Join BATS School of Improv through our specialized training that covers the ingredients of a strong improvisor – basics, character, relationship, environment, acting, storytelling and performance – and then takes you through sustained scene study or performance lab to hone ongoing performance skills with an ensemble. The trajectory is personalized with strong coach feedback along the way so you know just what your strengths and areas for improvement are.
At the BATS School of Improv, San Francisco’s largest and most respected improv training center, you’ll learn the craft of improvisation, BATS-style — listening, paying attention, storytelling, status, spontaneity, and making your partner look good.
Improv skills are life skills. Whatever your experience, background, or training, everyone can benefit from studying improv. Still not convinced? Here’s why you should study improv at BATS.
Below are a list of all our current classes on offer. To learn more about our curriculum and which class is right for you, click here. To learn more about any level or class, click on the heading below.
Have more questions? Drop in during office hours with our Head of School.
**OFFICE HOURS UPDATE:**
Office hours are held every Tuesday from 3:00-5:00pm PST. Click Here to join Online Office Hours
There will be no office hours Tuesday 11/15 or 11/22.
Office Hours are a great time to:
-Chat about classes
-Give feedback and ideas
-Ask questions
-Or just talk about improv in general
For people with limited time/resources or who aren’t sure improv is for them, we have developed two dip-your-toe-in-the-water introductory workshops. In our 2-hour online, or 3-hour classes, students use games and exercises to explore the basic concepts and skills of improvised theatre. And after you’ve had a taste, you may very well want the complete improv experience in Foundation 1, our 8-week beginner class, which more fully covers the material.
Come build up your improv muscles at BATS’ Improv Gym! The Improv Gym is more like a traditional gym than like a typical improv class. Rather than committing to 6 or 8 weeks, you can subscribe to the gym one month at a time and then drop in to play with a variety of coaches during that month. You’ll get to play with several coaches and other students while learning new skills and practicing old ones.
Are you looking for more chances to play and practice improv? Improv Jams are for you! The Improv Jams are drop-in times on Sunday afternoons for students to come play. The focus is on fun, growth, and connection. Bring a friend and meet new ones! Coming soon..
Students will work with a coach who provides ongoing training that includes performance techniques and genre-specific instruction. At the end of this training, students will rehearse and perform shows designed and directed by their coach. The traditional performance labs are currently offered
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We also offer private group labs. If you don't see a performance lab at a convenient time, or if you want to work with a group you are already improvising with .... The private group labs give advanced improvisers more autonomy in their experience. For the private groups, improvisers will start by gathering their own group of players and choosing one of BATS’ fantastic coaches. The group will work with the coach to determine what sort of instruction they want— a specific genre or skill, ongoing workshop or weekend intensive. It’s up to you! You work with BATS to decide the times and dates. Your group may even decide to perform and will work with the coach to plan and rehearse for your show(s). LINK TO APPLICATION FORM
Specialty classes give you more opportunities to play and have fun while deepening your improv knowledge.
Learn @ Work is our Applied Improv offering for individuals.
