WHAT’S PLAYING
We create lively theatre together.
You probably think that Improv is comedy, right? Well, our shows are often funny. Our goal is also to make them dramatic, sweet, tragic, adventurous and truthful. We’re inspired to tell stories in the moment in the styles that we love; whether it’s a RomCom or a Kung Fu movie, a Film Noir or a Broadway Musical.
And we want you to cheer when the villain is defeated, gasp when the detective is double crossed and say “Awwww” when the lovers finally get back together. You may forget (or not even believe) that we’re making it up on the spot. That’s what we’ve been doing since 1986.
Fall Season Shows
NOV
Super Scene: Five genres in one night!
Saturdays in November
NOV 02 NOV 09 NOV 16
NOV 23
FAQ
What is “improvised theatre” anyway?
Simply put, improvised theatre is theatre that’s created on the spot without a script.
What is BATS-style improv?
The BATS style of improvised theatre is unique in the improv landscape — a one-of-a-kind blend of theatre, comedy, and acting that’s quite different from stand-up or sketch. We pioneered this form of theatre more than 30 years ago, and it continues to evolve as we do.
The BATS style of improv has been described as radical cooperation in action. Our ensemble of actors seamlessly works together to create a rich, theatrical world inhabited by truthfully acted, well-developed characters. The result is a unique and thrilling theatre experience that stands toe-to-toe with scripted work. The collaborative imagination can go places the solitary imagination cannot.
At BATS Improv, we’re all about the story, not jokes. We don’t have stock characters or established bits. Instead, we aim to create theatre that tells a story collaboratively and spontaneously. You may find yourself touched enough to cry. More likely, you’ll laugh until you cry. Everything you see at BATS is created on the spot and in the moment. It’s real. It’s funny. It’s theatre.
See BATS in action →
What is “shortform” improv?
Our shortform shows (usually on Friday), like our signature competition TheatresportsTM, are fast-paced, exciting, and highly interactive. This form of improvised theatre is filled with scenes, songs, games, and lots of audience suggestions and participation. In our shortform shows, our actors generally get a new suggestion before each scene, and each scene, song, or game is its own complete story. If you like variety, high energy, and lots of different stories in one night, our Friday shows are for you.
What is “longform” improv?
Our longform shows (usually on Saturday) are full-length, narrative, genre-driven stories based on audience suggestions. We present our longform shows in a variety of genres and styles throughout the year. In our longform shows, our actors generally get several suggestions at the beginning of the show and use those suggestions as their inspiration in creating a single story that unfolds like a play or a film. BATS longform shows are an exhilarating and impressive form of improvised theatre created and developed by our own Main Stage Company actors.
What is Theatresports? What is the Harold? What is . . . ?
We use many different shortform and longform formats throughout the year as the structure for the games and stories we create. Some involve rules and mechanisms to help us unlock greater creativity; others are more genre, or theme, driven. And many were developed here at BATS by our own company members!