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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 with Rebecca Stockley | 2/11/2012 2:30 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with Barbara Scott | 2/22/2012 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 1 with Jenny Rosen | 3/15/2012 7:00 PM | Studio 210
Foundation 1 in Palo Alto with John Remak | 3/21/2012 7:00 PM | Cubberley Community Center
Foundation 1 with Ken Robertson | 3/25/2012 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 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 in Palo Alto with John Remak | 2/14/2012 7:00 PM | Cubberley Community Center
Foundation 2 with Laura Derry | 2/25/2012 11:00 AM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 2 with Chris Sams | 3/6/2012 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 2 with Laura Derry | 3/28/2012 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:

Improv for Shy People with Laura Derry | 2/4/2012 2:30 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:

(There are currently no classes scheduled.)

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 Ben Johnson | 2/28/2012 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 3 with Zoe Galvez | 2/29/2012 7:00 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 3 with Dave Dennison | 3/4/2012 2:30 PM | Bayfront Theater
Foundation 3 in Palo Alto with Kasey Klemm | 4/4/2012 7:00 PM | Cubberley Community Center

 
 
 

Improv Classes

Improv for Shy People with Laura Derry 
Saturday, 2/4/2012 2:30 PM

Studio Scenework with Dave Dennison 
Tuesday, 2/7/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Rebecca Stockley 
Saturday, 2/11/2012 2:30 PM

Foundation 2 in Palo Alto with John Remak 
Tuesday, 2/14/2012 7:00 PM

Exploring Status with Ben Johnson 
Thursday, 2/16/2012 7:00 PM

Elements of Long-Form (ELF) with Tim Orr 
Wednesday, 2/22/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Barbara Scott 
Wednesday, 2/22/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 2 with Laura Derry 
Saturday, 2/25/2012 11:00 AM

Foundation 3 with Ben Johnson 
Tuesday, 2/28/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 3 with Zoe Galvez 
Wednesday, 2/29/2012 7:00 PM

Improvising A Capella with Barbara Scott 
Thursday, 3/1/2012 7:00 PM

Studio Scenework with Kasey Klemm 
Saturday, 3/3/2012 2:30 PM

Foundation 3 with Dave Dennison 
Sunday, 3/4/2012 2:30 PM

Studio Scenework with Rafe Chase 
Tuesday, 3/6/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 2 with Chris Sams 
Tuesday, 3/6/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Jenny Rosen 
Thursday, 3/15/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 in Palo Alto with John Remak 
Wednesday, 3/21/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 1 with Ken Robertson 
Sunday, 3/25/2012 11:00 AM

Foundation 2 with Laura Derry 
Wednesday, 3/28/2012 7:00 PM

Foundation 3 in Palo Alto with Kasey Klemm 
Wednesday, 4/4/2012 7:00 PM

Youth Summer School, Session 1 with Laura Derry 
Monday, 6/25/2012 9:00 AM

Youth Summer School, Session 2 with Laura Derry 
Monday, 7/9/2012 9:00 AM

Teen Summer School: Improv Ensemble Sesssion 1 with Laura Derry 
Monday, 7/16/2012 9:00 AM

Teen Summer School: Improv Ensemble Sesssion 2 with Laura Derry 
Monday, 7/23/2012 9:00 AM

Meet BATS’ Coaches:

View bios of our coaches