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.

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support1Why the World Needs BATS

Life is improvised!

BATS Improv cultivates and innovates the craft of improvised theatre through performance and training. We engage, teach, delight, surprise, inspire. We do improv. We build community. We change the world. And we need your support, now more than ever. 

We are very grateful to all of our fundraisers and their supporters.

Donate Now
to support us as we rebuild following the impact of the pandemic. There are option to give a one time gift or give a recurring donation of your choice. Credit/debit card, PayPal, and check payment options are supported.

support2How We Keep BATS Soaring

Over the past 30 years, BATS Improv has earned a loyal base of audience members and students that drives our earned income to more than 70% of our operating budget — an impressive percentage for an arts nonprofit. Nevertheless, that means we must rely on foundation grants, corporate support, and the generosity of financial supporters like you to subsidize the balance of our programming and community outreach. BATS Improv is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so not only will your gift help BATS Improv continue its work, it will help you at tax time. Visit our donation page to donate online or for instructions to donate by check.

Donate Now

No dough? No worries! Support us by spreading the word (posting on social media, creating Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews of classes and shows), and volunteering for shows (see below)!

support3BATS Gives Back

Improv Lesson #1: You’re not in it alone. As a nonprofit San Francisco institution, we feel strongly about giving back to the broader community that sustains us as we build an improvised theatre community from the grassroots. Through our Community Outreach Programs, BATS brings the skills and delight of improvised theatre to people throughout the Bay Area. BATS School of Improv provides pro bono workshops that are free at the point of delivery for underserved communities. For several years, Laughing Stock also provided free classes to people with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers.

If you would you like to inquire about a pro bono class for you organization or group, please reach out to bats@improv.org.

support4Volunteer

Want a more hands-on experience? Want to meet other improv lovers? One of the most rewarding ways to support BATS is to help out in the theater or office. We’d love to meet you! Tell me more about volunteering »