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 »

Introductory Workshops

These workshops are a steal at $35 (online) or $54 (in-person) and make great gifts!

Still on the fence? Here’s why you should study improv at BATS.

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.

Intro to Improv

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.

Improv for Shy People

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:

  • Presence under pressure.
  • Listening and building on ideas.
  • Meeting your inner critic and practicing the thinking that will foster connection.

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. 

Upcoming Classes:

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Liz Baker

Ft. Mason Center - BATS Annex Class Time/Dates: Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm // April 27 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Susie Sargent

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Wednesday 7:00pm - 10:00pm // May 11 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Susie Sargent

In-Person: Intro to Improv in the Mission with Will Gutzman

Studio 210 Class Date/Time: 7:00pm -10:00pm PST // Thursday, May 16 Prerequisite: None! Open to Adults 18 and older Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours total Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Will Gutzman

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Liz Baker

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm // May 25 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

In-Person Intro to Improv in Palo Alto with Will Gutzman

Cubberley Community Center Class Time/Dates: Wednesday 7:00pm-10:00pm PST // May 29 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $54 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Will Gutzman

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Susie Sargent

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Wednesday 7:00pm - 10:00pm // June 12 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Susie Sargent

In-Person: Intro to Improv in the Mission

Studio 210 Class Date/Time: 7:00pm -10:00pm PST // Tuesday, June 25 Prerequisite: None! Open to Adults 18 and older Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours total Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Liz Baker

Ft. Mason Center - BATS Annex Class Time/Dates: Saturday 2:00pm - 5:00pm // June 29 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

In-Person Intro to Improv in Palo Alto

Cubberley Community Center Class Time/Dates: Tuesday 7:00pm-10:00pm PST // July 11 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $54 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Susie Sargent

Ft. Mason Center - BATS Annex Class Time/Dates: Thursday 7:00-10:00pm // July 11 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Susie Sargent

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Rebecca Stockley

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm // July 27 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older 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 new people, explore improv’s life lessons, and have a great time!

Rebecca Stockley