To sign up for the Cave Matches, first fill out this Google Form to connect with the BATS Head of School, Stephanie! Due Monday, August 25th, 2025.

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The BATS Cave Match is back!

The Cave Match is an opportunity for improvisers to create a team and perform your very own format at the Bayfront Theater. BATS has hosted Cave Matches for years to build and engage our community, give our past and present students a place to play and produce high-quality shows, and most of all, to have FUN doing it!

How does it work? Your improv team will have 3 shows in which to perform the format you’ve chosen. During those shows, two teams each get a 37-minute half to do whatever they want! The halves will be separated by a short intermission. At the end of the night, the audience votes on which team wins the night. We will keep track of the audience votes for each night. The two teams with the highest cumulative audience vote will face off in an additional final show to see who will be named the ultimate winner of Cave Match 2025. The winning team from the final show will then have the opportunity to present their format on a Saturday night as an opening act for the BATS Mainstage Company show.

WHO: Teams must have four to seven improvisers. Teams may not add members after the tournament has begun, so we encourage you to have the maximum number of players in case you need to make substitutions. BATS will provide a lightician and front-of house staff for each show; if your team requires a musical improviser, they should be one of your team members. Improvisers may not submit their names for multiple teams. Preference will be given to students who are currently studying at BATS.

Your team can include:

•Students or alumni who have taken at least one Foundation 6 class or have the equivalent performance experience

•Coaches, guest players, or BATS Company members

•Though the majority of a team must be from BATS, improvisers from outside BATS are welcome to participate!

WHEN: Shows will take place on Sundays at 7pm. 

Show dates: Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 12, 19, 26, Nov 9, 23; if you are the winning team, your pre-Company show will take place on a Saturday in November.

Applications for placement in the Cave Match are due by August 18th, 2025.

WHERE: The Bayfront Theater.

HOW MUCH: The cost is $780 per team which covers the cost of producing your team’s 3 to 5 shows and also gives you access to a BATS coach for up to 2 hours, should your team need assistance preparing for your performances. Each team member also gets one comp per show.

WHY: This is your chance to create a team and perform that format you’ve always dreamed of! Don’t miss your opportunity to perform with your team on the BATS stage!

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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.

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Cave Match Refund Policy

All sales are final. In the event that we cancel the Cave Matches due to insufficient enrollment, we’ll refund your tuition in full.

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.

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