Advanced Improv: The BAT!

The Bat is an amazing soundscape of sounds, words, images, and associations, a performance piece that takes place in the mind of the audience and offers an incredible sense of freedom for the performer. Not just a “Harold in the Dark,” learn the form as taught by Joe Bill from iO and Annoyance Theater in Chicago. A great tool for ensemble building or as a format for performance, you’ll fall in love with The Bat and all its possibilities.

This seven week class is for both students who have yet to experience the Bat and for those who have some experience with this unique form and want to dig deeper into its possibilities. In the first two classes, students will learn the basic form of the Bat, using non-linear transitions and associations to move from idea to idea, and throughout the class students will continue to practice and hone different devices, such as creating environments, call and response, and sharing characters. Students will learn different Bat formats (The Nightmare, The Bat Harold), use it as an opening and transition to inspire improvised scenes in a regular long form, and even play with creating songs in the dark with the Musical Bat!

The prerequisite for this class is Level Three Improv at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater or the equivalent at another Training Center. No previous experience in the Bat is necessary to enjoy this class!

Topics in this class:

• Group mind and joining other people’s parties
• Transitions using dream logic and associations
• Creating environments and sharing characters in the Bat
• Supporting the scene and sharing the show
• Experimenting with different formats and applications of the Bat in long form

Class Details

• Seven Week Class
• Thursdays from 7-9:30pm
• Instructor: Greg Mihalik
• Recommended: Previous improv experience

All sales are final. Eventbrite fees apply. Enrollment may be deferred with TCD approval. Must be 18+. Please review the Stomping Ground Student Handbook for policies.