BATS Improv to Present Expanded Education Programming

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, BATS Improv has unveiled an expansive slate of educational programming for summer and fall 2026, featuring youth camps, specialty anniversary classes, student performances, and the return of its August Month of Intensives, which has historically attracted students from around the world to participate.

For four decades, BATS has helped generations of improvisers discover creativity, collaboration, and community through world-class improv training. This season’s educational offerings honor that legacy while continuing to welcome students of all experience levels into the art of improvisation.

Youth Summer Camps

BATS will offer two week-long Youth Summer Camps open to all youth improvisers from K-12.
June 22–26, 2026
July 13–17, 2026
This summer, students at all levels of experience are welcomed for a week-long session for youth from kindergarten through 12th grade. Led by our experienced coaches, the BATS Youth Summer Camp is the perfect place for anyone who wants to play onstage, create stories, be a part of an ensemble, play together through music and games, learn improv skills, and did we mention play?!? Each day, students will learn in age-level groups focusing on collaboration, imagination, listening, and fun culminating in a performance at the end of the week.

40th Anniversary Specialty Classes

As part of the anniversary celebration, BATS will present a monthly series of specialty classes that revisit memorable offerings from throughout the organization’s history. Each class will either be taught by its original instructor or reimagined by a contemporary BATS coach.

Anniversary classes and dates include:

Movement! with Zoe Galvez (original instructor!) – June 15, 2026
Wide Open Westerns with John Remak (original instructor!) – July 6, 2026
Stage Combat and Intimacy with Rez Graham – August 10, 2026
 

Student Performances and Collaborations

Students will also have the opportunity to take the stage through a variety of performance opportunities, including:
Hitchcock Performance Lab with Brian Lohmann
Mysterious characters. Suspense. Comic relief. Objects that menace. These are some of the ingredients we will throw into Hitchcock Homage Hot Pot. The average person caught up in an intrigue is the basic broth, which we will simmer fresh each class (unless we get a tasty stew going that we want to serve again the next class.) Join us for a frolic into fear that is inspired by Vertigo, North by Northwest, Spellbound, Notorious, Strangers on a Train, and others. CAUTION: there will be screaming.
 

Foundation 6 Showcase with John Remak

Scenes, Games, Plus a One Act Play! Get ready for a night of non-stop FUN! The first half of this high-energy student showcase is packed with rapid-fire improv scenes and interactive games that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Then, settle in for the second half, where we’ll dive into a character-driven One-Act Play that unfolds on a single set—totally inspired by YOU, the audience!
 
The Summer Cave Match in collaboration with BATS mainstage show programming
This summer, we’re reimagining Cave Match as part of our 40th Anniversary celebration — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more connected to the Mainstage than ever before. In July, selected student teams compete in a single-elimination tournament for a chance to advance. The winning teams move on to August, where they’ll perform on the Mainstage in weekly matchups against BATS Company players. The series culminates in a special Maestro Impro™ finale, where one improviser is crowned champion. This one-time event creates a rare opportunity for students to take the stage alongside Company performers, while audiences get a front-row seat to the next generation of BATS talent. If you’ve ever wanted to see where improv training can lead — this is it.

Ongoing Classes and Training

In addition to special anniversary programming, BATS will continue offering its year-round curriculum, including:
One-day Intro to Improv classes
If you’ve ever been intrigued by improv, this one-time, fun introduction to improv is just for you! In this 3-hour workshop you’ll learn the basics of improvised theatre – spontaneity, playfulness, creativity, listening, storytelling, and more.
Community improv jams
Looking to add more fun and laughter to your weekend? Experience the magic of improv with BATS Improv’s Sunday Jams! Happening twice each month, Sunday Jams are a welcoming place for people of all levels to connect and play!
Six-week Foundation Series classes
The Foundation Series curriculum teaches improvisers the various skills and principles of BATS style improv. Classes include Foundation 1 – Mindset & Skillset; Foundation 2 – Movement &Story; Foundation 3 – Character & Relationship; Foundation 4 – Scenework & Acting Skills; Foundation 5 – Narrative; and Foundation 6 – Performance.
Weekend and Online specialty intensives
BATS’ intensives give improvisers more opportunities to play and have fun while deepening their improv knowledge. We offer workshops spanning a variety of genres and skill levels for beginners and advanced players alike. Both online and in-person, BATS has something for everyone.
Online workshops spanning a variety of genres and skill levels
From Tarantino to Jane Austen, for beginners and advanced players alike, both online and in-person, BATS has something for everyone 

August Month of Intensives

One of BATS’ most celebrated educational traditions, the Month of Intensives, returns this August with an expansive lineup of workshops taught by acclaimed improvisers and educators. Originally launched as the Summer Sessions in 1992, the program has evolved into a month-long destination for improvisers from around the world. This year’s in-person offerings include:
Film Noir with Tim Orr — July 31, 2026 & August 1–2, 2026
The Where with Regina Saisi — August 1–2, 2026
BATS 40th: Stage Combat and Intimacy with Rez Graham — August 3, 2026
Actor or Improviser with Zoe Galvez (Online) – August 4 & 11, 2026
Fun and Games with Rebecca Stockley (Online) – August 5, 2026
Contagious Fun with Rebecca Stockley — August 6, 2026
Stand By Me with Regina Saisi — August 7–9, 2026
Effortless and Joyful Improv with William Hall — August 8–9, 2026
Please Stop Talking: Movement for Improvisers with Zoe Galvez — August 10, 2026
What Do You Do with Your Brain in Improv? with Dave Dennison (Online) – August 12 & 19, 2026
The Secret of Improv with Rebecca Stockley — August 13, 2026
North Beach Reveries – Improvising the Beat Generation with Diana Brown — August 15, 2026
Where Am I? with Suzanne Malek — August 15–16, 2026
Rogues, Ruffians & Wily Wits with Diana Brown — August 16, 2026
Playing Convincing Villains with Rez Graham — August 18–20, 2026
Intermission Inventory with Suzanne Malek — August 21–23, 2026
Musical Improv with Joshua Raoul Brody and Brian Lohmann — August 21–23, 2026
The Beginning with Dave Dennison — August 25, 2026
Real and Relatable with Suzanne Malek (Online) – August 25, 2026
The Middle with Dave Dennison — August 26, 2026
Improv & Voice Acting with Suzanne Malek (Online) – August 26, 2026
The End with Dave Dennison — August 27, 2026
Shortform Showcase: Performance Games and Scenes with John Remak — August 27–30, 2026
Jane Austen Summer Camp with Brian Lohmann — August 29–30, 2026

For more information and registration details, visit improv.org/school/

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Costume Design - Top 3

1. Ryan Park - The Lost Boys

24.2% of votes

2. Qween Jean - CATS: The Jellicle Ball

15.4% of votes

3. Linda Cho - Schmigadoon!

13.4% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats