Un-Scripted Theater Company
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
San Francisco, CA 94108(415) 869-5384
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
33 reviews for Un-Scripted Theater Company
33 reviews in English
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Review from vanessa s.
Berkeley, CA
12/15/2011
I love Unscripted. Not only are they a super talented group of people, they are also organized, fun, and motivated to change the improv world. As an improvisor who has had the opportunity to guest perform with them on their most recent show, A Tale of 2 Genres, I've been very impressed with how hard they work at maintaining good group dynamics and respect within their company. Their website does a good job of explaining what they are trying to accomplish artistically so I won't reinvent it here, but they both stay true to producing theatrical improv and have fun exploring different styles/genres/show formats with every show. I'm so glad they open their arms to guest performers, because I learned more in the last few months than I have in the past couple of years. I highly encourage fellow improvisors to audition with them, because the audition alone is fun times, and they give perceptive and kind feedback.
I've definitely enjoyed watching their shows too. I was downright terrified at one of their shows during the recent Fear run, and other shows have probably covered most other possible emotions. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Fremont, CA
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not an improv buff, so you can take this statement with a grain of salt, but Un-Scripted's play concepts are some of the most ambitious that I've ever seen. A Tale of Two Genres - a Dickensian musical with influence from another thematic element? That is the sort of thing that would make me shake in my shoes to perform.
There is clearly a lot of preparation that goes into Un-Scripted's shows, what with their period costumes and their musical accompaniment and their lighting. The structure is unlike any improv performance I've seen: they have a narrator at all times that keeps the scene flowing and fills in some of the thoughts that the characters may be thinking; many of their scenes have at least 3 people interacting, if not 4 or more; and they willingly sing, and do it well. In fact, if it were just about their songs, they would easily get 5 stars. The lyrics don't feel forced and all the cast members are obviously skilled in musical theatre, and enjoy singing.
There are also lots of little touches about the show for the customers: free popcorn and seats labeled with your name if you reserve in advance. I also hear there's cheap beer, but I never went to investigate...
The main detraction about their show was that their ending fell extremely flat. They had an incredibly attractive storyline going into the intermission, but at some point they went off-track and into side stories rather than advancing the main plot. By the time it came to finish, the story wasn't really at the ending point, so the narrator had to do a really fast wrap-up of the show and skipped the dramatic showdown that I thought was sure to happen. I literally said "What?" out of disappointment when the lights came back on.
Un-Scripted seems to be much more interested in crafting out a legitimate story with three-dimensional characters than making people laugh a lot. That's perfectly fine, and I think it's more accurate to think of Un-Scripted as improvised theater with some comedic elements as opposed to the traditional improvisational comedy. That just means that if you are looking to choose an improv show so you can laugh until your stomach seizes up, this is probably not your show. But if you want to see a very well-put together, thought-provoking, unordinary improvisational show, definitely consider Un-Scripted. -
Review from Mia B.
Oakland, CA
10/31/2011
I've done improv for ten years. Believe me, I've been forced to see some shows that were just terrible. I'll sip my beer and hope the scenes are cut early, but such is the nature of improvised comedy nights. Sometimes they're awful, sometimes they're fine, and sometimes they're magical.
Un-Scripted is the most consistent improv venue I've come across in the whole Bay Area. I never, ever worry about inviting people to shows. I've seen shows that have made me cry with laughter. I've guest performed in shows that were the highlight of my improv career. Audience members who insist that they hate improv come out of the theater glowing and chattering about how amazing it all was. Trust me when I say that this place is full of talented ensemble members who craft beautiful live theater. You are most likely to catch that rare magical improv show here...
Top all that with fresh popcorn and good cheap beer (2 bucks for a Blue Moon? Oh, yes, please!) and you have a pretty kickass sundae. -
Review from Matt M.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2012
good stuff -- very professional
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Review from Sam W.
Berkeley, CA
11/28/2011
I have seen two shows at Un-Scripted, and both were good. The ensemble has some super talented improv performers, and they consistently put on original and sophisticated productions (more sophisticated than a typical improv show).
I am an experienced improvisor, and Un-Scripted is more theater than improv. I can tell that they seek to project an image as polished as a traditional scripted theater production. When they pull it off, it is amazing. I have to say, though, that I've always liked improv because of the little "mistakes" and serendipity, which should be treated as gifts and get incorporated into the story itself as it goes along. I saw the tiny "mistakes" getting quashed instead of embraced, which I lamented. (But this is a technical and personal improvisor preference.)
Overall, though, a great show with tremendous talent on display at a very reasonable price. You can tell how much rehearsal and preparation goes into each of their productions, and I walked out of both shows feeling thoroughly entertained. Recommended for an inexpensive, fun and original bit of entertainment near Union Square. -
Review from lily l.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
Not funny.
Not entertaining.
Not worth the student discounted price paid.
A Tale of two Genres would imply that there would be a mash up of two different genres but alas, it was Alice In Wonderland and a lot of talk about becoming hats.
Brought a friend along for his first Improv show and I was so embarrassed. I would have walked out or not come back after the intermission like some other patrons if not for my poor friend. I think, he was waiting for it to get better. Sadly, it did not.
I am a fan of live theater.. .Two stars for being a nonprofit show, cheap concession prices and effort. I was fooled by the high star rating on yelp. I've seen improv when it is well done. This was soooo not it. -
Review from Janessa W.
Huntington Beach, CA
12/18/2010
This was a great surprise! I have done improv and know how hard it is!! Add in a musical and a pre-set theme that changes every show - and is chosen by the audience and that is the amazing talent of the Un-Scripted Theater Company!!
They did Alice in Wonderland set to Charles Dickens. Really entertaining, fun, and enjoyable to watch such great talent unfold on stage!
I would recommed to anyone. Even my 13 year old son enjoyed it - his first 'live' theather experience! -
Review from Sabya M.
San Mateo, CA
12/19/2010
I watched the improv show 'A Tale of Two Genres' here on December 18th. Charles Dickens London was mixed with a theme that the audience helped select. The theme they took up was Alice in Wonderland.
The laughs were few and far between. I expected much more having read all the rave reviews. Some of the actors were impressive but the others were quite a pain to watch and listen to. Maybe, it was an off day for the group.
Thumbs up for the great price and free popcorn. -
Review from Wiebke T.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2010
I heard about Un-Scripted for the first time through Home Run. The had a deal and I thought this could be a fun date night for hubby and me.
We saw a preview of their new show "A Tale Of Two Genres" - a Dickensian musical where the audience provides the genre. They actually picked our suggestion to go with Stephen King (horror/suspense).
The performance turned out to be so much more than I expected: fun, thorough, entertaining, well-acted and 100% improvised. They were actually singing songs that they made up as they sang! This group of talented improv actors managed to perform a musical-style play that had a beginning, a climax and a powerful ending. And all of that without a script.
I am impressed and will come back for another show.
Tickets can be purchased for bargain prices through their box office, half-price-ticket booth (is somewhere downtown) and several of these websites that offer local deals. Worth every penny! -
Review from Dory S.
Los Angeles, CA
11/12/2010
I wish I was as funny as these guys.
I amuse myself regularly, other people occasionally, and a whole roomful of folks every once in a blue moon. UnScripted does it every night.
Let's be honest: sometimes improv comedy is not very funny. Those times are not when you are watching UnScripted.
I've seen a number of their shows, and they consistently are inventive, clever, and make you laugh your pants off. -
Review from K C.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2010
Dickens, the Musical. Plus one other genre suggested by the audience; in this case, James Bond.
I still can't believe they pulled it off.
Evil mastermind Godric Nobgobbler is poised to take control of the entire spice market, thereby destroying the British population's access to puddings and forcing them into cannibalism! White, Jeremiah White, to the rescue. Will femme fatale and spice ship captain Paprika Forkworthy aide White in his attempt to thwart Nobgobbler, or is she still seeking revenge for the pet monkey accidentally killed during her last tryst with White in Burma? How can White escape from the ingenious, unnecessarily complicated execution (suspended over a vat of molten cinnamon) devised for him by Nobgobbler?
This is the sort of ridiculous brilliance you can expect from the ambitious players of Un-Scripted. They do not make it easy on themselves: long-form is inherently challenging. Tying it down to a period and an accent is crazy. By adding music, it ups the ante. Then throwing in a last minute additional thematic element - whoah. I'm glad it wasn't me on stage.
It was quite a ride. There were several stellar, memorable moments, the kind that can only happen spontaneously when a great cast that works together well finds just the right moment and angle and mood. Even some of the *yikes* moments when a flop seemed inevitable were pulled valiantly out of the fire for major laughs. The singing was even very good.
I don't think you can go wrong with one of their shows. You might even find yourself singing along, even though you don't know the words. Hell, neither do they. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
8/19/2007
We saw them perform their current production, " Shakespeare Un-scripted," last night. First of all, I loved the fact that is was performed in a small, intimate venue with seating for around 50, in the frenzied Union Square neighborhood.
The company has a range of talents, but all performers are enthusiastic and love what they are doing. A simple stage setting and no props still convinced the audience that we were back in the days of yore and that Shakespeare had written the script.
The cast wore authentic costumes and spoke in semi-Old English with plenty of "fore-sooths" and "yays" and "yonders'"
Other pluses:
FREE bowl of organic popcorn for everyone!
Warm freshly baked delicious chocolate cookies at Intermission
($1 each). Large bottles of water, beer and other drinks for sale at reasonable prices.
FANTASTIC staff, crew, actors--all friendly and welcoming--not even a smidgen of snobbery.
Affordable tickets! $15 or less. I got my tickets for 1/2 price through http://goldstarevevent... When our 4th person couldn't make it a staff person told us, " Oh, you can use this for another performance, Here's my email, just let me know when you'd like to come back." Wow--sweet! -
Review from Kate K.
Chicago, IL
5/24/2007
I have been doing improv for well over 15 years.
I have performed at some pretty impressive places, with some pretty impressive people.
As an audience member, I have seen some pretty impressive improv troupes.
I think that The Un-Scripted Theater Company consistently does some of the most engaging, tightest and funniest improv in San Francisco.
And, I am one judgmental audience member - I am an improv snob - so for me to say "five stars" means that for the average audience member that they will want to give The Un-Scripted Theater Company ten stars... that is how good they are.
That is how good they are.
Currently they are running an improvised puppet musical (which I saw tonight) and sometime this summer they will be doing their annual improvised Shakespeare production. They have a variety of other shows throughout the year - it always seems like those kooky kids are up to something.
This makes it convenient for you, Yelper -- to get off your bum, log out of Yelp for a bit and go laugh until your sides ache and you snort beer out your nose at some of the most talented improvisers in the city.
Did I mention they have cookies?
They do.
Every show.
Hot, fresh, melty cookies.
It's a meal and a show.
What are you waiting for?
Get thee to Un-Scripted Theater Company's next show.
Seriously.
Go.
Now.
Well, not now - it's 10:45 on a Thursday nite - but, tomorrow. Or, the next day. You won't regret it. I promise. -
Review from Don S.
Novato, CA
7/23/2010
Great night out in S.F.! I loved the show! The audience gives them an idea for a world, and they create a whole show out of it! Fun, fun, fun!
And all for $20 - what a deal! Right near Union Square, so a whole night can be planned around it! Well done! -
Review from Diana K.
Long Beach, CA
3/1/2007
These guys are amazing! This isn't your typical improv show with people playing improv games. These guys are masters of long-form improv. Each show is like going to a play.
I try to catch their shows everytime I am in San Francisco. -
Review from Maria C.
Updated - 5/2/2009
Last night we watched the 2-hour improv musical in the style of Shakespeare and, again, a great performance for the bargain price of admission. I haven't been disappointed with a show yet and have impressed date after date (until I found one to keep!) at how they "magically" put together an entire show as they go along!
I can't wait until they have another puppet or Bollywood themed show...though the Shakespeare was so impressive we might go back to see how different the shows are from each other.Listed in: My very most favorites!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2007
I'm not in the Unscripted Theater Company, so do my 5 stars count more?
Improv is fascinating.… Read more »
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Review from Christian U.
Mill Valley, CA
2/20/2007 2 photos
Ok, so I'm biased. I'm in the Un-Scripted Theater Company. But I've been in a lot of improv theater companies over the years, and this one is my favorite by far. Un-Scripted really tries to put on professional, high quality theater that also just happens to be improvised and hilarious! It's never that standard improv games show you'd see at your local bar, it's stuff like a full length 2-hour fully improvised musical, or an improvised play done in the style of Shakespeare. Yea, Un-Scripted does shortform, improv-game shows too, but the work is so quality that it doesn't really compare to a lot of other shortform shows out there.
