Three years ago today I got cast into the ensemble at Unexpected Productions—America’s oldest Theatersports company. A few months before, Dave Clapper had pitched the idea of doing a tribute show to honor Kevin. I never got to say goodbye to Kevin. He died during the pandemic. No memorial. No drunken wake at a pub with all of his friends. I not only loved Dave’s idea, my soul needed it. Dave wanted to ask Tony Beeman to be our guest “Kevin.” the idea was, if we continued on, we would find other friends of Kevin to play with us. I introduced us, and then, speaking to an audience that most likely did not know who Kevin was, I listened to me finally get the chance to say something about who Kevin was. And how much he loved the Seattle improv community.

Then we started the set, and Tony, who I don’t believe I had ever played with, just clicked into place. The spark was there, and the fire was set. It was an amazing show to do. SPOILER ALERT: We didn’t want to lose Tony, so we asked him to join, and we still have our “Guest Kevin”. There was an intermission, and after that, we did a Harold with some of the ensemble members. And that became a wonderful romp. After, as we greeted the audience, a small but very sparkly human came up to me and said, “Hi Alan! I’m Jill Farris the Artistic Director here! I don’t know if you know this… But we have auditions coming up.”

Look, I’ve been an actor for 40 years now. I know what I know, and if an AD talks about an audition, that means they really want to see you there. And you should be there.

Obviously, by the first sentence in this story. I got in. This is the time in the pandemic when we started peeking out of our windows to see if it was safe to come out. They were still rehearsing Zoom. My wife was unsure about me joining the company just because of how many people I would be exposed to during a night at the theater. And of course, I got COVID in the first four months I was there…. I stayed the path. I didn’t know much about Unexpected Productions besides the occasional Duo I would do with Kevin, Dave, or Kiehl Smit. It’s embarrassing to admit that I had never even seen their mainstage show before getting cast. I soon discovered how amazing this company is. And all of the people who support the theater and each other. I’ve made such amazing friends. Played with some of the finest actors a guy could ever play with. And most importantly, I’ve had fun. I’ve let go and played.

When my mom died, I was right in the middle of the Hogan Cup. A high school improv league. I was their coach for a tournament of high schools. Working for Josh Butchart and his amazing students. They got me through a very tough time, and I will forever be grateful for the Hogan Cup.

My dream of regularly doing Shakespeare workshops came true. Not only that, but with the help of my students, we have expanded my workshop into three workshops. Totaling 12 hours of workshop time and two performances. It is a dream come true for me.

I’m writing my next book about the subject.

This company has changed my life. They are all amazing people, and I couldn’t be more in awe of the family they have created. I’m glad Dave wanted to do that show.

I’m glad I said yes.

(actual picture from that night)

Photo credit – Bill Grinnell Photos