Second Beat Improv Theater

Second Beat is awesome! A great place to enjoy local improv comedy in Phoenix, whether as an audience member or improviser. The free improv jams are also a great way to practice and get onstage. I have met a ton of people and made new friends here just by coming to shows and jamming. Many of the regulars here are also active in the comedy scene around the valley, including standups and sketch writers/actors, so Second Beat is a great place to meet like-minded comedians and friends. I highly recommend coming out!

Love this place! This small improv venue is such a hidden gem! The intimate stage makes every show feel personal and engaging, and you really feel connected to the performers. It’s also an improv school, so you can see both talented students and experienced comedians sharing the stage. A perfect spot for a fun, up close night of comedy and creativity!

One of my friends had mentioned there was a local improv group, so I checked out one of their evening events and enjoyed my time watching both tenured and novice performers work together and entertain the audience. I also saw their website offering a free improv lesson so I registered. I arrived at the class (appreciate the sign telling me where the room was as I was driving in), and was greeted by a friendly instructor named Laurie. There were about 10-12 people in the group, all of us new to improv. Laurie was so friendly and educated us on the basics of what improv is and we implemented what was taught. You’d think interacting with a group of strangers would be painful but it was a fun, encouraging environment. Even when I tripped up on a practice, I didn’t feel super embarrassed, we all laughed along. I liked the class so much that I signed up for their 6 week course on level 1 improv. I think this class will give me better public speaking skills and a new hobby to enjoy. I definitely would recommend this to anyone who wants to practice public speaking and learn body language and collaboration!

Love Second Beat! I did the Level 1 course. Sam and Matt are such cool, funny, personable instructors. Couldn't have felt any more comfortable. Truly enjoyable, and can't wait to be back! Thank you so much for everything

What a fun establishment! We came here last night to support one of the improv comedians. It's a very laidback and fun vibe here! We were seated and three different classes performed over the course of an hour. All of the students did so well! I laughed often and had a great time.

I took some classes here. The staff is pleasant, helpful, and very knowledgeable. It is a very intimate venue. Wonderful place to watch improv, take classes, and meet great people!

The first two words I would use to describe Sam Haldiman and Second Beat Improv would be supportive and welcoming. Not only is Sam an amazing improviser, he is a kind, encouraging instructor, who sincerely wants people to have fun, learn, and be part of a great little community. Second Beat provides great entertainment on the weekends, along with ongoing classes from Level One to a Master Class with (also amazing) Shane Shannon. No matter what my mood may be before a class or show, I always feel better afterward. Laughter and a strong sense of community truly do make good medicine.

Sam runs a very warm and safe space. As a newcomer to his classes, I was terrified of "all things improv," but within ten minues of the first class, I was having fun, feeling relaxed, and the confidence building exercises have fully bled out into my "real life," and I find myself feeling far less social anxiety and awkwardness. It's also important to mention that the professional shows are a total blast to attend and watch, and while you are a student, you get into all of them for free! I give this company my absolute strongest recommendation possible!

I started at level one at this theater, and went as far as I could for a year. Sam is an incredible instructor and very gifted at Improv. We had seven people in our initial class and every single one of them stayed on for level two, level three, level four and the masters class. This is one of the best things I have ever done because it allowed me to gain confidence whenever I am speaking in front of other people. The only thing I'm bummed about is there's nowhere to go from here. Sign up for this, it could change your life.

Intimate black box theater, great place to see sketch improv. 21 seats. Class showcase nights, it's only $5 a ticket for an hour of entertainment. The higher the level of the "class," the better and funnier it will be.

What a fun establishment! We came here last night to support one of the improv comedians. It's a very laidback and fun vibe here! We were seated and three different classes performed over the course of an hour. All of the students did so well! I laughed often and had a great time.

So much fun. So Much!! Class was a great learning experience and Sam the instructor is very kind and hilarious. It truly is a lesson in listening and being in the moment. I loved my time there.

This review is for the Intro to Improv course, not the shows. Very intimate theater, I've heard if you go to a show it's highly recommended you get tickets in advanced so they can plan accordingly. Many of my classmates went to at least one show during the class and all had great things to say about each of the groups that performed. The intro to improv class was awesome. It is long form improv which means you do longer scenes and less things like you see on "Who's Line Is It Anyway?" It's a 6 week, 1/day a week, 3 hour class. Sam was our instructor and every single class flew by. The lessons and exercises help you branch out and since everyone in the class has to do them there is a supportive team environment and camaraderie that is built over the 6 weeks. Each week we had one or two new focuses that prepares you for 2 minute improv scenes. While it may sound intimidating you truly are ready for it when you do them. The class felt like an adult playtime, everyone had such different backgrounds it was fun to see what people came up with for each exercise. Most people took the course to get them out of their comfort zone and help them grow in some way. I definitely am able to relate what I learned back into my office job and I've actually noticed a difference in myself (in a positive way)! I don't know if I'm ready for course 2 but I would definitely retake this class to strengthen what I learned and for the fun of it. My class was 3 hours on a weekday night - I never like to commit to things during the week but this was absolutely worth it. Sam (instructor) was excellent, he's been doing improv for years and comes up with great examples or scene improvements to build upon the next time. He performs with his improv group who has been together for 8 years and seems to truly just love it. His passion and excitement come through in his lessons and he seems to love watching what is students/beginners game up with. While the theater is very small, it's comforting for a newbie and truly all you need for this type of theater. I highly recommend the class - give yourself a gift by enrolling, you'll have a lot of fun with it.

