BATS Improv, San Francisco's center for improvisation, returns this November with the audience favorite, Super Scene, for four Saturday evening performances at 8 p.m.. These one-of-a-kind shows, created on the spot by BATS' skilled actors and inspired by audience suggestions, will showcase the company's signature blend of theater, spontaneity, and comedy that has delighted San Francisco audiences for nearly four decades.

America loves TV Series and in Super Scene: TV Premieres each director has a vision to fulfill: It could be a Mash-Up of two popular shows like: A mystery crossed with an arrogant chef’s kitchen drama, or it could be a behind the scenes documentary of a fictional baking contest, or the staging of a fantasy world with dragons and magic. Show director and BATS co-founder Rebecca Stockley describes Super Scene: TV Premieres 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.

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. Created at Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre, Super Scene was introduced to BATS Company Players William Hall and Tim Orr by German improvisers at a 2012 Amsterdam Improv Festival. They brought the format back to BATS, where it has been performed annually ever since.

Tickets for BATS Improv shows range from $15-$25, with Pay-What-You-Will tickets available on the second Saturday of the month. Tickets may be purchased online or in person beginning half-hour before the performance. 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.

Genre: Competition

Trailer: https://youtu.be/82o4sJzp58Q

Directed by Rebecca Stockley

Show Dates and Times

Saturday 11/16 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)

Cast: William Hall, Ethan Karson, Karen Brelsford, Nikki Zapanta, Rebecca Stockley, Tim Orr

Live Improvised Lighting by Maggie del Castillo

Live Improvised Music by Joshua Raoul Brody

Saturday 11/23 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)

Cast: Karen Brelsford, Paul Killam, Rebecca Stockley, Stephanie Dennison, Will Gutzman, Derek Yee

Live Improvised Lighting by Nick Rice

Live Improvised Music by Joshua Raoul Brody

*While supplies last.

BATS Policies:

All sales are final. Sorry no refunds.

Seniors are ages 62 and up.

Youth are ages 18 and under.

Parental guidance: Improv can be unpredictable! While most BATS performances are suitable for teens and some adventurous middle-schoolers, we recommend considering what other entertainment your child enjoys. We provide general show descriptions—like rom-com, comedy, or drama—and will flag any content that may include violence, such as in "Improvised Kung Fu." Ultimately, we trust parents to use their judgment in deciding what's appropriate for their child.