- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
BATS Improv Theatre
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Specialty Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow HollowFort Mason Center
Bldg B
3rd Fl
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 474-8935
- Hours:
Fri-Sat. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
71 reviews for BATS Improv Theatre
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
11/11/2008
11/6/2009
8/17/2009
6/2/2009
10/25/2009
5/5/2009
2/8/2009
1/10/2009
10/30/2008
7/4/2009
11/19/2008
12/3/2008
6/1/2009
7/27/2008
6/17/2008
10/5/2008
5/7/2009
4/14/2008
4/20/2008
7/13/2008
4/2/2008
1/1/2008
1/5/2007
11/3/2006
4/25/2008
3/5/2009
1/1/2007
10/22/2006
3/3/2007
10/22/2006
1/18/2006
11/20/2007
2/4/2009
3/2/2008
2/20/2006
7/6/2006
11/14/2008
9/26/2007
3/27/2007
8/11/2008
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I am almost wanted to cry when my last class ended. But then we exchanged emails and then it was ok again.
Pros: Inexpensive classes, great improv shows, dedicated improv teachers, good environments
Cons: Fear of letting yourself come out? This ain't the place. Also, it's not really a place to improve communication skills, but rather agility and spontaneity.
Humor is not about being witty as I learned at BATS Improv. It's about working with others, building on top of people's suggestions, playing to the audience. It's about being spontaneous and...letting go.
At work, someone suggested to take improv classes as a way to develop and improve my communication skills. So I thought, why not...if work is paying for it.
Of course, strangely enough, this put in a very different mindset. My fellow classmates all came to improv class not because of any work-related goals but for personal development. Some thought they were the "life of the party" and wanted to take something for kicks. Others wanted to be less shy socially. It's all of the above for me, but I was tired of just hanging with friends and wanted something productive.
I took Foundation 1 which was very reasonably priced for $249 with Rich Cox. During the range of the classes, we built upon skills we learned, playing really fun games and other exercises. Unlike many instructors, Rich focused on building a trusting environment. Even with the creative writing class I took, it was difficult not to judge others as the "loud one" or the "annoying one". In BATS Improv, Rich successfully created an environment where we felt safe and could depend on others even if we were such a diverse set of people.
We played games like passing a sound around a circle, miming certain actions (like making a salad), building upon suggestions (like if someone is a tree, you can come in to be an acorn), guessing games (like charades) and others. I personally disliked the ball game (keeping the ball in the air), but the play we had in the class allowed us to be kids again...and yet really learn how to apply those skills to real life.
From the class, I gained a lot of new friends. We're trying to go to karaoke together every few weeks to play upon our newly found improv skills.
With each class, you get a free pass to a show. I went to the Theatresports format with five other non-classmates. All of them enjoyed the show tremendously especially the bf who got to be on stage (he thinks he's a natural at improv but wait until I convince him to take a class!)
Quite naturally, it was an amazing experience during the 6 weeks (one class each week).
Annoyingly, the only way to get there from downtown is the 30x bus, but there's always someone willing to drive you back.
Don't worry about not buying the tickets early enough. I wish it was a show that would sell out, but it doesn't. I am going to another show soon since the bf got another pass for being a participant!
I have to say, it's funny...I don't know what my classmates do for a living. I don't know what they like or dislike. But what I do know is how they will perform on stage, their spontaneity. It's the strangest relationship I have built but it overcomes many barriers we face every day.
VERY GOOD IMPROV IN A GOOD VENUE
Let me qualify this by saying "BANANA PATCH A DOG A PEEL!" That and "I LOVE IMPROV COMEDY!" I find it funny that someone who admits they don't really care for improv will write a review and then bag on the improv format. IF YOU LIKE IMPROV, READ REVIEWS BY OTHER PEOPLE WHO LOVE IMPROV (Like me!)
We were in San Francisco and we had a night free. We were looking for something light and fun to do so we Yelped "comedy." In the search results we saw several improv venues and realized that both of us loved improv so we tried to figure out which show to attend. We finally settled on BATS and I would say that it was a good selection.
