Shortform: (usually on Fridays)
fun and fast-paced improvised theatre, filled with scenes, songs, games, and lots of audience participation and suggestions.

Read more about Improv »
Longform: (usually on Saturdays)
full-length, narrative, genre-driven, completely improvised stories based on audience suggestions.

Read more about Improv »

Foundation 1 – Mindset & Skillset

In-Person Sessions
Prerequisite: None! Open to Adults 18 and older
Schedule: 6 sessions (once a week for 6 weeks)
Class length: 3 hours
Class size: 16 students maximum
Tuition: $349

Online Sessions
Prerequisite: None! Open to Adults 18 and older
Schedule: 8 sessions (once a week for 8 weeks)
Class length: 2 hours
Class size: 16 students maximum
Tuition: $299

 

A fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story. Still on the fence? Here’s why you should study improv at BATS. NOTE: Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged. If you think you will have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.

Upcoming Classes:

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset and Skillset with John Remak

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Mondays // April 29, May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10 ~Note: No Class May 27!~ Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

John Remak

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset and Skillset with Rebecca Stockley

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex

Class Time/Dates: 2:00pm-5:00pm PDT on Sundays // May 5, 12, 19, June 2, 9, 16 ~Note: No class May 26th!~ Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Rebecca Stockley

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset in the Mission with Will Gutzman

Studio 210

Class Time/Dates: 7:00-10:00pm PDT on Thursdays // May 23, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Will Gutzman

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex

Class Time/Dates: 11:00am-2:00pm PDT on Saturdays // June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset with Stephanie Dennison

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theater

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PDT on Tuesdays // June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Stephanie Dennison

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset in Palo Alto w/Will Gutzman

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PDT on Wednesdays // June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17 ~Note: No class June 19th!~ Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story. *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please email the office at bats@improv.org before registering.*

Will Gutzman

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset with Brian Lohmann

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Thursdays // June 20, 27, July 14, 21, 28, August 1 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Brian Lohmann

Online: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset with Andy Sarouhan

Online Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-9:00pm PST on Tuesdays // July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20 Schedule: 8 sessions Class length: 2 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $299 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Andy Sarouhan

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset in the Mission with Will Gutzman

Studio 210

Class Time/Dates: 7:00-10:00pm PDT on Tuesdays // July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Will Gutzman

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset in Palo Alto w/Karen Brelsford

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Thursdays // July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story. *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please email the office at bats@improv.org before registering.*

Karen Brelsford

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset w/Dave Dennison and John Remak

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Tuesdays and Wednesdays // July 30, 31, August 6, 7, 13, 14 Schedule: 6 sessions; once a week for six weeks Class length: 3 hours (18 hours total) Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Foundation 1 is a fun, playful, and engaging introduction to the principles and mindsets of improvisation and the BATS style of improv. The class will focus on developing the ensemble and honing these foundational skills:
  • Listening
  • Support
  • Spontaneity
  • Imagination and
  • Collaboration
Students will learn the groundwork for the creative magic of improvising stories together. World-class coaches guide students through the first exciting stages of improvisation in a safe, friendly atmosphere. At the end of F1, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what next step is best — repeating F1 to strengthen the necessary skills or moving to Foundation 2: Movement & Story *Attendance at the first session of your course is strongly encouraged - if you think you have to miss the first session of your Foundation 1 class, please notify the office before registering.*

Dave Dennison


John Remak