FREE CANDY! It's one of the best perks of Halloween, and you can count on BATS to keep the tradition going. In October, BATS Improv treats you to “Trick or Treat: Fun-Size Spooky Scenes” on Saturdays starting October 4th.

Trick or Treat debuted last year and was a hit with audiences. A cast of 5 improvisers accompanied by improvisers on music and lighting will create a variety of short scenes (3-5 minutes) revolving around Halloween themes and genres including horror, sci-fi, monster and everything in between. The players will take their inspiration from audience suggestions. And for every suggestion that is used, the lucky audience members will receive a piece of candy.

As a rule the scenes are unrelated; think of how Candy Corn, Baby Ruth, and Sweet Tarts are very different, but still in the same bowl. Not all of the scenes need to be scary; there might be a tender love story between a mummy and a vampire, or a silly farce of ghosts moving into their new home. The improvisers will be creating haunted houses, gothic castles, graveyards and every other Halloween location without sets or props, using only their skills as improvisers to guide and inspire the audience's imagination.

Co-directors and BATS Artistic Directors Karen Brelsford and Derek Yee created the format because they wanted something fun and suitable for the season. As Brelsford says, ““We wanted something that says Halloween! Where all ages can attend and get into the spirit. You might see a modern vampire romance one minute, a tense alien invasion the next, or a slapstick zombie bake-off—it’s like trick-or-treating for your imagination.”

If you’re looking for ghoulish giggles and frightening fun, make BATS your destination for Saturdays in October.  

Oh, and did we mention there’s FREE CANDY?

Tickets for Trick Or Treat: Fun-Size Spooky Scenes! 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 Karen Brelsford & Derek Yee

Saturday 10/11 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: Dave Dennison, John Remak, Karen Brelsford, Paul Killam, Stephanie Dennison

Live Improvised Lighting by Craig Good

Live Improvised Music by Joshua Raoul Brody

Saturday 10/18 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: Corey Rosen, Jenny Rosen, John Remak, Paul Killam, Rebecca Stockley

Live Improvised Lighting by Ryan Shaver

Live Improvised Music by Liz Baker

Saturday 10/25 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: Basel Al-Naffouri, Karen Brelsford, Rafe Chase, Regina Saisi, Tim Orr

Live Improvised Lighting by Sage Simms

Live Improvised Music by Willie Rusert

At BATS Improv, one of our core values is respect for our audience. We understand that some people hesitate to sit up front because they’re worried about being "picked on." That’s not our style.

While we may invite audience members to join us on stage, it’s always your choice—and if you do, we’ll treat you with the same respect and playfulness that we bring to the entire show. No embarrassment, no mean-spirited jokes—just a fun, welcoming experience for everyone.

So sit where you like, relax, and enjoy the show!

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.

Please Note: 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.