Season 2, Episode 5: Behind every summer is a community that keeps Fire Island alive. This episode explores the history of the beloved Pines Pantry through the eyes of its iconic Pantry Girls, alongside the volunteer firefighters of The Pines and Cherry Grove who protect the island from fires, hurricanes, beach erosion, and an uncertain future.
BATS Improv Named Recipient Of The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund
The San Francisco nonprofit receives California state funding to boost equitable pay for performers and staff
By: Stephi Wild
BATS Improv, San Francisco's vibrant nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of improvised theatre, has been named a recipient of the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), a State of California–funded initiative designed to support arts organizations in implementing more equitable compensation structures for artists and staff.
This grant will help BATS Improv build on its ongoing commitment to strengthen pay for performers, instructors, and creative collaborators, ensuring the people who bring the work to life are more fairly compensated for their contributions.
“We're incredibly honored to be included among the recipients of the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund,” said Marilyn Langbehn, Managing Director of BATS Improv. “Improvisation is built on trust and collaboration. That same spirit carries into how we support our artists and staff offstage, making sure they feel not just creatively inspired but genuinely taken care of.”
“This funding is important, not just for BATS Improv, but for California's performing arts ecosystem as a whole,” said Jade Shipman, Board President and CEO of BATS Improv. "It supports what we see on stage, through payroll for artists and also the leaders, administrators, and crew who work so diligently behind the scenes. We are grateful to the State of California for recognizing and responding to this need."
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, BATS Improv has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area's cultural landscape, presenting unscripted theatre that is smart, funny, and deeply human. From its regular performances and festivals to its robust training programs, BATS has cultivated a vibrant community of artists and audiences alike—while remaining committed to accessibility, inclusion, and artistic excellence.
The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund was established by the State of California to address long-standing disparities in compensation across the arts sector, providing resources for organizations to build more sustainable and just economic models. BATS Improv's participation in the program reflects both its leadership in the field of improvisational theatre and its dedication to evolving in ways that better support its artists.
For more information about BATS Improv, visit www.improv.org.
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