BATS Improv, San Francisco's center for improvisation, kicks off the New Year with a brand-new format, Plot Twist, beginning Saturday, January 11 at 8 p.m. for three weekends at the BATS Bayfront Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco.

Grab a bowl of fresh popcorn and your favorite beverage (non-alcoholic for those who are doing a Dry January, and beer/wine/cocktails for those who are not) and settle in for a cozy wintertime experience. Director Karen Brelsford says, “It’s like relaxing on the couch with friends, a big bowl of snacks, and a movie.” At the beginning of the ‘movie’ an audience member will spin the wheel to determine key story elements like genre and starting location. It’s up to the five cast members to bring the story to life, creating the settings, characters, and relationships in the moment. At the halfway point, the audience spins the wheel again and—Plot Twist!—the story takes a new direction. What might have started as a lighthearted RomCom is now a gritty Western, or the actors who were playing the romantic lead and the villain switch roles.

The creation of the show was an example of BATS Company members using improv skills to create a new format. Director Brelsford had the name of the show: Plot Twist, and knew that she wanted audience members to spin the wheel to establish the genre and starting location. Company member Dave Dennison said “Yes, and” suggested that there should be a second wheel spin at half time to twist the plot.

Tickets for PLOT TWIST range from $15-$25, and may be purchased online here 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.

Genre: comedy, multi-genre

Q&A Trailer: 

Directed by Karen Brelsford

Show Dates and Times

Saturday 1/11 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)

Cast: Karen Brelsford, Dave Dennison, Stephanie Dennison, Lisa Wang, Corey Rosen

Saturday 1/18 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: Karen Brelsford, Dave Dennison, Stephanie Dennison, Will Gutzman, Brian Lohmann

Saturday 1/25 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: Zoe Galvez, Rafe Chase, Jenny Rosen, Laura Wachtel, Corey Rosen

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.