I've seen better improv before, but I've seen a lot of improv so that's pretty easy to say. The evening we attended BATS they were "playing against" the Stanford Improvisors, aka the SIMPs. It was pretty clear that the BATS troupe was in a league beyond the SIMPs. The BATS team consisted of three comedians who were no younger than 40 and seemed to have a lot of improv experience. The SIMPs team was comprised of four college students. While they each had their strengths they were not nearly as well versed in improv. I would give the BATS team 4 Stars and the SIMPs 3 Stars.
The venue is rather interesting. Once inside, it is a very nice theater situation they have going. The stage is great for an improv troupe and the seating was really quite good. There are a few support beams in the audience that might block a few higher up seats in the wings, but I don't know that for sure and most of the seats had very easy viewing.
ATTENTION: It was the outside of the venue that was rather interesting. It is in the Fort Somethingorother, an old Army fort that had been shut down and converted to commercial space. The biggest problem is that YELP-GOOGLE MAPS ARE NOT MAPPING THE LOCATION IN EXACTLY THE RIGHT PLACE! If you go where it Google Maps to (November 2009) it ends up at Buchanan & Marina Blvd. That's not too far away from where it is, but if you don't know what you're looking for, you will never find it. YOU MUST WALK ONE BLOCK EAST ON MARINA and that will take you to the Fort. Once there, LOOK FOR THE INFORMATION MAP that will show you which building you are looking for. (It's Building B, which is the second one from the west end of the fort.)
It was a nice touch that they have a small concession stand and sold beer there. Beers were only $4 a piece (although they could have been a little colder.) We didn't know about the concession stand (which is on the other side of the seating area from the main entrance) so I don't know if you can get beers before the show, but if you're interested in a beer, ask one of them and they can show you. There is an intermission which is when we got our beer. There are a lot of people in the audience and only one or two people working the stand so it would be a good idea to get in line right at the beginning of the intermission. You won't miss any of the show, but why wait in line when you can be back in your comfy seat?
They teach improv during the week, and if I lived in San Fran I would strongly consider attending. (I have only read positive feedback about this experience, but I don't have it first hand.)
I would totally go back to watch BATS. I would like to check out some of the other improv venues, but I would certainly find time to get back and watch these guys. I would prefer to watch them when it was their whole truope instead of competing against other improv teams, but even then, the competition events are fun just as well.
I'm not usually a fan of improv because it can be uncomfortable watching the performers struggle while trying to be as witty as possible when put on the spot.
However, BATS Improv was decent entertainment for a night and I definitely got a few laughs out of it. There were times when the acting seemed strained, but overall, the performance was pretty good for the task at hand.
The bf wanted to do something different and thought an improv show would do the trick, and he enjoyed it more than I did. While I liked the performance, I think it'll be a while before I return for the reasons stated above.
This is typically how one of their shows go:
- there's usually a theme for the night. the night that we went, there was a James Bond theme.
- the performers have no idea what they're going to be doing onstage, as the audience chooses the title of the show, where it takes place, and some props that the performers will have to use, i.e. an audience member will shout out "chicken" and the performers will have to incorporate a chicken into the performance.
- it's supposed to last about 2 hours long, but our show went just past an hour and a half. To be honest, an hour and a half is probably the best length for a show like this. Otherwise, it all kind of slowly drags out in the end.
If you like improv, try out BATS. But if it's not your thing, you probably won't be swayed either way.
I was not sure what to expect when a group of friends and I decided to attend on a Saturday night the BATS Improv's Spontaneous Broadway: Musical Theater Improv performance. Upon our arrival at the Bayfront Theater located in Building B of the Fort Mason Center, the staff was very friendly from the will-call person to the person explaining the audience participation in the upcoming performance - so far so good.
The Bayfront Theater is relatively small and can only seat up to 200 people. All of a sudden a guy starts playing on a keyboard the same tune over and over again. I still had no idea of what to expect from an improvisational performance.
My concern soon turned into laughter when the cast finally came out and performed completely improved songs from titles submitted by the audience. The audience then had to vote on its favorite song. In the second half, that song became the basis for a full-length improvised musical!
