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 & 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

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset and Skillset with Mick Laugs

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Thursdays // August 15, 22, 29, September 5, 12, 19 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 in Palo Alto

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Tuesdays // August 27, September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 1 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.*

In-Person: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset in the Mission with Liz Baker

Studio 210

Class Time/Dates: 7:00-10:00pm PDT on Thursdays // September 5, 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10 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.*

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

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre

~Note: No class October 13th!~ Class Time/Dates: 11:00am-2:00pm PDT on Sundays // September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20 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 and Skillset with Rebecca Stockley

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre

Class Time/Dates: 11:00am-2:00pm PDT on Saturdays // September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26 ~Note: No class on October 12!~ 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

Online: Foundation 1: Mindset & Skillset with Andy Sarouhan

Online Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-9:00pm PST on Mondays // September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 21, 28, November 4, 11 ~Note: No Class October 14!~ 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 and Skillset with Laura Wachtel

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Wednesdays // September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23 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.*

Laura Wachtel

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

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PDT on Wednesdays // September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 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 and Skillset with Sage Simms

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Tuesdays // October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 12 ~Note: No class November 5th!~ 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 in the Mission with Will Gutzman

Studio 210

Class Time/Dates: 7:00-10:00pm PDT on Tuesdays // October 15, 22, 29, November 12, 19, 26 ~Note: No Class November 5th!~ 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