Combine that with a low ticket price, cheap drinks, and free popcorn, and you have one night out that I would totally be willing to pay for. As one friend who came to one of our shows recently said, "I wish all my friends shows were this good. I always go and support shows that my friends are in, but your show was actually one that I would want to see even if I didn't know anyone in it." -
Review from Jim B.
Livermore, CA
11/21/2010
We sort of fell into seeing this company and did not know what to expect...we got much more than we expected for sure. I found their ability to develop a story out of virtually nothing to be very compelling and entertaining. Highly recommended for low cost-high value impressive entertainment!
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Review from Panthea J.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2008
LOVE LOVE LOVE improv! Saw the opening night of "Let it Snow" in December. I think audience interaction and energy probably plays a huge role for the actors and our audience was really dead. It was a little slow gathering steam, but still fun and we'll definitely see another show. Live, original performances for $10 - how can you not love that??
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Review from diana s.
Berkeley, CA
4/10/2007
I saw my first Un-Scripted show about 2 weeks ago. Actually, it was also my first improv show. You know what? It was awesome! I'm not really a participatory person, but the improvisers are really engaging, friendly people who made the experience comfortable and exciting. And if you just want to watch (like me), that's totally fine.
Listed in: Great Dates Alive!
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Review from j c.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2007
I went to the show last night, Dec. 15th 2007 for "Let it snow" and i can honestly say i have never felt more disappointed with a musical performance in my life. The story line lacked any coherence, the humor was lacking, and even the woman who volunteered the information in the beginning of the show seemed thoroughly bored with the show. At intermission, about 10 people left.. that is how bad it was. We felt bad leaving so we stayed for the second half. It turned out to be a nice time for me to take my night time nap.
I was really enthusiastic about watching the show after reading all the rave reviews below, but if you want to save yourself 15 dollars a person, and 2 hours of ur precious time.. DO NOT GO WATCH LET IT SNOW. WORST HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE.. OR ANY PERFORMANCE I HAVE EVER WATCHED!!!!!!!!
the only reason i gave them ONE star is because they give you complementary Whole Foods popcorn before the show. sorry guys you need to work on ur improv! -
Review from Havana H.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2009
If I could give no stars, I would. This is by far the worst "performace" I have ever seen in my life! We went to see the Bollywood show and it was just so horrible- nothing was funny about this... it was unimaginitive, boring, and contrived. I started getting angry as the show went on- how could they possibly think this is funny or even clever? I felt like a prisoner locked up in a room to be tortured by untalented, stupid geeks who think they are artists. Give me a break! I wanted to get up and leave in the middle of the show, I felt trapped and I couldn't take it!!! Needless to say, we ran out of there during intermission never to return again. These people should be jailed for the dumbass "performaces" they put on!!!
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Review from Betty O.
Oakland, CA
12/22/2007
I went with four friends to see "Let It Snow" on December 16, and was also totally blown away -- Not only did they stage a hilariously creative two-hour performance out of just a few details, but it was MY TOWN of Hector, MN! I can't stop singing "Aw Heck, the folks are nice in Hector," or thinking about Sebastian the Pig and Susan's quest to be the Pork Princess! This theater group is truly amazing -- thanks for a perfectly wonderful evening!
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Review from Ali S.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
Wanted to like it better than I did, as what they did was *really* hard and they seemed to be REALLY great people who were very much into what they were doing ... but it's tough, the execution was, I'm sad to say, lackluster :(
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Review from Amy K.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2007
Well, all right, so I'm biased too: I'm in the Un-Scripted company's current production, which is -- get this -- an improvised puppet musical. I'm used to being in improv groups, and doing longer shows with them, but I have been put through my paces with this one -- voice training, puppet training, dancing, song-style practice. I can honestly say that you will feel good about buying tickets to Un-Scripted shows. There's a hell of a work ethic and the productions are consistently great. Believe me, I've been in shows that I wouldn't recommend -- this one, I do.
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Review from Ian s.
