BATS Improv Premieres New Show: Improv! Improv! Improv! 

San Francisco, CA — This May, BATS Improv invites audiences to experience the essence of improvisational theater with its newest production: Improv! Improv! Improv! Running Saturday nights throughout the month, the show brings improv back to its roots—just five performers, an empty stage, and a room full of audience suggestions.

With 15 to 20 scenes unfolding each night, no two performances will be the same. A romantic dinner date may follow a Renaissance drama or a chaotic crowd scene at a baseball game. Expect a wild ride through a variety of tones, genres, and time periods. It’s high-energy, highly original, and always made up on the spot.

Directed by BATS company members and Artistic Directors Derek Yee and Karen Brelsford, Improv! Improv! Improv! celebrates what makes BATS a cornerstone of Bay Area theater: skilled, versatile performers committed to authentic storytelling. Though humor often emerges naturally, the heart of the show lies in creating fully realized characters and emotionally grounded scenes—delivering not just laughs, but a full spectrum of human experience.  

Directors Derek Yee and Karen Brelsford want to do a format that leans into BATS tradition as a professional theatre company with deep improv skills and a players whose range of improv experience spans from several years to several decades. “With performers ranging from seasoned veterans to rising talents, we’re excited to bring this format to life.” say Yee and Brelsford.

For over four decades, BATS Improv has been San Francisco’s premier improv institution, known for innovative formats, fearless performers, and unforgettable moments. Improv! Improv! Improv! continues that legacy, offering a fresh, stripped-down format that puts creativity and connection center stage.

Performances:

Every Saturday in May

BATS Improv at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

Tickets for Improv! Improv! Improv!  range from $5-$25, and may be purchased online or in person beginning half-hour before the performance, subject to availability. All performances take place in BATS Bayfront Theatre in the historic Landmark Building B on the Fort Mason campus in San Francisco. Paid parking is available in the adjoining lot.

Directed by Derek Yee & Karen Brelsford

Watch Video Here

What's BATS style improv to Derek? Watch Video Here

What's BATS style improv to Karen? Watch Video Here

Saturday 5/3 8pm

Tickets: $20 Student/ Senior $25 for General Admission

Weekend Special: Free Popcorn on Opening Weekend

(One free regular sized cup per ticket holder, while supplies last.)

Saturday 5/10 8pm

Tickets: $20 Student/ Senior $25 for General Admission

Pay-What-You-Will tickets available 

Weekend Special: Free Coffee or Tea 

(One free regular sized coffee or tea per ticket holder)

Saturday 5/17 8pm

Tickets: $20 Student/ Senior $25 for General Admission

Weekend Special: Ticket Holders can enter into a drawing online for a chance to win a free Improv book*

(The drawing will be at the end of the show in Lobby 2, one free entry per ticket holder. Good for any book in stock, while supplies last. Value up to $20)

Saturday 5/24 8pm

Tickets: $20 Student/ Senior $25 for General Admission

Weekend Special: Free Snack with Purchase of a Beverage

(One free snack per beverage purchased, while supplies last.)

Saturday 5/31 8pm

Tickets: $20 Student/ Senior $25 for General Admission

Weekend Special: Buy 1 get 1 free on all beverages on the Closing Night of BATS Shows*

(Good for all non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks for 21+ with valid ID. Must consume onsite before closing time. Free beverage is good for equal or less value)

At BATS Improv, one of our core values is respect for our audience. We understand that some people hesitate to sit up front because they’re worried about being "picked on." That’s not our style.

While we may invite audience members to join us on stage, it’s always your choice—and if you do, we’ll treat you with the same respect and playfulness that we bring to the entire show. No embarrassment, no mean-spirited jokes—just a fun, welcoming experience for everyone.

So sit where you like, relax, and enjoy the show!