BATS Company member since: 1993
BATS Coach since: 1997
Facebook: Laura Derry
Laura was originally a scripted actor terrified of doing improv, but took a class here at BATS back in 1991 and hasn't left the building since. Along with training at BATS Improv, Laura has a BA in Theatre Arts from UC Santa Cruz, has trained at American Conservatory Theatre through the Studio Program and is a graduate of the Summer Training Congress, plus various private instructors for acting, film, Shakespeare and improv.
Laura is an actor and improviser, performing mainly in improvised formats here at BATS and has performed with Start Trekkin', Phasers on Stun, Pacific Playback Theatre, SF Improv Co-Op, Scrapbook Theatre, How We First Met, among others. She has has done many viral videos on the internet recently (Hello, YouTube!) plus several short films including the independent film “Displacement” which she helped write and has gone around the world to many film festivals to win awards. She also does voiceover work and other creative projects involving improv and scripted acting, and has dabbled in stand up and sketch comedy.
As a coach, she teaches extensively at BATS Improv to both adults and youth/teens (check out our programs here at BATS Improv!), anywhere from beginning improv to super advanced and performance level.
Besides BATS Improv, Laura has also worked as a coach at American Conservatory Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Pixar, California Shakespeare, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Miami Ad School, Academy of Art College, the PIMPS, Peninsula Civic Light Opera, Hit and Run Theatre Company, Hillbarn Theatre, King's Court Players, Hampstead Players, Young Audiences, Special Focus, Vector Theatre Conservatory, Redwood High School, plus many elementary, middle and high schools in the area, along with private classes and coaching. As a director she has directed many formats here at BATS (Improvised Shakespeare, The Harold, The Swashbuckler Musical, Spontaneous Broadway to name a few). As a trainer, Laura has worked with BATS Improv with Barclay Global Investors, Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Google, Genentech, BioMarin plus others. She has also worked privately with groups on her own like Kaiser Permanente, Hill's Physicians, McGraw Hill, Hart Howerton, GetThere.com, LifePlays, and NetApp among others. Laura is also a professional pirate, runs her own company doing pirate themed parties and has fun firing cannons with her pirate re-enactor group. Yar!
Laura is also a testament to the power of improv – once incredibly shy, highly self-critical of her creativity and scared out of her mind by the idea of doing improv, you can now see her leaping about fearlessly on stage and creating a very safe fun space in her classes to enjoy and learn improv, which is pretty much the best thing ever.
Q & A with Laura Derry
First BATS Show: The first show I remember was at the performance space off of 16th and something; I don't remember where exactly but I remember being fierce and excited to see the show as I walked down the street and then it slowly dawned on me I was not in a great neighborhood. So I acted like I was on my way to kick someone's ass while I surreptiously looked for the theatre. It was a Theatresports show and I was sitting there in the audience, totally hooked and a huge fan of the performers and the show.
First Improv Class: My first official improv class was a Beginning BATS class, March 1991. I had done improv for my scripted acting, but had a horrible experience in high school that swore me off of improv forever. So I was scared out of my mind when I walked in the door for my first improv class. The first people I met when I walked in the room were Rebecca Stockley, the teacher, and Gerri Lawlor, a fellow student.
Favorite Formats: I love Long-form and short form (Theatresports, Director's Cut). I love singing and Shakespeare and the Harold. I love just about all the formats we do.
Funniest Moment on the BATS Stage: There have been so many moments! I get to play with the most fun people the in world - usually in every show something happens that is completely delightful.
Improv Advice: I do my best when I relax and allow myself to make a lot of mistakes. I do my worst when I try to be good - I freeze up, judge myself, become hesitant. By allowing myself to make mistakes, I feel fearless and confident, able to do anything. I do my best to be fun to play with, and take care of my partners. Basically all the things you learn when you start out doing improv.
Favorite Movies: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, Master and Commander, 5th Element, Shakespeare in Love, The Princess Bride, The Man from Snowy River and many others.
Favorite Music: I love to dance, I love to sing, so most music makes me happy, especially dance music and electronica. My iPod is packed full of wonderful music of all kinds.
Favorite Theatre: Angels in America, Burn This, Waiting for Godot, The Music Man.