In-Person: Song 101 with Joshua Raoul Brody

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Saturday 2:30pm - 5:30pm PST // December 16 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $54 You’ve seen improvisors at BATS and elsewhere start singing in the middle of a scene and thought to yourself “How on earth do they do that?” Improvising a song isn’t magic — it’s a skill that can be broken down into little bite-size chunks, easily chewable. And BATS’s long-standing musical director, Joshua Raoul Brody, has been teaching it for decades. Now’s your chance! This class is for everyone, whether you’re an experienced improvisor or someone who’s just starting out (it’s helpful but not necessary to be familiar with basic improv concepts and terminology). And this class is especially good for people who are (or who think they are) scared of singing! It is a gentle, pain-free way to reclaim the joys of music-making.

In-Person: January Improv Club (Fridays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Fridays // January 5, 12, 19, 26 Schedule: 4 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $156 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!) Friday Club coaches for January are Liz Baker, Dave Dennison, and Will Gutzman.

In-Person: January Improv Club (Saturdays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Saturdays // January 6, 13, 20, 27 Schedule: 4 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $156 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!) Saturday Club coaches for January are Stephanie Dennison, Liz Baker, Will Gutzman, and Lisa Wang.

In-Person: Positively Positive with Dave Dennison

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Thursday 7:00pm - 10:00pm PST // January 11 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: Foundation 2 or equivalent. Email bats@improv.org for the code and other access questions. Tuition: $54 Being positive in improv means starting happy and healthy and so much more. As improvisers, we're creating worlds in the moment which asks us to add more detail, to become more interested, and to make the characters, locations and relationships more important. In this class, we'll look at the many ways we can bring more positivity to our play, to build richer, more compelling scenes. This class is for Foundation 2 and above.

In-Person: Comic Characters and Situations with Brian Lohmann

Ft. Mason Class Time/Dates: Wednesdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm PST // January 17, 24, 31 Schedule: 3 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $174 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+ Come find funny new funny character choices based on the funny – but real – ridiculous ways funny human beings behave. Who knows? Maybe repetition will be explored. If not, then we might look at repetition. Discover the situations that yield more laughs. Hone your instincts to get into trouble and make it worse as you spiral into chaos! Brian has studied comedy for more than 40 years and worked with comedy big shots like Catherine O'Hara, Hugh Laurie, Robin Williams and Rita Rudner. Ask him about the year he spent in Las Vegas popping out of a coffin and saying, "Boo!"

In-Person: Masks and Character with William Hall

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 7:00 - 10:00pm PST on Thursdays // January 18 and 25 Class schedule: 2 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None, open to all adults 18+! Tuition: $115 ————— In this comprehensive two-part workshop, we will delve into the profound influence that masks wield, both on the individual wearing them and those who witness the performance. Within the realm of masks lies the extraordinary ability to unleash a fully embodied character. This transformative experience will feature masks carefully curated from William's diverse collection, spanning Commedia, Tragedy, whimsical paper creations, and other designs. It's an invitation to participate actively and immerse yourself in the creative process. Join us not just to wear masks, but to engage in a dynamic exploration, playing with the captivating potential of each mask to bring forth a rich and fully realized character. No prior mask or acting experience necessary. Wear clothing that will allow you to move comfortably.

In-Person: Narrative Musical Improv Intensive with Sebastian Blue

Ft. Mason Center - BATS Annex and Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:00pm-10:00pm on Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday // January 19, 20, 21 Schedule: 3 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: Foundation 5 or equivalent. Email bats@improv.org for the code and other access questions. Tuition: $449 Dive into a world where music and improvisation collide in this immersive weekend intensive. This unique experience invites you to explore the exhilarating realm of musical storytelling, where narratives are woven spontaneously and songs are born in the moment. Over the course of the weekend, participants will engage in a series of workshops and activities designed to hone their skills in creating characters, developing plots, and integrating music seamlessly into improvised scenes, as well as discussions about musical theater tropes and customs! The intensive is a journey of discovery, encouraging participants to unleash their creativity, embrace the unexpected, and express emotions through song and story. As a grand finale, the weekend will culminate in a showcase event, where participants will present a full-length, fully improvised musical. This showcase is not just a performance but a celebration of the unique stories and melodies created by the group.

