BATS 40th: Stage Combat and Intimacy with Rez Graham

Class Time/Dates: 7:00pm-10:00pm on Monday // August 3

Schedule: 1 session

Class length: 3 hours

Class size: 12 students maximum

Prerequisite: Foundation 3 or equivalent. Email [email protected] for the access code or with any eligibility questions.

Tuition: $70

To celebrate BATS Improv’s 40th anniversary in November 2026, we’re launching a year of 40th Specialty Classes. Every month, we’ll bring back a class from the past four decades—some taught by the original coaches who created them, and others updated by a new generation of coaches. It’s a chance to revisit the skills and formats that made BATS what it is today, learn something new, and connect across 40 years of improv history!

As we begin to create more believable characters and scenes, we start to explore the more extreme emotions that our characters can feel. We need to be able to express those feelings as the characters in a way that is safe for everyone mentally, physically, and emotionally. In the first half of the class, we delve into the techniques of stage combat, allowing us to give the illusion of violence in complete safety. We cover hand-to-hand combat, various weapons (both real and imagined), and how to sell the illusion to the audience.

In the second half of the class, we move in the opposite direction and explore how to express intimacy on stage. In our normal worlds, we live in physical bubbles that surround us. We examine techniques for breaking through those bubbles to give the impression that you and your scene partner are close friends, family, or lovers. Throughout the entire class, we stress the importance of consent, checking in with your scene partner, and how to say no to anything you are uncomfortable with.

We have community standards, a conflict process, and a COVID prevention policy in place. Agreement/acceptance of these policies is required to participate in BATS classes. Please use the links above to access and read these policies, and check the boxes during registration to indicate your agreement/confirmation.

Refunds / Transfers / Exchanges

All BATS Improv class registrations are final, and we’re not able to offer refunds or transfers once you’ve enrolled.

Canceled Classes

If we need to cancel a class due to low enrollment, illness, or other surprises, you’ll receive a class credit good through the end of the calendar year. Credits can be applied to any BATS Improv class for which you've satisfied the prerequisites, or gifted to a friend or family member.

Accessibility at Fort Mason

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking: Fort Mason provides accessible parking spaces and entrances for visitors with disabilities.
• Accessible restrooms: ADA-compliant restrooms are available throughout the facility.

If you need specific accommodations or have unique accessibility concerns, please email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to assist.