Innovative improv educates, entertains

Nestled near the corner of Post and Garland streets hides a secret that Spokane does not easily divulge. Opposite the grand old Garland Theater sits another, slightly different, theater: smaller in size, but more freeform in subject matter.

Established in 1996, the Blue Door Theatre has established itself with a distinct mission. The goal of this small nonprofit is to take the beauty, drama and overall enjoyment of improvisation in all its forms and share it with all of Spokane.

The Blue Door Theatre began in 1996 as Unexpected Productions: Spokane, an appendage of a troupe based out of Seattle. According to Anne Johnston, President of the Board and Business Operations Director, the troupe here in Spokane began because of the lack of improvisation groups outside of colleges.

"Obviously there's improv at Gonzaga and Whitworth," Johnston said. "But the performers at the Blue Door want to do improv as an adult." 

The group of people associated with this improvisation troupe also goes well beyond the simple realm of the improv artist.

Not only does the troupe maintain approximately 13 players at any given time. They also have several apprentices — performers still learning the art of improvisation — as well as numerous volunteers dedicated to technical support, ticket sales and the general financial stability required of a nonprofit organization. All are  dedicated to the goal of helping Spokane discover its improvised soul.

Johnston says the theater is here to help the city, "through innovative entertainment and education." She revealed that, when it comes to improv, "you may not be good at it, but everyone can try it." 

To that end, the theatre offers classes for all ages, ranging from elementary-age novices to experienced adults.

The theatre also puts on performances every Friday at 8 p.m. and every Saturday at 9 p.m. While Fridays are designed for a younger audience, helping to fulfill the Blue Door's mission to bring improv to all, Saturday night is slightly more mature.
"We get a little naughty," Johnston said.

They are open all year around are the only theatre in Spokane to remain open throughout the summer.

"We're cheaper than a movie!" Johnston said. "We would love to be popular enough to perform on Wednesday and Thursday," she said, but realizing the nonprofit status of the company and the volunteer status of the Blue Door crew make that nearly impossible.
 Johnston said of the unpaid crew, "We all have day jobs."

Of the money acquired by the theatre, 100 percent is channeled back into the theatre for the maintenance of the program.

"We're pretty unique in that we are all truly volunteers," Johnston said.

Thus, the support they have received from the community is necessary for their survival. Most of their income is acquired from ticket sales; the rest is from fees for their classes and charges for private performances. It is extremely necessary, however, that the theatre have the support of the local population.

Johnston says to come, "laugh at us being fools!" 

The Blue Door Theatre is a hidden gem in Eastern Washington, the only theatre of its kind in Spokane. In the region, it is the only improv company outside of a collegiate setting.
Moreover, it is nonprofit. All its members are volunteers, doing what they do because they love it and believe in it. The only way they can survive and flourish is with the support of the community around them.

"That we're as successful as we are is a testament to Spokane supporting us," Johnston said.

Help support the only improv theatre in Spokane. Go to a show or sign up for a class. After all, as the Blue Door Theatre says, "improv is for everyone."

For more information on the Blue Door Theatre, including show schedules and class sign-ups, go to www.bluedoortheatre.com.