Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Launches New Unscripted Voyages Improv Series with Blue Whales Blue Skies
November 7 event kicks off a new after-hours series blending live improv, ocean-inspired storytelling, and audience participation
SBMM in partnership with Blue Whales Blue Skies, invites the community to the inaugural evening of Unscripted Voyages, a new after-hours improv series bringing spontaneous comedy, ocean-inspired storytelling, science, and audience participation to the Santa Barbara waterfront.
The series launches on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., with future Unscripted Voyages performances planned as part of SBMM’s growing lineup of creative after-hours programming.
With no script and no predetermined path, performers will create scenes, characters, and stories entirely in the moment, drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, maritime themes, and stories connected to the ocean.
A journey into the unpredictable. No maps. No rules. Just go with the current.
Unscripted Voyages builds on the IMPROVology format developed by SBMM Executive Director Dean Noble during his time at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The family-friendly series brought scientists and professional improvisers together live on stage, transforming stories about wildlife, science, and conservation into spontaneous comedy. IMPROVology played to capacity crowds at the Santa Barbara Zoo and expanded to performances at the Lobero Theatre, UC Santa Barbara, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, with excerpts also airing on KCLU Public Radio.
“IMPROVology was very popular, but the stories we are able to tell at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum may take the format to new levels,” said Noble. “The ocean gives us an incredible range of stories to explore—from wildlife and science to maritime history, conservation, and the people whose lives are connected to the sea. With improv, we never know exactly where those stories will take us.”
At Unscripted Voyages, that spirit of spontaneity comes to the waterfront. Ocean stories, maritime themes, science, and audience suggestions will provide the inspiration, while the performers determine where the voyage goes next. Because every show is created live, no two Unscripted Voyages evenings will ever be the same.
The series is presented in collaboration with Blue Whales Blue Skies, bringing an added connection to the Santa Barbara Channel and the marine environment surrounding the museum. The program works to support healthier oceans, safer waters for whales, and cleaner coastal air while bringing together science, conservation, maritime interests, and the community.
“Unscripted Voyages is a chance to experience the museum in a completely different way,” Noble added. “It brings together creativity, community, humor, science, and our connection to the ocean—and gives people a new reason to come to SBMM after hours.”
The November 7 performance marks the beginning of the Unscripted Voyages series, with additional performances, themes, and participants to be announced.
Event Details
Unscripted Voyages at SBMM with Blue Whales Blue Skies
Saturday, November 7, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara
Tickets:
$10 SBMM Members
$8 Children
$15 General Public
Come prepared to offer a suggestion, expect the unexpected, and see where the current takes you.
About Blue Whales Blue Skies
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction program working to reduce the environmental impacts of commercial shipping in areas where whales, coastal communities, and commerce intersect. The program encourages participating vessels to travel at 10 knots or less within designated zones, helping reduce the risk of fatal whale strikes, underwater noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution. By bringing together shipping companies, conservation partners, researchers, businesses, and communities, BWBS advances responsible shipping practices that support safer whales, cleaner air, and a quieter ocean. Learn more at bluewhalesblueskies.org.
About the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Founded in 2000, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) connects people to the rich maritime history, culture, science, and environment of the Santa Barbara Channel. Through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community experiences, SBMM inspires curiosity, fosters ocean stewardship, and deepens understanding of the region’s enduring relationship with the sea. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, SBMM has also been recognized by Marina Life Magazine as one of the top 10 maritime museums in the United States. Learn more at sbmm.org.
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