WHAT’S PLAYING
We create lively theatre together.
You probably think that Improv is comedy, right? Well, our shows are often funny. Our goal is also to make them dramatic, sweet, tragic, adventurous and truthful. We’re inspired to tell stories in the moment in the styles that we love; whether it’s a RomCom or a Kung Fu movie, a Film Noir or a Broadway Musical.
And we want you to cheer when the villain is defeated, gasp when the detective is double crossed and say “Awwww” when the lovers finally get back together. You may forget (or not even believe) that we’re making it up on the spot. That’s what we’ve been doing since 1986.
NOW PLAYING
** PLEASE NOTE: NO PERFORMANCE ON JANUARY 4 **
JAN
Plot Twist: We Start a Story. Then We Set It On Fire!
Saturdays
JAN 11 JAN 18 JAN 25
JAN
SKETCHFEST // Guilty Pleasures: An Improvised Soap Opera
One night only, Wednesday, at Eclectic Box Theatre!
JAN 29
FAQ
What is “improvised theatre” anyway?
Simply put, improvised theatre is theatre that’s created on the spot without a script.
What is BATS-style improv?
The BATS style of improvised theatre is unique in the improv landscape — a one-of-a-kind blend of theatre, comedy, and acting that’s quite different from stand-up or sketch. We pioneered this form of theatre more than 30 years ago, and it continues to evolve as we do.
The BATS style of improv has been described as radical cooperation in action. Our ensemble of actors seamlessly works together to create a rich, theatrical world inhabited by truthfully acted, well-developed characters. The result is a unique and thrilling theatre experience that stands toe-to-toe with scripted work. The collaborative imagination can go places the solitary imagination cannot.
At BATS Improv, we’re all about the story, not jokes. We don’t have stock characters or established bits. Instead, we aim to create theatre that tells a story collaboratively and spontaneously. You may find yourself touched enough to cry. More likely, you’ll laugh until you cry. Everything you see at BATS is created on the spot and in the moment. It’s real. It’s funny. It’s theatre.
What is “shortform” improv?
What is “longform” improv?
Our longform shows are full-length, narrative, genre-driven stories based on audience suggestions. We present our longform shows in a variety of genres and styles throughout the year. In our longform shows, our actors generally get several suggestions at the beginning of the show and use those suggestions as their inspiration in creating a single story that unfolds like a play or a film. BATS longform shows are an exhilarating and impressive form of improvised theatre created and developed by our own Main Stage Company actors.
What is Theatresports? What is the Harold? What is . . . ?
We use many different shortform and longform formats throughout the year as the structure for the games and stories we create. Some involve rules and mechanisms to help us unlock greater creativity; others are more genre, or theme, driven. And many were developed here at BATS by our own company members!
What are the boring legal details?
BATS Policies:
- All sales are final. Sorry no refunds.
- Seniors are ages 62 and up.
- Youth are ages 18 and under.
- Parental guidance: Improv can be unpredictable! While most BATS performances are suitable for teens and some adventurous middle-schoolers, we recommend considering what other entertainment your child enjoys. We provide general show descriptions—like rom-com, comedy, or drama—and will flag any content that may include violence, such as in “Improvised Kung Fu.” Ultimately, we trust parents to use their judgment in deciding what’s appropriate for their child.