Rebecca Stockley
Company Member since 1989
Coach since 1986
A co-founder of BATS Improv, Rebecca was the Dean of the BATS School of Improv from 1992 to 2003. Rebecca has been designing and teaching improvisation workshops since 1984.
Rebecca has her BFA from the University of Washington Professional Actor Training Program. She has lead improvised theatre workshops for American Conservatory Theatre Advanced Training Program, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre.
Rebecca’s first improv group was the Grey Family Players in 1972. She has improvised with the Other Cafe Players, Seattle Theatresports, Out of the Blue, Out of Line, Pulp Playhouse, True Fiction Magazine, Eat the Apple, and Fratelli Bologna. Rebecca has played Theatresports™ in more than 20 cities on 4 continents. She loves performing and directing Keith Johnstone’s Gorilla Theatre, Life Game, and Micetro and she has been instrumental in starting Theatresports in several cities.
Rebecca’s book, Improvisation Through Theatre Sports, provides a curriculum for teaching improvisation to young people.
Rebecca is a pioneer in the application of improvisation to the world of business. Clients include Apple, Stanford University, Pixar Animation Studios, and Telltale Games.
Q & A
What do you like about improv?
I love that improvisation provides an endless journey in exploring story, collaboration, and expression as a theatre artist.
What was your first BATS Show?
My first show performing with BATS was BATS very first show in November 1986. I played Theatresports at BATS again as a visitor in 1988. In 1989 I moved from Seattle to San Francisco, joined BATS Performance Company, and performed every chance I got from then on.
Your first improv class?
My first improv classes were in the School of Drama at the University of Washington in 1972.
What are your favorite formats?
I adore Super Scene, Improvised Shakespeare, Farce, Director’s Cut, and Theatresports — the order of my preference depends on my mood.
Best moment on the BATS stage?
Maybe it hasn’t happened yet . . . it could happen tonight.
Why should people study improv? What has improv taught you about life?
Improvisation has taught me to
- Follow my bliss
- Create spontaneous stories
- Explore the things that entice me
- Examine my fears and defenses
- Express my values
- Accept my ideas and express them fearlessly
- Be comfortable with my own impulses
Any improv advice?
Keep doing it. Share it with people you love.
What are your artistic influences?
Dr. Seuss, William Shakespeare, Paul Klee, and Keith Johnstone
Favorite movies?
They change daily: The Princess Bride, Love Actually, Toy Story 1, 2, & 3, and The Terminator . . . and The Incredibles . . . and . . .
Favorite music?
The Beatles, Beethoven, Mozart, and John Coltrane
Favorite play?
A Winter’s Tale