The show was enormously entertaining and funny! I definitely had a good time. Tickets cost around $15 (however, we purchased our tickets online for only $10) and the show lasted about 2 hours. Every show BATS Improv puts on is different each time.
Hilarious! I've done some stand up comedy in the past--now I am wishing that I had learned more improv comedy. It's just so much more interesting and engaging when there is no script to follow.
The comedy team at BATS cracked me up most of the show, as well as the rest of the audience. Will definitely do this again.
BATS is wonderful!
I recently moved to the Bay Area from LA and I was skeptical. San Francisco is a theater town, after all, and I felt that nothing could match the likes of Second City and The Groundlings.
Half a year of classes later and I'm happy to report I was wrong. BATS stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the other improv giants, for several reasons:
1) The quality of the instruction. All of the teachers seem to have the best interests of their students at heart. They consistently go above and beyond in terms of helping students realize their creative potential. More than anywhere else I've studied, BATS is an environment where it feels safe to express yourself.
2) The quality of the students. Yes, this is a factor. I had a blast training in LA, but I'm not an aspiring actor and many of my classmates were. This lead to a competitive vibe on occasion.
What's remarkable is that my classmates at BATS don't seem to have any motive other than experiencing the sheer joy of improv. In other words, they're not doing it for any reason other than the activity itself. (The Buddha would approve.)
There's also a tremendous diversity of backgrounds amongst the students - engineers from Google, PR managers from Silicon Valley firms, theater majors from Stanford, etc. This leads to a variety of unusual scenic perspectives you aren't likely to get improvising elsewhere.
3) The innovative show formats. The main company is always trying something new... everything from improvised Greek Myths to Star Trek! Serious kudos to the artistic directors at BATS. If they keep taking creative risks, I'll keep watching.
ZOMG--I can't wait to come back for more! My friends and I came here for my birthday and we weren't sure what to expect. Yes, I read the Yelp reviews (of course!) but was a bit nervous because comedy is subjective. We picked up the tickets at the will-call booth and noticed that everyone was super friendly. The theater was a bit small and there was a guy on the side playing on a keyboard--that worried us! But our fears were soon assuaged when the MC came on.
Because they call themselves a "sporting event", the MC asked us to stand up so we can sing an anthem. She said we weren't going to sing the National Anthem, but rather another song everybody would know. Someone suggested "Happy Birthday" and that was perfect because it was my birthday. My friends told the theater that it was my day, so the whole theater sang to me! It was a really awesome gesture. The show was absolutely hilarious! I could not have imagined a funnier show. All my friends loved it and we can;t wait to come back again! The show lasted about 2 hours--definitely worth the $15 ticket. The show was fantastic--I will definitely recommend this place to newbies!
Final Verdict: If you're looking for fun on the cheap, come to BATS, take the leap! The show kept us laughing the whole entire time, it was an awesome experience if you're watching the dime.
The first time I went to BATS I was really skeptical.
"Come on," she said,"it'll be fun. It's called 'Rock & Roll Theatre Sports' - two teams dressed up as rock stars compete in different improv games."
"Hmm, well that could be fun," I said. ["Hmm, this is gonna be seriously excruciating," I thought.]
"Here," she said, "take a look at their website, doesn't that look like fun?" It was full of kooky-looking people doing madcap shenanigans.
"Sure, what the hell, I'll go." ["Oh god, what kind of water torture did I sign myself up for?"]
Needless to say (given my 5 star rating), I had a surprisingly good time and I've been back several times since because it is such a good deal for a huge amount of entertainment. The improv performers have balls of steel and deserve serious props for the guts it takes to do improv of this type in front of live audiences. Yes, the pictures look dorky as hell and would cause many like myself to have worries going in, but if you aren't in tears by the end of the night from laughing you must have a heart of coal.
How do these people do it??? We attended a Friday night show that was basically an Improv competition between BATS and the Standford Improv teams. It just amazes me that people can think on their feet like that, and as a team. It all comes together in laughter.
The theater itself is decent sized. Much bigger than I thought it would be. Seriously needs to turn up the A/C. It was so hot in there by the end of the night. Every one was complaining - so minus one star for that.
They have a little snack/beverage bar that's open during intermission. The usual fair of sodas, beer, bottled water, cookies, snack bars.
I'd totally recomment a night at the Improv.
I had low low expectations. I saw the battle between North Beach and Parnassus troupes, and it was a hoot. I liked the space as well. Made me want to go and see improv again.
I did the BATs Improv class and it was somewhat entertaining.
If you are a nerd/dork who whats to meet friends, you should enroll.
I'd rather see a movie.
ZOMG BATS is AWESOME :-)
I started going to see my friend in the Sunday players, and always had the best time.
Now I'm taking the first class, and it's also great. It's tons of fun, and impeccably paced. Every thing we do builds on the previous thing, so gently (baby steps!) that we don't even notice how much ground we cover in one class. No anxiety!
There are so many important transferable skills that go into improv: presence, attention, positivity, teamwork, listening, connection, authenticity, play. I can't recommend it enough! Come check it out!
BATS Improv was a bit of a disappointment. I went to the Saturday night show, where they have a Greek theme. The way they structure the show is the first half is set-up and the second half goes into more explanation/plot. The result is that the first half is pretty boring. There were definitely a few good jokes, but they seemed like rehearsed jokes. Maybe they were just having an off night though, and it seems like from the reviews that their classes are better than their shows!
I have seen this theater group numerous times and its always a good time. These guys, and gals, are funny! I take out of town visitors here occasionally and it has never let me down. The show is different every time, but it is guaranteed that you will laugh.
I suggest wearing classic SF layers to the show, the theater is small and gets warm even when it's half full. Parking is plentiful, although Fort Mason has started charging for it. Not so bad though, it was $4 last time I went.
Hint: purchase tickets day of for half price at the Union Square half price ticket outlet.
I have been doing improv for many, many years and have seen many, many shows. I was told BATS Theater is one of the best improv groups in the US (by people in the area of course). I was very excited to see my first show...and was even more disappointed afterward. This group is very stale and their format is the same as every other improv show with no creativity or originality. Their blatant attempts at being funny come off as plotted. The show was not very interesting as a whole.
Perhaps I caught them on a bad night, so I will try to see another one in the future. But for now, I am going to the Secret Society of Improv on Saturdays, when I can. Try them for a much more original and creative show.
It is the best valued entertainment in the city and good for your health. They say laughing is an important restorative measure for your psyche and your innards. Be good to yourself and go see BATs. Bring tissues. you will laugh so hard, you'll cry.
They use many different formats so go back more than once. The classes are well worth the investment.
This place is awesome. What a super creative bunch of actors. Been to about 10 performances. My kids (young teens) love it. One of them attended Improv summer camp here and loved it. The humor is often a bit racy but never in an inappropriate way. There's absolutely no profanity (one of the major turn offs among comedians is their apparent need to cuss incessantly). For $15 a ticket on a saturday night, you can take a date or the whole family, have a great time, and leave smiling.
Maybe I'm partial because I've taken 2 classes at BATS and am eagerly awaiting my third this summer.
Then again, I've seen improv all across this good nation of ours --- Second City, UCB, Groundlings --- and BATS is quite wonderful. Whether it's Theatersports or an Improvised Musical, the players are fun and playful and always entertaining. It's a great place to bring your parents, a date, or just go to for a fun weekend night by the water.
To Mr. Corey Rosen - I still sing "Everyone Has Hair" to myself. To Madame Laura Derry - My first 2 classes were a joy.
GOT FRIENDS VISITING? Take 'em to BATS. SOMEBODY'S BIRTHDAY BAT 'r up. Just want to get out on a Saturday night and enjoy a live event with real people at a price you can afford (with free parking? BATS, baby, BATS!
Without a doubt the BEST VALUE in SF entertainment.
Also, SOME OF THE FUNNIEST THEATER YOU WILL SEE. Ever. Anywhere.
Gee, that's not hyperbole or anything, is it? Nope. Really. Not an exaggeration.
This brilliant troupe of performers can create a full length musical on the spot--complete with songs and choreography!
Their theater is comfortable and cozy in Fort Mason, which also means that there's plenty of free parking (where else can you say that in San Francisco?)
And the classes--GREAT FUN--it's like being a kid again--and everybody needs to do that on a regular basis.
ADD BATS TO YOUR LIST OF "GREAT THINGS TO DO IN SF!"
(Note: while there are classes for kids, the theater doesn't recommend you bring kids to the regular evening shows which can be inappropriate for kids because they're so good for adults!)
I've taken three classes here and plan on taking my fourth this fall. The classes are challenging and fun, but hard to describe.
The shows can be the funniest thing you've ever seen, but even when the troupe is having an off night, they are still funnier than any movie you'll see at the theaters.
Classes here are essentially day camp for adults. Which if you think about it, should be really, really enticing. You play fun games, you meet a bunch of new people, and you take a short break in the middle.
I am not really a fan of improv theater. Years ago, every time I caught a glimpse of that show Drew Carey hosted, "Whose Line is it, Anyway?" I would flip the channel and wonder what kind of doofus laughs at that stuff. I'd seen improv a few other places, and was never that into it.
That said, my current job comes up a little short in the human-interaction department, so I decided to try out an improv class, just because I knew I'd end up talking to a bunch of people, even if it was in a German accent or while pretending to hack my way through the Amazon or whatever. The teacher (Diane) was great, the other students were very friendly, and the environment was very positive. I laughed pretty consistently for three hours every Tuesday night for six weeks. I imagine I will sign up for another class soon.
BATS rocks. For a few years I'd been kickin' around the idea of taking an improv class, and I finally made time to do it. The "Foundation 1" class is a series of 6 three-hour classes where you learn the basics in a fun and constructive setting. The classes are small enough (limited to ~15 students) so that everyone gets to participate.
John Remak taught the class, and I highly recommend him, but my understanding is that all of the teachers are ace. I'll find out more soon -- I signed up for "Foundation 2."
I just started my first class and all I have to say is...where else in life can you hoot like a wild jungle animal, swagger around like Quasimoto, and make up several crazy stories on the fly, all within the span of 3 hours?
The classes offer an opportunity to let your imagination run wild--uninhibited & uncensored, while working with concepts such as leadership, communication, giving & receiving, making others look good, and the sharing of power. Besides, it's hilarious to hear the things that come out of others'--and your own--mouths.
A diverse group of students & great instructors in a super fun & supportive environment that seems to bring out the best in everyone.
Some rules of BATS Improv:
1) Accept all offers
2) Just say it
3) Make others look good
4) Have fun
BATS is one of those organizations that give me pause whenever I consider leaving the Bay Area. Honestly. There's just no other place like it in the country, I'm convinced.
The shows are consistently funny, and I promise it will be a much more memorable evening than spending $10-15 on that same old boring movie & popcorn. Nearly every Friday through Sunday night of the year you can pick up a live show here that will knock your socks off. I especially recommend "True Fiction" and "Three For All" as two of my favorites.
But the thing that really gives me the warm fuzzies about BATS is the classes they hold. I've attended quite a few, plus one "summer school" series with Keith Johnstone, their mentor and inspiration. It was phenomenal. Something about improv makes me a better, more positive, more human human, and I want to do nothing else but improv all the time. As much fun as watching it is, doing it is about a thousand times funner. I've been taught by Barbara Scott, Diane Rachel and Zoe Galvez, and they were all excellent coaches and generous and funny human beings.
Oh -- and they've been voted Best of the Bay for many years -- AND the classes have often been voted best place to meet someone if you are single.
I've officially become a BATS improv junkie! My husband and I have taken several classes there - and attend a show at least twice a month. This weekend, I plan on going all 3 nights! Anyone know of an improv addiction group? :)
Seriously, I'd take a night of dinner and improv over a movie any day. It's interactive, fresh, fun, silly and incredibly creative. The players are amazing performers, and many are equally great instructors. Highly recommend taking a class or two at BATS. It gets you out of your comfort zone in a fun way, let's you be a kid again and teaches you to take risks in a safe environment.
Taking their Foundation I workshop and it's simply the best. Very challenging but also exciting and I'm learning a ton about storytelling and how not to be funny to be funny.
