BATS Improv Theatre
Categories: Performing Arts, Art Schools [Edit]
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow HollowFort Mason Center
Bldg. B, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 474-8935
- Good for Kids: Yes
53 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
"I'm such a dork, I love school. I feel like I've gained so much in the MFA program. Most of the professors that I had were very encouraging…" read more »
42 Reviews for BATS Improv Theatre
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.
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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.
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!)
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.
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BATS is quality through-and-through. The performances are consistently enjoyable and fresh. The performers are top-notch. I've also taken a few classes at BATS which are also fun, insightful, and -- believe it or not -- one learns skills/lessons applicable outside the theatre world. I've seen two other improv troupes in San Francisco -- you can check out my other reviews -- but BATS is in a class by itself. It's simply the best.
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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."
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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!
How do you forget all your troubles, pump massive amounts of endorphins into your system and not get all sweaty and lycra-clad? Go see BATS. The end.
i think the only negative thing i could see about BATS is that i'm not a theatre-person. i can't hold that against them, though.
i went here for a work-related function for team-building exercises. i did have fun with the few impov exercises they had us do. the people i met who worked there were nice. i just have a weird reaction to thespians - they never feel as if they're being "real".
their facilities are pretty nice. i could imagine some good comedy going on here. i'd be into doing it again.
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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.
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OK, so..how do I love thee, BATS? Let's see, I've taken 3 of the classes there, all of the teachers were top notch, but my secret fave was Barbara Scott - she's jaw droppingly compelling to watch when she's improvising, and an amazingly focused and brilliant teacher to boot. If for no other reason, taking a class is immensly therapeutic just for the peals of laughter you'll find pouring out of yourself. The classes are not like acting classes..it's about just jumping in and going for it. I've also been to many of the shows, my faves are the theatersports and 3 for all..but any friday or saturday night show is worth it. I admit to getting crushes on many of the players, it's easy to love someone from afar for the ability to make us laugh. Anyhoo, just go, and take a class if you can, it will be a positive influence..I found that after completing my classes, it was easier for me to be spontaneous and in the moment in small talk conversations with others, something I used to abhor. BATS, I want to put you in my pocket.
The bang for the buck makes a BATS show worth five stars. I've been to two very memorable performances (so far - we'll be back!) and it's great entertainment for the money. Always get a laugh throughout the evening (some sections more than others!) But there's something about the atmosphere and the company that is so worth it - so much better than most movies.
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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!
BATS Improv is the San Francisco home of theatre sports and one of the major improvisational theatre venues in the city. There are some fantastic improvisors based here (3 For All comes to mind), and they have a number of terrific classes and shows.
If you go see a show make sure that you see the Main Stage Company perform and not the students. While BATS is a great place for learning improvisation, student shows can often be a little difficult to watch.
I gave BATS four stars because I'm not a big fan of their style of improv; it's too presentational, unauthentic, and coached for me. That being said, if you like Theatre Sports this is the place to go. Also, there are a few outstanding ensembles that perform there regularly that you should definitely check out.
And if you like long-form, check out their BLIP shows!
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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
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I don't date but if I did I'd bring girls here.
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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!
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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.
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Yup. Funny.
No, really, seriously. Honest.
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light-hearted fun, great for first date, safe for little kids.
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This was my first improv show, so I don't know whether the troupes at BATS were poor or I just plain don't like the genre; I'm thinking it's more likely the latter. Either way, I found the show painfully unfunny.
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A friend and I attended one of the Rock'n'Roll improv nights earlier this year. It was a reasonable value for $10, but I expected quite a bit more laughs. Oddly, most of the evening's laugh-out-loud moments stemmed from audience involvement. From a purely improv standpoint, I'd give the evening a B or B-, but from a humor, pure-comedy standpoint, I'd rate it a C. Too much time was spent on the wacky, rather than making the everyday humorous. Additionally, the entire evening seemed completely disconnected from current topical events (in politics, entertainment, sports, etc.). Maybe they were just trying too hard to be inoffensive?
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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.
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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.
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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.
like sex and sports, comedy is both fun to do and fun to watch, especially when it's done well. and bats is like good sex or good soccer...they are fun to watch but it's even more fun to join in.
the shows, long-form, comedy sports, gorilla theater...all fun. there are some talented folks in the company...zoe galvez and gerri lawlor to name two..both of whom i've taken classes with and are excellent instructors as well. great for a date...can't go wrong with making your honey laugh all night.
if you think you are funny, or think you've got some funny in you that just needs some coaxing to come out, or even if you just want to learn to loosen up and be in the moment, then bats is the perfect place to go for improv comedy classes. it's playtime for adults.
one thing...another review gave a thumbs-down on the student shows. the sunday players are in some respects the farm team for the main stage company or for people who might play with or form other troupes. it's also a creative outlet for people who can't or don't want anything more than a total amateur gig. sure it's a bit uneven but it's where lots of learning goes on for the performers. they need the support as much as main stage players do. to dismiss them out of hand misses the point as to what they're all about. you never know...it might be like going to a aaa baseball game and seeing the next barry bonds. there's a sex analogy here too, but...
anyway, yeah...i loves me my bats.
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very entertaining. love that you can yell suggestions for what you want them to do next. my favorite: when my friend and i yell spanish soap opera, and they act out a forbidden affair w/ bitch slaps and everything! good times!
they offer BATS free during the annual theater tickets giveaway and thats where i grabbed my free seats.
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Best theatre bargain in town -- even a better deal than a movie! If you've never seen them before, you'll be amazed what can be improvised.
Tip: If you can find a parking space in the lot just outside of Ft. Mason, you can park for free.
I am disclosing up front that I am a member of the BATS community and perform with them on Sunday evenings. Having said that before I became a performer I was a BATS student and fan. The Main Stage Players who perform on Friday and Saturday nights are truly gifted actors and improvisers. This is a great night out with a friends, family or a your special someone. Favorite shows to catch are Spontaneous Broadway, Improvised Shakespeare, Double Feature and their Battle of the Bay TheaterSports Tourney.
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These improv masters are some of the best in the bay area, and they're nationally known. In fact, they may be the only troupe besides Second City that is better than MIT's beloved Roadkill Buffet. My only quibble: they're too far from my house, and their super-fun classes are quite expensive.
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This is one of my favorite birthday bash locales. First we dine, then we troop over to catch the show. So funny, talented and creative - I wish I could be just like them!
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/
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Fantastic. I now have a new hobby in SF...watching these guys perform. I was rolling the whole time.
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.
frickin funniest improv i've seen in years. aweeessoommmeee! (and very affordable with goldstar.com discounts)
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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!
I love this place!!! Coolest place to check out live improv shows. They also have improv classes you can take during evening and weekends. I took 2 improv classes from there - and it was awesome - you meet very cool people and teachers are excellent. :)
One of the best improv groups in town, located in the Fort Mason complex. They usually have shows Thursday to Sunday (schedule at http://www.improv.org/), with the themes changing frequently. They also specialise in improv classes, which several of my friends rave about.
Some of the best improv comedy in the city. The SFIA highly recommends them.
Don't walk...RUN to the next show at BATS. Funny, silly, goofy, wacky people who know how to have a great time. I took an Intro to Improv class here and met a fun, eclectic group of peeps. If you're looking for a good challenge or weekly activity, sign up for a class! When your friends are visiting from out-of-town, bring them to a show. Guaranteed good times.
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