Shortform: (usually on Fridays)
fun and fast-paced improvised theatre, filled with scenes, songs, games, and lots of audience participation and suggestions.

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Longform: (usually on Saturdays)
full-length, narrative, genre-driven, completely improvised stories based on audience suggestions.

Read more about Improv »

Performance Labs

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. We also offer private group labs. If you don't see a performance lab at a convenient time, or if you want to work with a group you are already improvising with ....  The private group labs give advanced improvisers more autonomy in their experience. For the private groups, improvisers will start by gathering their own group of players and choosing one of BATS’ fantastic coaches. The group will work with the coach to determine what sort of instruction they want— a specific genre or skill, ongoing workshop or weekend intensive. It’s up to you! You work with BATS to decide the times and dates. Your group may even decide to perform and will work with the coach to plan and rehearse for your show(s). LINK TO APPLICATION FORM

Upcoming Classes:

Online: Super Scene Performance Lab with Zoe Galvez

Online Class Time/Date: 7:00pm - 9:00pm // April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11 + Shows Schedule: 8 sessions + shows Class size: 12 students maximum Class length: 2 hours Prerequisites: F6 or coach approval. Email bats@improv.org for eligibility and access questions. Tuition: $449 What story do you want to tell? Here's a chance to see your voice and vision come to fruition in SUPER SCENE! Come join BATS Company member, Zoe Galvez, as she walks you through all the skills needed to succeed in the format, including directed improv, longform narrative, cutting scenes, genre, and more! This improv format features multiple directors creating distinct improvised stories, each with a unique tone or genre. Stories unfold one scene at a time, round by round. After each round, the audience selects the stories that continue. This process continues until only one story remains and the Super Scene is performed. As a player you will hone your Improv skills and as a director you will fine tune your voice and vision. This is a unique opportunity to practice many skills and happens to be one of Zoe's favorite formats. Soon it will be yours too!

Zoe

Zoe Galvez

In-Person: Green Pulp Performance Lab with Brian Lohmann

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre Class Date/Time: Thursdays 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PST // April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 13 + shows. Prerequisite: F6 or Coach Approval *Please email bats@improv.org for the access code and other eligibility questions* Schedule: 8 sessions + 2 shows Class length: 3 hours Class size: 12 students maximum Tuition: $449 "I wish BATS offered acting. I wish BATS offered writing. I wish BATS offered multiple-genre storytelling. I wish I could use my art to make the planet better.” Is this YOU? Then the “Green Pulp Performance Lab" genie has granted your wishes. Pulp Playhouse is a mash-up of scripted character monologues, improvised short stories and genre work that was created by Brian Lohmann in 1988 in San Francisco. The format was inspired by the “Pulp” magazines of the 1920s and 30s – magazines that launched great writers like Raymond Chandler and Ray Bradbury, who in turn inspired future genre icons like Walter Mosley, Octavia Butler and Steph Cha. Pulp Playhouse is an energetic theatre of dynamic physicality and intense emotions; stories that make you want to turn the page to see what comes next! All the stories will be “green” – they will deal in some way with environmental issues. At this intensive you’ll write monologues in multiple genres, get notes, rewrite, then improvise narration while your ensemble acts out your stories. The workshop will culminate with two shows. Want to know more? “Green Pulp,” is on the mainstage at BATS Friday nights in April. All will be revealed!!

Brian Lohmann