during a rehearsal sequence. “The Morris” is long-form improvisation based on personal monologues followed by scene development. It was named after Saved By the Bell character Zack Morris, who would often engage the audience with monologues both before and during scenes, in a way that was similar to the use of monologues in “The Morris”. Eventually, the form became three individuals delivering short, personal, extemporaneous opening monologues based on an audience suggestion. These monologues give inspiration to a series of improvised scenes in a montage-style format. Growth and current status Within months, Unexpected Company became notable in the local community and media, with full coverage in The Providence Journal and the Providence Phoenix that summer. The group grew rapidly in size, and began performing more frequently with weekly shows at 7:17 PM at the Warwick Museum of Art, as well as sets at the Firehouse Theatre in Newport and the now-defunct Castle Theatre in Providence. After nine months, the rapid growth of the company, resultant change in performance direction, and company disapproval of Hillman's investment of company money on sound and technical equipment, and his desire to be paid as artistic director. This action led Hillman to depart from the group. After Hillman's departure, the company continued their 7:17 performances at the Warwick Museum of Art, and began appearing internationally at festivals and shows such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, the Philadelphia Improv Festival, the Del Close Marathon in New York City, the Toronto International Improv Festival, and the Miami Improv Festival, to name a few. In 2004, Unexpected Company collaborated with two area improv groups at the time, Improv Jones and Speed of Thought Players, to comprise the first annual Providence Improv Festival, an event that has grown exponentially in subsequent years. . As the group has grown, it has been acclaimed as “Best Comedy Troupe” by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine, “A breath of fresh air” by The Providence Phoenix, and “Hilarious“ by Motif The group is currently on indefinite hiatus while members pursue other projects. Los Angeles Original Cast April Winchell Conan O'Brien Lisa Kudrow Tim Hillman Sewanee, TN Cast Whitney Able Joe Petrilla RI Original Cast Official alumni Justin James Lang Greg DeSantis Brian Perry Frank Fusaro<br/ > Matthew Archambault Zack Geoffroy Marialaina Abbene Jordan Eastwood Eric Harrington Victoria Gilette Tom Gleadow Steven Harelick Tim Hillman Rich Madison Nick Mendillo Dan Mills Tom Reedy Brandon