SCHOOL

School of Improv

Learn from the longest running improv school on the west coast (maybe the planet)

Every week or so, a new class starts at BATS. A group of 8 to 16 adults from a variety of backgrounds, ages and occupations enter their first improv class, nervous, excited, curious and in the beautiful, vulnerable state of “Beginner”. Their coach – we have some of the most experienced and inspiring improv coaches in the world – takes them through games and exercises and introduces them to the transformative improv principles that guide our play.

There’s lots of laughter followed by epiphanies, more laughter, “Aha!” moments and yet more laughter. In the following weeks students look forward to class as the best part of their day or week. By the time the class is over, the group of strangers who walked into the first class has bonded in their shared journey of vulnerability and laughter.

Learn more about our BATS Coaches here!

Have more questions about the BATS School, classes, or improv in general? Meet with our Head of School, Stephanie Dennison, during her office hours! Thursdays 2-4pm on Zoom at this link.

~Note: No office hours Thursday March 20th.~

Intro to Improv

If you’ve ever been intrigued by improv, this one-time, fun introduction to improv is just for you! In this 3-hour workshop you’ll learn the basics of improvised theatre – spontaneity, playfulness, creativity, listening, storytelling, and more.

Foundational Series Classes

Meet your new community

Foundational Series – Learn the skills of our style of improv.

At BATS, we approach improv as a lifelong learning opportunity. Our Foundational Series curriculum will teach you the various skills and principles and get you playing in our style. Whether you’re interested in learning how to perform without a script or are just looking for a fun new thing to try, we have the class for you!

Foundation 1 – Mindset & Skillset

Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv.

Foundation 2 – Movement & Story

Foundation 2 moves further down the path to fully improvised scenes and stories by putting the mindsets from Foundation 1 into a scene structure while staying present physically in the moment and with your partner.

Prerequisite: F1 or equivalent experience required.

In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Foundation 3 – Character & Relationship

Foundation 3 is a deep dive into a vital ingredient of successful scenes: strong, colorful, and committed characters.

Prerequisite: F2 or equivalent experience required. In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Foundation 4 – Scenework & Acting Skills

“Building on the improv foundational skills learned in F1-F3, now the improvisers will learn scene structure and acting skills that will help them create story on the spot.

Prerequisite: F3 or equivalent experience required.

In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.”

Foundation 5 – Narrative

Foundation 5 uses all skills in F1-4 to build longer, sustained stories in rich varied worlds which come alive as you create them with your improv partners.

Prerequisite: F4 or equivalent experience required. In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Foundation 6 – Performance

The focus in Foundation 6 is performance skills culminating in a showcase for invited audiences.

Prerequisite: F5 or equivalent experience required. In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Foundation 6 with John Remak at Ft. Mason starts Thurs, April 10, 2025

Specialty

Specialty classes give you more opportunities to play and have fun while deepening your improv knowledge.

Some Specialty and Weekend Intensives require prerequisites or experience required.

In order to sign up for the classes that require prerequisites please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Performance Labs

The performance labs are designed to provide advanced improvisers with ongoing training in core performance techniques taught through the lens of short-form and a variety of narrative long-form styles and genres. Working with a coach, a group of experienced improvisers develops an ensemble, rehearses together, and performs multiple shows for an audience.

Prerequisite: F6 or equivalent experience required. In order to sign up for the class please email bats@improv.org to confirm eligibility and for the sign up link.

Noir Performance Lab with Brian Lohmann at Ft. Mason, starts Thurs, May 22, 2025

Jams

Improv Jams are drop-in times on Sunday afternoons for students to come play. The focus is on fun, growth, and connection. Bring a friend and meet new ones!

Youth

Youth improvisors will create stories, learn to be part of an ensemble, and have fun! All classes are at Ft. Mason Center and culminate in a showcase for family and friends.

Private Group Classes

Are you an improviser with improviser friends (lucky you!) who want a class tailored to your cohort? Private group classes are for you! Start by assembling your squad of players and choose one of BATS’ fantastic coaches. You’ll collaborate with the coach to determine the type of class you want— practicing a specific genre or skill, an ongoing workshop or weekend intensive; the shape and content of your class is up to you! You’ll work with BATS to decide the times and dates. Your group may even decide to perform and the coach will assist you in planning and rehearsing your show(s). So far, we’ve had students studying everything from Screwball Comedy and Farce to Family Drama and a format they created themselves; what will your group do? Cost: $225/hr per group (group maximum: 16 students). To get started, email the BATS Head of School, Stephanie, at stephanie@improv.org. For a teambuilding workshop for your work team, check out BATS @Work here.