BATS School of Improv
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.
We offer classes year-round for adults and youth, beginner to advanced, actors and non-actors. Classes are held in two San Francisco locations and in Palo Alto, and most meet for three hours once a week for six weeks. All classes are taught by our friendly and insightful coaching staff, innovators in the field of improvisation.
PLEASE NOTE:
Due to the current shelter-in-place recommendations during the COVID-19 situation, BATS is moving all of our class offerings online.
Click here to see a listing of our online classes.
In-person classes will resume once the current health crisis has passed and it is safe to do so.
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.
FOUNDATION LEVEL
Whether you want to become an improv performer or just want to meet new people and have fun, everyone starts here!
- Foundation 1 »
- Foundation 2 »
- Foundation 3 »
- Foundation Specialty Classes »
- Not sure you want to commit? Try a 3-hour Intro Workshop: Intro to Improv or Improv for Shy People. Only $45!
STUDIO AND PERFORMANCE LEVEL
For students wishing to continue their improv work on a performance track after completing the Foundation series, we offer our Studio Level classes.
After completing Studio Level, students move to our Performance Series classes. Performance classes often culminate in a showcase in front of a live audience on the BATS stage! Performance students also become eligible to play on a team in our ongoing Sunday Cave Match series.
SUMMER SESSIONS
Our Summer Program offers a range of intensive workshops unlike anything we offer during the rest of the year. These 2- to 4-day sessions provide intensive study with our talented teaching staff and renowned guest coaches.
We strongly encourage early registration as the Summer Program sessions often sell out.
YOUTH CLASSES
Every summer and at various times throughout the school year, BATS School of Improv offers classes to students ages 11 to 17. Improvisation is an excellent tool for improving verbal expression, enhancing listening skills, building body awareness, and boosting self-confidence.
We strongly encourage early registration as our youth classes often sell out.
OFFICE HOURS
The School Dean, Dave Dennison, is available for Office Hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 6:45pm. During these times students, coaches or BATS community members can meet with Dave at the Bayfront Theater with questions or concerns about the BATS School. Appointments are not necessary, but encouraged. Contact dean@improv.org to make an appointment.
