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 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

In-Person: Intro to Improv with John Remak

Ft. Mason Center - BATS Annex Class Time/Dates: Monday 7:00pm - 10:00pm // August 19 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!

John Remak

In-Person Intro to Improv in Palo Alto with Karen Brelsford

Cubberley Community Center Class Time/Dates: Tuesday 7:00pm-10:00pm PST // August 20 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!

Karen Brelsford

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

Studio 210 Class Date/Time: 7:00pm -10:00pm PST // Thursday, August 29th 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 Will Gutzman

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Monday 7:00pm - 10:00pm // September 9th 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!

Will Gutzman

Online: Intro to Improv with Andy Sarouhan

Online Class Time/Date: 7:00pm -9:00pm PST// Monday, September 9th Prerequisite: None! Open to Adults 18 and older Schedule: 1 session Class length: 2 hours total Class size: 12 students maximum Tuition: $35 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 2-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!

Andy Sarouhan

In-Person Intro to Improv in Palo Alto with Karen Brelsford

Cubberley Community Center Class Time/Dates: Wednesday, 7:00pm-10:00pm PST // September 18 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!

Karen Brelsford

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Dave Dennison

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Saturday 2:30pm - 5:30pm // September 28 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!

Dave Dennison

In-Person: Intro to Improv with Brian Lohmann

Ft. Mason Center - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Wednesday 7:00pm - 10:00pm // October 2 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!

Brian Lohmann

In-Person: Intro to Improv in the Mission with Liz Baker

Studio 210 Class Date/Time: 7:00pm -10:00pm PST // Tuesday, October 8th 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!