School of Improv | BATS Improv

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

Office Hours are a great time to:
-Chat about classes
-Give feedback and ideas
-Ask questions
-Or just talk about improv in general

Introductory Workshops ↓
Foundational Series Classes ↓
The Improv Gym ↓
Performance Labs ↓
Specialty ↓
Learn @ Work ↓
Summer Sessions ↓
Kids, Youth & Teen Classes ↓
Youth Summer ↓

Introductory Workshops

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.

Upcoming Classes:

Foundational Series Classes

Foundation 1 – Mindset & Skillset

Upcoming Classes:

Foundation 2 – Movement & Story

Upcoming Classes:

Foundation 3 – Character & Relationship

Upcoming Classes:

Online: Foundation 3 with Brian Jones (#22-06-3587) starts Wed Jun 22, 2022

Foundation 4 – Scenework & Acting Skills

Upcoming Classes:

In-Person: Foundation 4 with Rez Graham (#22-07-3589) starts Tue Jul 05, 2022

Foundation 5 – Narrative

Upcoming Classes:

Foundation 6 – Performance Showcase

Upcoming Classes:

In-Person: Foundation 6 with Regina Saisi (#22-08-3593) starts Wed Aug 03, 2022

The Improv Gym

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.

Upcoming Classes:

We don't have any The Improv Gym classes currently scheduled, check back soon or email the Head of School if you are interested in taking this class.

Performance Labs

BATS performance labs offer more advanced opportunities to perform and explore a variety of short-form, narrative and genre formats. Labs are designed for students who have performance experience as well as solid improv and acting skills. Prerequisite: F6 or equivalent OR coach approval.

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).

Online: Traditional Performance Labs

Upcoming Classes:

Online: Pulp Playhouse Performance Lab with Brian Lohmann (#22-08-3597) starts Tue Aug 02, 2022

In-Person: Traditional Performance Lab

Upcoming Classes:

We don't have any In-Person: Traditional Performance Lab classes currently scheduled, check back soon or email the Head of School if you are interested in taking this class.

Private Group Lab

Upcoming Classes:

We don't have any Private Group Lab classes currently scheduled, check back soon or email the Head of School if you are interested in taking this class.

Specialty

Specialty classes give you more opportunities to play and have fun while deepening your improv knowledge.

Upcoming Classes:

Learn @ Work

Learn @ Work is our Applied Improv offering for individuals.

Upcoming Classes:

We don't have any Learn @ Work classes currently scheduled, check back soon or email the Head of School if you are interested in taking this class.

Summer Sessions

Note: Our Summer Sessions often sell out, so we strongly encourage you to register early

Upcoming Classes:

We don't have any Summer Sessions classes currently scheduled, check back soon or email the Head of School if you are interested in taking this class.