Cool reupholstered seating for a cool reupholstered improv group. It's really refreshing to see good live improv. They have a great competition month in the summer where different subsets of the actors compete for laughs to see who goes on to perform against LATS (LA theater sports). Shows are relatively cheap ($10-15), and it's a short distance away from bars and restaurants on Chestnut in the Marina.
My personal recipe: girl + Squat & Gobble (see earlier review) + BATS show = happiness.
Yup. Funny.
No, really, seriously. Honest.
If you want to learn improv theater, and you live in the Bay Area, BATS is the place to go. Their teachers are both skilled AND supportive, and you will get world-class training that will prepare you to perform OR just be more confident in your everyday life.
I took classes here for years, and now I run an improv company of my own. I have BATS to thank for giving me an excellent foundation. Thanks, BATS!
I love BATS!
I took my parents here when they were in town and we had so much fun. There weren't a ton of people at the show we went to and it made me sad. Skip the pricey SF comedy clubs and go to a BATS show ASAP.
I will definitely go back and I better see you there.
BATS = Bay Area Theatre Sports
Not only are the shows really fun to watch and/or participate in, but going to classes there is a full on blast. If you like the show "Who's Line is it Anyway" then you'll really like BATS.
There is so much talent here. If you are not an actor, but you love improv you have to go see them. The shows change regularly and are always fresh. They have themed shows as well as off th cuff straight up improv. Audience participation is big on some shows and not in others.
Anything with Laura Derry in it is bound to be hysterical. She just happens to be o the homepage right now.
Its cheap to go see them on a Friday or Saturday night.
Look 'em up!
http://www.improv.org/
What I've learned from going to BATS: Improv is good for the soul.
See it, do it, practice it.
The BATS crew is full of some of the most talented, creative, funny, helpful and friendly people around. The impact of improv, be it small or big, either as viewer or participant, can be profound.
And its fun as hell.
About taking classes: I started taking classes at BATS on a whim. I had a break-up and wanted to do something a little different. From the first class, I was hooked. Improv combines my love of Buddhism (you MUST stay in the moment in improv) and playfulness. Improv is a direct extension of playing make believe on the playground. I continue to enjoy it, and improv has become an unexpected passion in my life.
About performances: There is something very raw about watching improv in person. I've watched some video taped improv, and it loses some of it's flavor. Where you're there in the audience, shouting out suggestions, you really never know what's going to happen. I love that about theatre, and BATS does that every Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Will the tight rope break (metaphorically)? Will they have to start over? I have never been to a BATS show I didn't like, some shows better than others, of course.
Saw 3 for All with Stephen, Rafe, and Tim. Absolutely hysterical. The short skits weren't that funny, but I loved the long improv segment where they made an hour long film based on a suggestion from the audience.
These guys are total pros!
This plus dinner would be a perfect date!
3rd time there for V-Day. Loved it- excellent imrpov-- and I've actually had some schooling in the matter!
They dealt well with the juvenille "size matters" suggestions from the bossy, base crowd. Good work!
We'll be back again!
We went to this theatre for a friend's birthday. There is plenty of party in the huge lot. The place is easy to find if you read the signs. It's not on the first floor.
My friend was sung happy birthday by everyone in the theatre, I thought that was nice. The acting was pretty good.
The men's washroom is slightly trickier to find than the female one, but other than that, it was a good time.
This is a review of the Sunday night performance (student performers). I realize that they students probably change each night so the experience could be better or worse depending on when you go. When I went they were pretty decent, some of them were a little lost on the whole thing, but the few that were on it totally made my night. There were a couple of funny skits, I would definitely recommend if you don't' have anything else to do on a Sunday night, because it is super cheap.
I died from laughter one night from a show. I forgot the name, but it was a finale improv battle between groups.
PLEASE go, it is absolutely awesome!
5 stars for the entertainment to price ratio.
These shows are a lot of fun. Next time, save the money you'd spend at the movies and check out one of these shows.
this will be my next first date.
1. cheap.
2. hilarious, in case he isn't.
3. near the water, which provides opportunity for either snuggling, or saying, "i'm freezing and i have to go home now."
you should go here.
maybe with me, on a date?