Behold my fellow Phoenicians!!! Your diamond in the rough venue for truly enjoyable hilarity is here. Do yourself a favor and clear your Friday or Saturday evening to partake in this place's comedic aura that will make for a most memorable experience. Even if you've never seen improv before or don't know what it is, all the better. Every show is different and unique, improv players from all walks of life create characters and scenes that will dwarf any blockbuster film you might have been considering seeing. Put down that Fandango app now and get yourself to Second Beat!

Second Beat is a gem! It's a small, intimate theater space with weekly longform improv shows and a curriculum of classes. Their weekly shows are highly recommended. You can also stick around afterwards for the twice-a-month 'jam' shows that are open to anyone to play in. They're a fun, accepting, and supportive atmosphere, and also a way for new players to chat and get to know each other. Sam, the owner of Second Beat, is an outstanding teacher of both beginners and experienced players. For those new to improv and wanting to give it a try, Sam is a caring instructor, who really makes the classes comfortable for everyone.

The Second Beat is a tiny little gem of a black box theater in Phoenix. Classes available too for folks who want to learn some long form improv. I have been in the audience, in the classes and even in some shows. This place is about being playful and having fun. I wish I could knock out the back wall and add seats so more folks could enjoy the shows. I always go online and book seats because sometimes they sell out quick. The Skewed News show on Friday nights at 7pm is consistently well done.

Had a great time at the 7pm show Saturday night. Really fun evening of laughter. So worth $10

Sam runs a very warm and safe space. As a newcomer to his classes, I was terrified of "all things improv," but within ten minues of the first class, I was having fun, feeling relaxed, and the confidence building exercises have fully bled out into my "real life," and I find myself feeling far less social anxiety and awkwardness. It's also important to mention that the professional shows are a total blast to attend and watch, and while you are a student, you get into all of them for free! I give this company my absolute strongest recommendation possible!

Shows are fun and intimate! Classes are the best part to this company. Sam is a talented, patient instructor who makes the classes as fun as they are helpful. Who couldn't use some skills in improvising? Life happens so why not find the fun way to react to any scenario? I'm bringing the whole office in for some help. I hope this place sticks around and doesn't get lost in what uncultured people "think" a theater should be. Stay intimate, stay fun, stay focused on what's important and never get too big for your own good Second Beat!

This place is a joke and I am not talking funny! Very small, and little leg room to even move around. They did not have enough seats, leaving some people to stand. We ended up walking out!

Second Beat Improv Theater is a small intimate style theater that has long form Improv shows. I have been to the Friday night show called Skewed News several times. Each show has been wonderfully funny! The performers are great, and you can tell they are also having fun, which for me, added to the experience! A very unique, very funny, comedy experience that had me laughing each time I have gone. I'll be going again for sure!

Take the classes. Want to get out of your comfort zone, meet some nice people, have fun, have an overall GREAT experience? Then sign up now!! You will not be sorry. Sam is an exceptional teacher and with his training you feel you are truly learning a new skill from the best. Attend some shows and see for yourself. Then, sign up for classes.

Second Beat may be small in size, but is large in fun. The shows are always entertaining and the classes are excellent. Sam is a great improv teacher and also brings in wonderful guest instructors for workshops. I really enjoy everything about Second Beat Theater.

I highly recommend this place. Sam is an aptly educated instructor and a high quality human being. Very thorough approach in teaching about improv, and makes it fun. There are several monthly shows that happen here which are fun. If you have been thinking about attending a improv class or show, you should definitely check this place out. You'll meet some great people and make some memorable moments.

I took both the level 1 and level 2 improv classes at Second Beat and was very impressed with both. I signed up because I wanted to try something new and wasn't sure what to expect. Sam does a great job at breaking down the skill, making you feel comfortable especially as a complete novice, and providing a fun and enjoyable experience. The classes are intimate, social, fun and provide good life lessons. 'm really glad I stumbled across Second Beat. The classes and shows are highlights of my week.