VenueTraining Centre

Unscrewed Theater

Founded2002
LocationTucson, AZ
WebsiteVisit site

Unscrewed Theater is a Tucson, Arizona nonprofit improv venue that traces its origins to a short-form troupe called Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed, founded in May 2002 by Donnie Cianciotto as Tucson's original professional short-form improv group. The company opened its first dedicated physical theatre on January 30, 2014, at 3244 East Speedway Boulevard, becoming Tucson's first venue devoted exclusively to improv comedy. In 2018 the theatre relocated to 4500 East Speedway Boulevard, where it continues to run weekly performances and open-enrollment improv classes.

History

Founding Troupe (2002)

Donnie Cianciotto founded Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed in May 2002 after relocating to Arizona, establishing Tucson's original professional short-form improv group. The ensemble performed throughout the city without a permanent home for more than a decade.

Dedicated Theatre Opens (2014)

On January 30, 2014, the company incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and opened its first dedicated performance space at 3244 East Speedway Boulevard at the Speedway and Country Club intersection, becoming Tucson's first theatre devoted exclusively to improv comedy.

Relocation (2018)

In April 2018 Unscrewed Theater relocated to 4500 East Speedway Boulevard in the Midway Office Park, a purpose-built space the company described as its forever home. The new venue seats approximately one hundred people. The theatre celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2019.

Ongoing Operations

Unscrewed Theater operates as an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, presenting Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. The company offers eight-week open-enrollment improv classes at all levels, each culminating in a public showcase. Space rental proceeds fund class scholarships. The organization is a member of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Artistic Identity

Unscrewed Theater presents short-form improv and variety programming as a nonprofit volunteer organization, with a family-friendly show and adult After Dark and Uncensored formats. Its class program is open to all experience levels, and scholarship funding built into the venue's rental model reflects a community-access commitment.

Key Events

Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed Troupe Founded in Tucson

Donnie Cianciotto founded Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed in May 2002, Tucson's first professional short-form improv group, which later became Unscrewed Theater.

Unscrewed Theater Opens Tucson's First Dedicated Improv Venue

Unscrewed Theater opened its first dedicated performance space at 3244 East Speedway Boulevard on January 30, 2014, becoming Tucson's first theatre devoted exclusively to improv comedy.

How to Reference This Page

APA

The Improv Archive. (2026). Unscrewed Theater. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/unscrewed-theater

Chicago

The Improv Archive. "Unscrewed Theater." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/unscrewed-theater.

MLA

The Improv Archive. "Unscrewed Theater." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/unscrewed-theater. Accessed March 17, 2026.

The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.