Theatresports™ Duos is a fast paced show – two teams of improvisers play short improvised scenes that are immediately scored by 3 Olympic-style judges, sometimes leading to boos from the crowd. Though the content is theatre, often funny and surprising, occasionally poignant, the show feels like a sporting event.

That’s intentional; Theatresports™ was created in 1977 by Keith Johnstone to bring the energy of a wrestling match to live theatre. In the nearly fifty years since its premier, Theatresports™ has spread to improv companies around the world and inspired many other shows, including Whose Line is it Anyway?.

BATS Improv, where Theatresports™ Duos is playing on Saturdays in March, was founded in 1986 as Bay Area TheatreSports, an improv company devoted to playing Theatresports™. Many members of the BATS Company, including Rebecca Stockley (co-director of Theatresports Duos), also had the privilege of studying with Keith Johnstone, and will bring his original inspiration to the show.

For Theatresports™ Duos, the two-player teams will focus Theatresports™ through the lens of what they want in their scenes. According to Jerry Ruoti, the co-director of the format, “If a team enjoys doing scenes that have surprises in them, or just singing, then I want them to have agency to do that.” If you’re looking for a theater experience that welcomes booing, cheering, and yelling things in general, Theatresports™ Duos is the show for you!

Tickets for Theatresports™ Duos 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 and Jerry Ruoti

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Saturday 3/8 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)

Magic Moments: John Remak and Rebecca Stockley

Physical Presence: Paul Killam and Lisa Wang

Hosted by Corey Rosen

Saturday 3/15 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)

Overstayed Welcome: Jerry Ruoti and Nikki Zapanta

Fish and Chips: Will Gutzman and Ethan Karson

Hosted by Rebecca Stockley

Saturday 3/22 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.)

Casual Aquaintance: John Remak and Laura Wachtel

Stockley & Gutzman: Not Just Silent: Will Gutzman and Rebecca Stockley

Hosted by Paul Killam

Saturday 3/29 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)

International Improv Experts: Tim Orr and Basel Al-Naffouri

April Fools: John Remak and Karen Brelsford

Hosted by Rebecca Stockley