Urban Yeti Improv

Founding (2013)

John Hanus and Mallory Hanus founded Urban Yeti Improv in 2013 in Anchorage, drawing on their experience with Scared Scriptless and their improv training at Washington State University with Nuthouse Improv. The company entered its second season in 2014.

Alaska Long-Form Pioneer

Urban Yeti Improv was described by Alaska Public Media as the pioneer of long-form improv in Alaska, distinguishing its work from the short-form tradition of the state's longer-established troupe Scared Scriptless. The company performs at venues across Anchorage and at festivals statewide, described as elusive and appearing in unexpected locations.

Urban Yeti Improv brings long-form improv to Anchorage through a touring model that performs at venues and festivals across Alaska rather than from a permanent space, distinguished from the state's short-form tradition by its emphasis on extended scene and narrative work.

Urban Yeti's first season, titled Frigid Affair, launched in 2013 with monthly shows at the Alaska Experience Theater on the first Saturday of each month. The second season, Debauchery, followed in 2014 with a continuing monthly format. The company rotates its show format seasonally to challenge performers and offer audiences new experiences, blending both long-form and short-form improvisation.

Urban Yeti Improv established itself as a pioneer of long-form improv in Alaska. Co-founders John and Mallory Hanus had previously performed with Scared Scriptless, Anchorage's other active improv group, before launching their own company to expand the city's options. The group's ensemble, which included performers John Parsi (a former Supreme Court law clerk), Erik Dahl, MaryJo Mrochinski, and Aneliese Palmer, demonstrated that improv could attract dedicated performers from diverse professional backgrounds in a small market.