Jet City Improv

Jet City Improv is an Improvisational theatre troupe from Seattle, Washington, United States.^[1][2] The troupe was founded in 1992 and is operated by Wing-It Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company.

The front of Jet City Improv, from across University Ave.
Formation	March 18, 1992; 33 years ago (1992-03-18)
Type	Non-profit
Location	5031 University Wy NE, Seattle, Washington
Parent organization	Wing-It Productions
Website	jetcityimprov.com

History

Jet City Improv was founded in 1992 by Mike Christensen and Andrew McMasters and debuted with a free show on March 18, 1992, at the Second Story Studios in Seattle.^[3] In July 1993, Jet City Improv began performing every Friday night at the Northwest Actors Studio, later moving to the Belltown Theater Center in October 1994.

In December 1994, Christensen and McMasters founded Wing-It Productions to take on the production of Jet City Improv's activities. In 1997, the troupe relocated performances to the Ethnic Cultural Theater on the University of Washington campus. In 2002, Jet City premiered its first improvised longform production, The Lost Folio. In 2003, the company took over the lease to the former Paradox Theater, renaming it the Historic University Theater, which served as Jet City's home for nearly two decades. During that period Jet City developed signature formats such as Twisted Flicks and hosted the Seattle Festival of Improv Theater.^[4]

In 2019, the building housing the Historic University Theater was sold to new owners. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Jet City Improv to suspend in-person performances in 2020, and the company vacated the building soon after. The venue was later destroyed in a fire after the organization had moved out.^[5]

Following the closure, Jet City Improv transitioned into a multi-venue model. Performances were relocated to the University Heights Center in Seattle's University District and West of Lenin Theater in Fremont. The move allowed the company to expand programming, add rehearsal and classroom space, and partner with other arts organizations while continuing to produce a full season of shows.

Programming

Today, Jet City Improv's programming is centered on three core areas:

• **The Drama Room (University Heights Center)** – Home to Jet City's ensemble performances, producing 2–3 improv shows per week. Recurring formats include *DNDprov* (an improvised fantasy quest), *Indieprov* (a showcase of local independent improv groups), and the monthly *Pride Show* featuring an all LGBTQIA+ cast. Test Flights, a development series, allows improvisers to create and stage experimental new formats.
• **West of Lenin (Fremont)** – The company's mainstage venue, where full-length improvised plays are produced. These shows combine improvisation with theatrical storytelling, costuming, and design. Annual productions include the holiday-themed *Emerald City Slasher*, as well as rotating new works such as an annual all-AAPI/BIPOC production and other ensemble-created premieres.
• **Education and Outreach** – Jet City runs a year-round improv training program with seven class levels, jams, and advanced ensembles. Outreach programs under the “Improv4Good” banner provide free workshops and performances for youth experiencing homelessness, children with disabilities, and incarcerated youth in King County Juvenile Detention.