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Foundation Level Classes

Questions? Contact us at (415) 474-6776 or registrar@improv.org

This is the place to start for almost all new students, whether they're interested in becoming improv performers or just want to enjoy learning the skills used in improvisation.

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 in Palo Alto with Ben Johnson | 5/28/2013 7:00 PM | Cubberley Community Center
Foundation 1 with Rebecca Poretsky | 6/1/2013 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with Regina Saisi | 6/11/2013 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with Laura Derry | 6/23/2013 11:00 AM | 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 are welcome to focus even more on scenework by moving on to Foundation 3, or repeat Foundation 2 as many times as they wish to keep playing and cementing the Foundation 2 skills.

Prerequisite: Foundation 1
Six-week series / 14 student maximum / Tuition: $299

Upcoming Foundation 2 Classes:

Foundation 2 with John Remak | 6/26/2013 7:00 PM | 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:

(There are currently no classes scheduled.)

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 1-3
Duration and tuition vary by class / 15 student maximum

Upcoming Foundation Specialty Classes:

Re-Inhabiting Your Body for Performance with Guest Coach Patricia Pearson | 6/18/2013 7:00 PM | Studio 210
Status with Ben Johnson | 6/20/2013 7:00 PM | 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.

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 Regina Saisi | 6/19/2013 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater

 
 
 

Improv Classes

Foundation 1 in Palo Alto with Ben Johnson 
Tuesday, 5/28/2013 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Rebecca Poretsky 
Saturday, 6/1/2013 11:00 AM

Genre Characters with Rafe Chase 
Thursday, 6/6/2013 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Regina Saisi 
Tuesday, 6/11/2013 7:00 PM

Performing Beach Party Musical with Ken Robertson 
Wednesday, 6/12/2013 7:00 PM

Re-Inhabiting Your Body for Performance with Guest Coach Patricia Pearson 
Tuesday, 6/18/2013 7:00 PM

Accents with Guest Coach Stephanie Hunt
Wednesday, 6/19/2013 7:00 PM

Foundation 3 with Regina Saisi 
Wednesday, 6/19/2013 7:00 PM

Status with Ben Johnson 
Thursday, 6/20/2013 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Laura Derry 
Sunday, 6/23/2013 11:00 AM

Foundation 2 with John Remak 
Wednesday, 6/26/2013 7:00 PM

Improv Youth All-Stars: Session 1
Monday, 7/8/2013 9:00 AM

Improv Youth All-Stars: Session 2
Monday, 7/15/2013 9:00 AM

Teen Improv Ensemble: Session 1
Monday, 7/22/2013 9:00 AM

Teen Improv Ensemble: Session 2
Monday, 7/29/2013 9:00 AM

3-Day Intensive: Foundation 1 with Chris Sams 
Saturday, 8/3/2013 10:00 AM

3-Day Intensive: Foundation 2 with Laura Derry 
Thursday, 8/8/2013 10:00 AM

2-Day Intensive: Song Improv: The Solo with Joshua Raoul Brody  
Sunday, 8/11/2013 10:00 AM

2-Day Intensive: Making Improvisation More Playful and Meaningful with William Hall 
Tuesday, 8/13/2013 10:00 AM

3-Day Intensive: Impro with Special Guest Rebecca Northan
Thursday, 8/15/2013 10:30 AM

2-Day Intensive: Intro to Wheres/Actions and Transitions with Tim Orr 
Sunday, 8/18/2013 10:00 AM

2-Day Intensive: Acting and Improv with Rafe Chase 
Tuesday, 8/20/2013 10:00 AM

3-Day Intensive: Elements of Long Form with Dave Dennison 
Thursday, 8/22/2013 10:00 AM

2-Day Intensive: Movement/Manners with Zoe Galvez 
Sunday, 8/25/2013 10:00 AM

2-Day Intensive: Intimacy and Stage Combat with Diane Rachel 
Tuesday, 8/27/2013 10:00 AM

4-Day Intensive: Performing Farce with Ben Johnson 
Thursday, 8/29/2013 10:00 AM

Meet BATS’ Coaches:

View bios of our coaches