Summer in San Francisco is coming, whether we have enough layers or not. As the fog rolls in, one place that promises to be warm is the Bayfront Theater, where BATS Improv’s wildly popular format Super Scene – Summer Blockbusters returns on Saturdays in July.  The theme leans into another summer tradition: going to the movies.

Show director Rebecca Stockley describes Super Scene as “a fast-paced, rip-roaring theatre competition”.  Five directors create five completely improvised stories, each with a unique tone or genre, But there’s a catch – stories unfold one scene at a time, round by round. After each round, the audience selects, with their applause, the stories that continue, and which story is eliminated. This process continues, and the scenes evolve, until the final round, where only one story remains and the SUPER SCENE is performed.  According to Stockley,  “Super Scene is so fun because there’s a variety of stories and the audience gets to decide what they want to see more of.”

Super Scene is different from most shows at BATS in that it’s directed improv: one player has an inspiration for the type of story they want the players to create.  They stand outside of the action, occasionally offering guidance, but riding the same wave of instantaneous storytelling with the actors and audience.  Inevitably the stories will go in some direction the director didn’t expect.  It’s also a cooperative competition: the players are directing their own story and acting in the others but the focus is always on creating the best show, not on winning.

How Super Scene came to BATS involves a bit of an odyssey, and reveals the international scope of improv and BATS’ connection to that world wide community. The format was created in Calgary at the Loose Moose Theatre, and was introduced to two BATS Company Players, William Hall and Tim Orr who were invited (by a couple of German improvisers) to perform Super Scene at an Improv Festival in Amsterdam in 2012.  William and Tim brought the format back to BATS and it has been performed here nearly every year since.

For the July shows, audiences can expect to see a variety of different movie styles; action, romance, crime drama… anything is possible. Whatever the stories are, a rollicking good time (with fresh popcorn) awaits!  Super Scene plays Saturdays July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 8pm at BATS Improv at Fort Mason in San Francisco.

Tickets for Super Scene: Five stories in one night! 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 Rebecca Stockley

Saturday 7/5 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 7/12 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 7/19 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 7/26 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!