BATS Curriculum
This page explains the BATS formal curriculum. In addition to formal curriculum classes, BATS offers specialty classes at all levels, Learn @ Work applied improv classes for individuals, and world-famous summer classes.
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.
If you've ever been intrigued by improv and want to see what it's all about, this one-time, fun introduction to improv is just for you! In this 3-hour workshop you’ll learn the basics of improvised theatre -- spontaneity, playfulness, creativity, listening, storytelling, and more -- through fun games and exercises. Our coaches create a safe, inviting environment for trying new things and taking a few risks. You’ll stretch your boundaries (just a bit, no pressure) while you meet some new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and generally have a great time.
Signing up for an improv class may be the last thing on your mind if you consider yourself shy, but at BATS, learning improv is extremely safe and supportive. Introverted folks can especially benefit from improv skills such as spontaneity, flexibility, and social/emotional risk taking. Taught by coaches experienced in creating a comfortable, safe environment, this class introduces:
You will experiment with stretching your boundaries (just a little, don’t worry) while you meet some new people, explore improv’s life lessons and have a great time.
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:
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.
Foundation 2 moves further down the path to fully improvised scenes and stories by putting the mindsets from Foundation 1 into a scene structure while staying present physically in the moment and with your partner.
In F2 you will learn how to:
Students that complete F2 are eligible to perform in the weekly Sunday Student Jams.
At the end of Foundation 2, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what the next step is best — repeating F2 to strengthen the improviser’s physical awareness or moving to F3: Character & Relationship.
Foundation 3 is a deep dive into this vital ingredient of successful scenes: strong, colorful, committed characters.
In F3, improvisers learn:
The goal of this class is to expand your character range and hone your skills at creating and sustaining believable characters -- all in an extremely playful atmosphere.
At the end of F3, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what the next step is best — repeating F3 or moving to F4: Scenework & Acting Skills.
Foundation 5 uses all skills in F1-4 to build longer, sustained stories in rich varied worlds which come alive as you create them with your improv partners.
In this focus on narrative, improvisers will learn:
At the end of F5, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about what the next step is best — repeating F5, going to the Improv Gym to hone specific skills, or moving to F6: The Performance Showcase.
The name of the game in Foundation 6 is getting performance ready with a specific, well-researched genre. At the end of this 8-week course, the ensemble will present multiple performances to invited audiences of a genre and format that they research and rehearse together.
In F6 improvisers will learn:
At the end of Foundation 6, the coach will make a recommendation for each student about their next step — repeating Foundation 6, going to the Improv Gym to hone specific skills, or moving to the Ongoing Beginning Performance Lab to start the improvisers performance journey.
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 online and in-person.
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 online and in-person.
Learn @ Work is our Applied Improv offering for individuals.
Classes range from one to four weeks and explore a variety of improv specialties: working with puppets, improvising song or freestyle rap, using your voice in a radio drama, honing in on the potential of a positive mindset and more! These classes are a great place for all improvisers to explore a distinct element of improv in more depth, working with coaches who are skilled in that particular area.
Note: Our Summer Sessions often sell out, so we strongly encourage you to register early
Improv classes for children aged 5-8.
Our youth classes provide individual attention from experienced coaches who have worked with youth and teen improvisers for many years. Students explore the concepts and skills of improv through games and exercises, and most classes culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends.
Our teen classes provide individual attention from experienced coaches who have worked with youth and teen improvisers for many years. Students explore the concepts and skills of improv through games and exercises, and most classes culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends.
Youth summer classes