Foundation Level Classes
Questions? Contact us at (415) 474-6776 or registrar@improv.org
All our new students will begin here, whether they're interested in becoming improv performers or just want to enjoy learning the skills used in improvisation.
We offer wait lists for sold out classes in the event of a student cancellation, so email us to be added (please include your contact information and the name/course # of your preferred class.)
Need-based Scholarships
BATS Improv offers a limited number of need-based scholarships on a recurring basis. Applicants must submit a copy of their most recent tax return along with a one-page letter explaining how this course will make a constructive difference in their lives. Letters on behalf of student-age applicants may be written by parents or guardians. Scholarship aid covers 50%–100% of the total cost of the course. Each qualified student is allowed a maximum of two scholarships per 12-month period. Materials should be emailed to registrar@improv.org.
Foundation 1 Classes
A fun introduction to the joys and thrills of improvisation and the BATS Improv style. No prior experience necessary! Students are introduced to the basics of improv through games and exercises in a safe, friendly atmosphere. Concepts include spontaneity, listening, storytelling, status, and making one’s partner look good.
Prerequisite: None
Six-week series / 16 student maximum / Tuition: $299
Upcoming Foundation 1 Classes:
Foundation 1 with
Lisa Rowland | 9/11/2010 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with
Barbara Scott | 9/23/2010 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 in Palo Alto with
Regina Saisi | 10/5/2010 7:00 PM | Cubberley Community Center
Foundation 1 with
Zoe Galvez | 10/6/2010 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with
Barbara Scott | 10/16/2010 2:30 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 2 Classes
Continue the exploration of improvisation while refining improv knowledge and skills in this six-week course. At the conclusion of Foundation 2, students can choose to pursue a performance track and move into our Studio classes, or explore our "Just for Fun" classes.
Prerequisite: Foundation 1
Six-week series / 14 student maximum / Tuition: $299
Upcoming Foundation 2 Classes:
Foundation 2 with
Dave Dennison | 9/12/2010 2:30 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 2 with
Chris Sams | 9/27/2010 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 2 with
Laura Derry | 10/23/2010 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Improv Off-Stage Classes
Improv has wide relevance and we embrace all of the ways that it can be applied to life—both personal and professional. Improv Off-Stage courses may include classes for shy people, or for singles, caregivers, teachers or facilitators. In fact, if you have your own idea for a workshop concentration, be sure to let us know and we may just put it on the schedule! Tuition varies by class type and duration.
Prerequisite: None
Duration and tuition vary by class / 16 student maximum
Upcoming Improv Off-Stage Classes:
Off-Stage: Improv For Business with
Chris Sams | 10/12/2010 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation Specialty Classes
Foundation Specialty classes are designed to give our Foundation students more opportunities to play and have fun while broadening their improv knowledge. Classes range from one to four weeks and will explore a particular improv skill i.e. status, games, genre, narrative, or spontaneity. Foundation Specialties are open to anyone who has completed Foundation 2, and are a great place to explore more facets of improv before entering our performance-track Studio Level.
Prerequisite: Foundation 1 and 2
Duration and tuition vary by class / 15 student maximum
Upcoming Foundation Specialty Classes:
Intro to Improv with
John Remak | 9/12/2010 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Fitzmaurice Voicework for Improv | 9/19/2010 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 3 Classes
This six-session workshop is designed to help improvisers work on specific skill development through scene work.
The focus in Foundation 3 is on continuing study of scene work, ensemble, character, acting, and other advanced improv skills. The smaller class size gives students more opportunity to work in class and gives coaches a chance to provide more detailed evaluation and feedback. Since the there is a focus on your individual work, Foundation 3 is a great tune-up class for students of all levels and can be taken multiple times.
The final class will include a 10-minute one-on-one session with the coach to review progress, make note of specific areas to work on, and to make recommendations for student's progression.
At the end of Foundation 3, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best for them - repeating Foundation 3 or moving to Studio Scenework, a more performance-oriented scene study class.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2
Six-week series / 12 student maximum / Tuition: $299
Upcoming Foundation 3 Classes:
Foundation 3 with
John Remak | 9/8/2010 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater