendar, visit their Facebook page or website.

Improv Comedy Festival coming to St. Pete.

The couple behind Unscripted are bringing the Improv Festival to St. Pete this year, too. Festival will have 12 shows performed by 33 teams coming from cities like Atlanta, San Francisco and Chicago. The festival takes place from November 17-19 at the Sunshine Center, 330 5th Street North, and American Stage Theatre, 163 3rd Street North. Performances take place from 6-11pm each night.

There are also 9 workshops offered by instructors from Los Angeles, Omaha, New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, San Francisco, Philadelphia, San Diego and Chicago, and are two hours each between 10am and 5pm on Saturday, November 19. For full details visit the Festival’s website.