The Unified Scene Theater

03/14/2020

In case you were wondering: we’ve been closed since July, 2019, and even then, big crowds were never really an issue for us. So, yeah, that’s our policy.

Also: pay your troupes/performers, improv theaters.

07/31/2019

Today is the final day of operations at . As we announced last month, we, the co-founders and co-owners of the theater, are relocating to Portland, Oregon.
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We opened four years ago this month. A journey that found us building a brick-and-mortar space for performers to learn and perform improv, and audiences a place to discover it.
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It was hard work -- a lot of sweat and sleepless nights. But shuttering it today is even harder -- because of you and what you gave us in return.
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We’re grateful to every one of you: students, performers, theater-goers, the community of friends and family who were patient with us as we pursued this; we’re grateful to our neighborhood (we love you, Bloomindgale!), our city, and, finally, the talented improv scene here in DC that supported us. Thank you, all of you.
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Some final thoughts:
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Stay Positive: The name for our theater is from the lyrics of a song, “Sweet Payne,” written by Craig Finn, frontman for the band The Hold Steady: “I always dreamed of a unified scene.” Finn was lamenting how fractured the local music scene was in Minneapolis, the band’s home. But Finn could have been writing about any artistic scene, anywhere, from music, art, and performance, to theater and comedy. Not only did we dream of a unified scene, we made that dream a reality. All of us, together. So: hold steady. Unify the scene. And, above all, Stay Positive.
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Love,
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Shawn Westfall, co-founder & Artistic Director, The Unified Scene Theater
Kathy Baird Westfall, co-founder & Executive Director, The Unified Scene Theater
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The Unified Scene Theater
80 T Street NW, Bloomingdale
(August 2015 - August 2019)
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@ The Unified Scene Theater

07/31/2019

Today is the final day of operations at The Unified Scene Theater. As we announced last month, we, the co-founders and co-owners of the theater, are relocating to Portland, Oregon.

We opened four years ago this month. A journey that found us building a brick-and-mortar space for performers to learn and perform improv, and audiences a place to discover it.

It was hard work -- a lot of sweat and sleepless nights. But shuttering it today is even harder -- because of you and what you gave us in return.

We’re grateful to every one of you: students, performers, theater-goers, the community of friends and family who were patient with us as we pursued this; we’re grateful to our neighborhood (we love you, Bloomingdale!), our city, and, finally, the talented improv scene here in DC that supported us. Thank you, all of you.

Some final thoughts:

Yes, And...: It’s the first rule of improv: be present. Accept the context and information you’re given. Then add more. It’s how we build scenes, worlds, shows, and lives. We think it’s a great way to live your life: accept the good that you might find in your life, world, or community, and then add to that. You’ll be rewarded in ways you never anticipated. Trust us.

The Ten Principles: We, the co-founders, first went to the Burning Man festival nine years ago. It changed our lives, showing us how to live more intentionally and fearlessly. Ten principles, written by Burning Man founder, the late Larry Harvey, guide the festival, “not as a dictate of how people should be and act, but as a reflection of the community’s ethos and culture.” We think they lend themselves well to improv, and, yeah, life. Google "Ten Principles Burning Man" and you'll find them.

Stay Positive: The name for our theater is from the lyrics of a song, “Sweet Payne,” written by Craig Finn, frontman for the band The Hold Steady: “I always dreamed of a unified scene.” Finn was lamenting how fractured the local music scene was in Minneapolis, the band’s home. But Finn could have been writing about any artistic scene, anywhere, from music, art, and performance, to theater and comedy. Not only did we dream of a unified scene, we made that dream a reality. All of us, together. So: hold steady. Unify the scene. And, above all, Stay Positive.

Love,

Shawn Westfall, co-founder & Artistic Director, The Unified Scene Theater
Kathy Baird Westfall, co-founder & Executive Director, The Unified Scene Theater

The Unified Scene Theater
80 T Street NW, Bloomingdale
(August 2015 - August 2019)

07/31/2019

Our latest email blast from The Unified Scene Theater: shows, classes, workshops, general weirdness! Our So-Long Email

07/26/2019

Why did you never see a cool sidewalk chalkboard with fun, kitschy sayings inscribed on them? We don't know, either. We bought one, but literally never ended up using it. So we're selling it. Seriously, a new, never used complete sidewalk chalkboard starter-kit (board, 2 pkgs of liquid chalk, cleaner) for $100 (all together these would retail on Amazon for about $156. Ideal for kids, businesses, artists. Message us....

07/25/2019

This Saturday. It's on. Let's party one last time.

http://j.mp/2JrcRYZ

07/23/2019

What are you wearing to our last ever show on Saturday? It could be a Unified Scene Theater t-shirt. Pick one up for $10 at the theatre, or $15 online (includes $5 shipping).

http://j.mp/2XsmqAH

07/17/2019

Our latest email blast from The Unified Scene Theater: shows, classes, workshops, general weirdness! July 17th

Our monthly (and free!) Rep Stage show is Thursday night! Two shows this weekend, including an improvised musical show and all-female troupe The Quitters. Our monthly free workshop will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28th. And spaces are limited in our currently registering classes. Read on...

07/17/2019

Own A Piece of DC Comedy History!

We're closing, since we're moving to Portland. Our t-shirts are also on-sale to move! Everything Must Go! They're in-theatre for $10, and if you'd like us to mail 'em to you, they're $15!

$20 price includes shipping. The tee is $15 with a fiver added for shipping. Pick it up at a show for only $15.

07/17/2019

Our last class graduation show at (Sniff...sad emoji...all the things)

07/16/2019

In just a few days, we've got our ShawnMikael[s] two-night-stand. Do you have your tickets yet? We can't wait to see you.

http://j.mp/2XpneX4