In 1995, Michael Burns rented the back room of a karate studio in Saratoga County and launched an improv group which in short order became The Mop & Bucket Company. The company has been the Capital Region’s source for improvisational theatre for over 30 years (albeit with an unfortunate interruption or two along the way.) 

In 2006, Burns joined forces with Kat Koppett, who had just moved to the area from San Francisco, where she directed the education program for Bay Area Theatresports (BATS.) For a number of years, the company performed at various venues, including Steamer No. 10, Caffe Lena, schools, libraries, bars, and coffee shops. For nine years Mopco was the improv company in residence at Proctors.

In October 2016, Burns and Koppett, who by now were not only professional partners but also married, purchased and renovated a  derelict firehouse in Schenectady NY. The small black box theater they created now offers a full roster of classes, regular Friday and Saturday shows, and occasional special events. Since opening, Mopco has hosted guest artists from all over the world.

The theatre is also the active HQ for Koppett, an organizational development consultancy and world-renowned leader in applied improv. (koppett.com).  In addition to The Mop & Bucket Co., several other improv groups rehearse and perform at the Mopco, and on occasion, an eclectic assortment of artists perform one-off shows there.