Newberry, FL
11/30/2008
I have seen two of their shows, and this group is very impressive. Their 3-person 45 minute musical performed during the SF Improv Festival was fantastic. The Great Puppet Bollywood Extravaganza was very funny and a wonderful performance, though not as cleanly executed as the musical. The cost of their shows is a little on the high side I feel, but that is driven by the high cost of theaters. All in all, these guys have a show well worth watching.
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Review from Maeve G.
Oakland, CA
12/2/2007
I have to agree with all the other 5 star reviews! I just saw their current production "Let It Snow" and was blown away! I couldn't believe they crafted a full two hour musical with a coherent plot, synchronized dancing and songs so catchy I'm still singing them - all from a five minute brainstorming session with an audience member about the small town she grew up in. Absolutely amazing and highly recommended!
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Review from Heather G.
Berkeley, CA
3/29/2009
The best improv troupe I've ever seen. Their cadence, facial expressions, different personae, body language and props create a well-rounded experience that leaves other troupes I've seen woefully inadequate. Their talents are multi-faceted, their training excellent. And the puppets--lawd have mercy, let's not forget the puppets!
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Review from Gail M.
Santa Rosa, CA
5/4/2009
I have been going to UnScripted performances for a few years - they are always amazing, cool, funny., immensely talented. I love the "Let It Snow" productions in the winter. If you haven't seen them check it out - one of the best shows you will see!
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Review from Paul K.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2010
I've seen improv in cities across the country, and this is one of the better shows I've come across. It's different from most other shows in that there is no pre-set structure whatsoever--it's not like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" where there are discrete games and not like long-form improv where there is one storyline throughout the entire show. You're also spared the annoyance of going to an improv show and having some yahoo in the crowd yelling out "proctologist" as a suggestion every two minutes.
That being said, in any given show you will probably see a combination of games, scenes, and songs. The cast is talented and full of good singers, and you'll definitely be entertained for the evening. Check it out! -
Review from Kyrie B.
Van Nuys, CA
12/22/2009
My family and I saw the Un-Scripted show "Let it Snow" at the matinee performance on December 19, 2009. It was incredible to see these actors in action creating an improvisational musical based on information they collected from the audience at the beginning of the show. The actors were amazing and the show was fantastic from start to finish. We were laughing so hard! I brought my parents and my high school age daughter and my niece and we all had a blast! I highly recommend this group and will definitely be back to see another of their shows!!
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Review from Jonathan H.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2010
I've seen improv all over the country. Lots of funny people doing lots of funny and not so funny skits. But this is serious improvisation. Not skits, not cheap laughs. This is long form improv, the improvisation of an entire themed show, sometimes funny but more like an improvised play in all of its elements, including drama as well as comedy. Much harder to do. The improvisers here are serious long term players, some of whom have worked with the top troupes in other cities and even run them. Well worth a trip to see them.
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Review from Judith G.
Berkeley, CA
2/22/2010
I attended opening night of Un-scripted's newest show, simply called "Un-scripted: Un-scripted" with my 15 year old daughter on Thursday February 18th, at 965 Mission St. I usd to work in that very building, long before it held a small theater, and as soon as we walked in it felt familiar to two returning Un-scripted fans. The company clearly enjoy themselves and their audiences, and they are creative, fast, and funny. This show seemed not quite as strong or surprising as some of the previous Un-scripted shows we've seen in the last few years (thus four rather than five stars) but they are terrifically talented nonetheless. There was somewhat less audience suggestion guiding the improv, and this felt like a minor lack. A few of the topics the four performers worked up for us were a bit macabre; somehow a fake German accent as one of the performers affected can be quite funny in context, but a scene in a bomb shelter in what seemed to like Dresden just didn't work as merriment. Speaking of merriment, one mini criticism is that a bit more deadpan when delivering outrageous fake-macho lines on the part of the men in the cast would have worked even better than the smiles making it clear that the guys were enjoying themselves thoroughly,.
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Even with these criticisms, always an entertaining event with Un-scripted. They like their audiences as well as they like being on stage, and they treat us well. I can walk in in a rotten mood (as I did on Thursday) and leave with a smile on my face, every time. and their prices are low to boot with all kinds of further discounts available if you know how to look.
Glad you are there, Un-scripted, and I may well be back for another show in this run. The great thing about improv is that it's w new show very time, and these talented performers will probably earn their way back to five stars.
