BATS Improv Announces Leadership Changes
John Kovacevich to leave executive director position by February 2007; search for new executive director to begin immediately

SAN FRANCISCO (October 12, 2006) – John Kovacevich, executive director of BATS Improv, and the BATS board of directors informed the extended BATS community this week that Kovacevich will leave the E.D. role as of February 2007.

“While it’s always difficult to leave a job that you love, the time is right to pass the baton to a new leader,” said Kovacevich. “I’m very proud of the work that I have done as executive director and know that I’m leaving BATS in a stronger position than when I took over in June 2002.”

Kathy Mello, president of the BATS Improv board of directors, said, “John has been a great asset to BATS. His leadership has greatly strengthened this organization and he will be sorely missed.”

In his 4 ½ years at the helm, Kovacevich's accomplishments include leading BATS’ largest capital campaign; construction of a new stage; funding the transition from volunteer to paid staff; significant growth in ticket sales, workshop enrollments and corporate training bookings; preparing the organization for its 20th anniversary; and increasing revenues by more than 30 percent while holding expense increases under 10 percent.

“The scope and volume of John’s accomplishments as executive director is unprecedented in our 20-year history,” added Rafe Chase, board member and long-time BATS Main Stage Company performer. “He delivered on every project he undertook and, under his leadership, the organization took an enormous leap forward. He has my deepest respect and gratitude for all that he has achieved.”

After his departure from the E.D. position, Kovacevich will continue to perform at BATS as a member of the Main Stage Company.

The board has formed a search committee to identify a successor and the search will begin immediately. The E.D. job description is now posted (click here for the job posting) and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

“Building on the foundation has been established over the past few years, BATS Improv is in a strong position to raise its visibility as the premier improvisational theatre company on the West Coast and expose even more students, performers, and audience members to this unique and exciting art form,” said Mello.

About BATS Improv

1986-2006: Celebrating 20 years of improvisational theatre in San Francisco

Acclaimed by critics as “bounce-in-your seat funny,” “consistently hilarious,” and “ San Francisco's premiere improvisational theatre," BATS Improv has been a leader in the Bay Area's innovative improv theatre scene for twenty years. Fifty weekends a year, BATS presents a series of completely improvised shows in a variety of formats—from comic competitions to improvised musicals and everything in between. BATS has a reputation as one of the best schools of improvisational theatre anywhere in the world, and offers improv classes and workshops to adults, kids, corporations, non-profits and other groups. BATS attracts students from all over the United States, and as far away as Australia, England, and Japan.

Additionally, BATS offers free improvisation classes through its “Laughing Stock” program to people living with HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, cancer, and other chronic, life-threatening illnesses. Classes focus on strengthening quality of life through humor, physical activity, group interaction, risk-taking, and imagination games.

Media Contact:
Sara J. Butz
415-516-8876
sara@improv.org

General Information:
BATS Improv
www.improv.org
415-474-6776