In-Person: Foundations of Musical Improv with Sebastian Blue in Palo Alto

Cubberley Community Center Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm PST on Mondays // January 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 4 ~Note: No class February 19!~ Schedule: 6 sessions Class length: 3 hours Class size: 14 students maximum Prerequisite: Foundation 1 or equivalent *Email bats@improv.org for the access code and other and eligiblity questions* Tuition: $349 Introducing Foundations of Musical Improv. In this unique series, you’ll learn how to spontaneously make up songs but with a coherent understanding of the tropes and traditions of musical theater. Absolutely no prior experience needed in singing, music, music theory, or improv- this class is designed to provide you with all the necessary skills. Throughout 6 interactive sessions, Sebastian Blue, who teaches a Stanford course on the subject, will guide you on a journey from off-the-cuff lyric invention, expressing narratives and emotions through song, and experimenting with various musical genres - all without a script. This course centers on creativity, spontaneity, and deep fun. As a participant, you'll be part of a dynamic collaborative cohort, refining your teamwork skills and embracing the thrill of ensemble work—all while developing deeper connections within this unique group of individuals.

In-Person: Playing With Kindness - Valentine Edition! - w/ Dave and Stephanie Dennison

Ft. Mason - Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: Thursday 7:00pm - 10:00pm PST // February 1 Schedule: 1 session Class length: 3 hours Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $54 Prerequisite: None! Open to adults 18 and older The behaviors of improv parallel the behaviors of a loving relationship. We lean into empathy and away from judging. We make ourselves vulnerable and create a space where others can be vulnerable too. We share control and celebrate the unique mix of strength and frailty that is each of us. In this fun 3 hour class, Dave and Stephanie explore how these concepts show up in improv games and exercises. Bring a friend or just your wonderful self, and let improv make your life a little kinder and let kindness make your improv more engaging.

In-Person: February Improv Club (Fridays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Fridays // February 2, 9, 16, 23 Schedule: 4 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $156 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!)

In-Person: February Improv Club (Saturdays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Saturdays // February 3, 10, 17, 24 Schedule: 4 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $156 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!)

In-Person: Musical Improv Intensive with Brian Lohmann & Joshua Raoul Brody

Ft. Mason Class Time/Dates: 6:00pm-10:00pm on Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday // February 23, 24, 25 Schedule: 3 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18 and over! Tuition: $349 Children make up songs effortlessly. Why do adults panic and freeze in the face of this playful, natural human expression? This intensive will teach relaxation, listening, introduce several song structures and explore different types of songs that express a range of feelings, emotions and wants. Songs are monologues (or poems) with a melody. Coaching will be given to help you act your songs as well as sing your songs. This intensive is a supportive place to dive into the great joy of making up songs together. Brian Lohmann is part of the improv song duo “The Velours” and has been improvising songs with Joshua since the late 80s when they toured “Johnny Lonely’s Unhappy Hour,” in London and Northern Europe. This class is open to beginners and advanced students and the instructors will work with you at your level.

In-Person: March Improv Club (Fridays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Fridays // March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Schedule: 5 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $195 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!)

In-Person: March Improv Club (Saturdays)

Ft. Mason - BATS Annex & Bayfront Theatre Class Time/Dates: 6:30pm-7:30pm + a Show on Saturdays // March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Schedule: 5 sessions Class size: 16 students maximum Tuition: $195 Prerequisite: None! Open to all adults 18+. You've heard of book clubs, movie clubs and hiking clubs. How about an improv club? We'll get together, play a little bit, and then see a show. The following week we'll get together, discuss what we saw the previous week then repeat the process. It's a fun and social way to practice improv skills with an opportunity to go to a show and see professional improvisers embrace the same skills. This class provides an easy entry into BATS Improv, a deeper understanding of how it works and a chance to meet new people at the same time. You can join the club for Fridays, Saturdays or both. Join the BATS Improv Club today! (No books required!)

Online: Tools & Tactics for Focusing a Scene with Andy Sarouhan

Online Class Time/Date: 7:00pm - 9:00pm // March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 Class size: 12 students maximum Class length: 2 hours Prerequisites: F2 or equivalent. Email bats@improv.org for eligibility and access questions. Tuition: $224 So...you've established the Who/What/Where in a scene...now what? Your "Yes, And" muscles are poised to guide that scene to glory...but how? This is the magical and sometimes mind-boggling middle point in a scene's creation when the focus of it is found. What seems to matter most to the characters? What about the scene is most intriguing or curious? What kind of story is this? Though there is no set method or equation to find a scene's focus (that would get dull quick, wouldn't it?), there are often signposts that present themselves and tools that can be employed to capitalize on a scene's potential for laughter, drama, and delight. This course will dive right into this topic and equip you with an array of strategies to embrace a scene in its middle stages, focus and heighten what you've already created, and play it to a satisfying conclusion.