Planning to Improvise: How Britney Barber is Building an Improv Scene in Everett

Britney Barber has been putting on improv shows in Everett since 2013. I first met Barber a couple years ago through a chance encounter when I commented on a “WHATEVERETT” bumper sticker/magnet she had on her car.

She excitedly ripped the magnet off her car and insisted I take it. “I make them myself,” she excitedly exclaimed.

I quickly learned Barber is a ball of energy who has mastered the art of living spontaneously — perfect traits for a professional improv comedian.

Barber welcoming an audience member to the stage // Garret Hunt

An 18 year improv veteran, Barber got her start in Philadelphia. “It’s basically the only thing I’m good at. Making things up that don’t exist,” Barber confessed with a half chuckle.

“Even though I’m a transplant, I love Everett,” Barber said, brimming with local pride. “Why not have everything here in Everett? Why should you have to go to Seattle for live entertainment?”

Barber had already been doing professional improv in Seattle when she bought a house in Everett in 2013. After getting settled in Mill Town, Barber set her mind to creating an improv scene in Everett.

She started holding monthly shows at Cafe Zippy after a spontaneous encounter with the cafe’s owner. For five years Barber has been holding a show at Cafe Zippy on the third Saturday of every month. The show is all ages, family friendly and free.

“I’m literally just there to give local residents free entertainment,” Barber said. The cafe also has food and drinks to enjoy during the show.

Barber (left) with the Exit 192 Improv Group at the Historic Everett Theater // Garret Hunt

Barber also does a monthly show at the Historic Everett Theater under the name “Exit 192 Improv.” It’s a much larger production with lights, sound and a huge cast. A totally different vibe than the Cafe Zippy show. “It gets a little naughty,” Barber warned.

I attended a recent Exit 192 Improv show to get a first hand look. It did indeed get a little naughty at some points.

Other parts of the show just got weird.

As naughty and odd as the show may have been, though, there were a lot of genuinely funny moments. It was a refreshingly fun experience to enjoy some live entertainment in downtown Everett for a reasonable price (about $15).

In classic improv form, all the suggestions came straight from the audience, and a few audience members even made it on stage.

The Exit 192 Improv group is the name, but the cast is actually different every time. Barber pulls from the entire Puget Sound region to bring in different comedians for each show.

This also keeps the shows fresh, which is one of the things Barber loves about improv. “That’s what’s great about improv. You literally never know what you’re going to see or get. And that’s fun,” Barber said.

Some of the Exit 192 Improv actors doing their best T-rex impressions // Garret Hunt

Barber hopes more locals will be willing to try something new and check out some of her shows rather than settling for the same old dinner and a movie routine.

Her favorite improv game? Simply taking suggestions from the audience. Barber is a true fan of spontaneity.

What’s in store for the future?

“Sustaining,” Barber said. The Cafe Zippy show has been growing for five years with no marketing. Her initial audience for the cafe shows was her wife. That’s it.

Now the shows audience has organically grown and is attracting 25-30 people each show. She hopes to keep things going and is also interested in finding more local performers for her shows.

Barber strikes a pose during a scene with the Exit 192 Improv Group // Garret Hunt

Interested in learning improv? Barber teaches regularly in Seattle and is looking to teach more locals. She’d love to get more Everettites involved with her shows. Drop her a line: EverettImprov@gmail.com

“I just love this town and I love being proud of this town and spreading the Everett love.”

Catch one of Britney’s shows

Cafe Zippy
7pm // Free // All ages
3rd Saturday of EaCH month

Exit 192 impRov Comedy
Oct. 18th show:Get tickets
Nov. 9th show: Get Tickets
Dec. 28th Show: Get tickets

Garret is a licensed Realtor with Lamoureux Real Estate, although he doesn't sell much anymore. He now focuses full time on running Live in Everett and telling bad Dad jokes (oxymoron intended).

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