
Register Now for Level 1-4 Classes

Improv Triple Play: - Check out Schmeckle Saturday @7pm

Third Wheel: Improv couples and you! Thursday, April 24th @7pm

The Gemini Show - Thursday 6/12 @7pm

Skewed News Hour - Friday, April 25th @8pm

Longform Lottery Team
Every final Friday submit your name to join a randomly selected team of improvisers to perform with!

Register Now for Level 1-4 Classes

Improv Triple Play: - Check out Schmeckle Saturday @7pm
Learn How to Play Again
Second Beat Improv Theater is rooted in the long-form format of improvisation. Our classes encourage students to trust their own choices both on and off the stage. We promote the idea of working as an ensemble through performance and class exercises to fully support everyone’s ideas. This belief is implemented through listening, saying yes to new ideas and reacting honestly.
Taking classes with Second Beat Improv Theater will lead to stronger and healthier relationships with family, friends, work environment, and other social interactions. What's more, it’s a great opportunity to get back to our youth and learn how to play again.
From the moment I met Sam as my instructor of Level I Long-Form Improv, I was acutely aware of his commitment to sharing his knowledge and continuing to grow as an improvisor himself. He is kind (funny, too!), patient, and always available to talk if a student has any questions in class or even in passing when you see him between his own shows. His sincere commitment to his craft comes through as a performer and teacher to all. Thanks Sam!
Lesley J – Improv Princess in Training
Sam Haldiman is an energetic and knowledgeable long-form improviser and a really great coach and instructor. I have been in two of Sam’s 8-week classes and have also received one-on-one coaching from Sam. His passion for improv shines through in every session. His careful and considerate teaching and coaching will surely be in my future plans as a growing improviser.
John Palmer – Improviser, Graduate of the Torch Training Academy
Whether you’re brand new to improv or a veteran of the game, Sam has a plethora of knowledge to share. In learning from him over the years my one huge takeaway from him is to have fun. That is a key piece of his improv philosophy that I won’t forget, because I’m constantly reminded of it every time he teaches a class or is on stage.
Brian R. – Improviser, Student
With no theater or performance background, taking my first improv class was daunting. Sam immediately put me at ease with his low-key and encouraging personality. That isn't to say that it was easy, because Sam knows his stuff and will push you to get outside your comfort zone, but you always feel supported, you always have fun, and you learn a lot about improv very quickly.
Ed T – Level 1 Student
Sam is a tremendous instructor with a love for improvisation. It is obvious when working with Sam that he enjoys his craft; his passion comes through in every class. This type of passion is infectious and has provided me with the excitement to continue learning and playing.
David L. – Level 3 Student
My initial thought was always if you aren’t funny, than this is the wrong field for you. It took a while for me to learn but Sam taught me how to respond and drive scenes forward. Something that has always resonated was when we told me to “appreciate the silences.” He has an incredibly fun and patient teaching style and will work in every aspect of the art he knows you can achieve.
Chris F. – Improviser
I loved studying with Sam Haldiman. He is warm, supportive, knowledgeable, hilarious, and very generous. And on those occasions when I got up there and tanked it, he always helped me unpack my experience, so that every performance was a growth opportunity, so that I could learn from my mistakes. He made risk-taking feel easy and fun.
Kim P. – Writer-Performer
Sam is the reason I am in improv. He was my first instructor, so his level of patience and ability to break down information is amazing. I've been on teams with Sam and have been coached by him on a few occasions since, he is a riot. He has this incredible ability to "reach" people on all levels of experience and education and make you walk away a better improviser. It's just who he is.
James H. – Improviser
Over the last two years, I've had the pleasure of training with Sam on several occasions. It did not matter if I was in a free weekend drop-in class or in an intensive 2-month Introduction to Improv course, Sam was fully committed to working with us to bring out our strengths, tactfully point out areas for improvement, and make sure we always had a good time. He presented concepts in a way that were easy to understand and provided a safe and supportive environment for us to thrive. I am finally realizing my dream of improv, and I can honestly say it was because of Sam's enthusiasm and guidance.
Heather F. – Student and Beginning Improviser
I have known Sam since 2009 as a teacher, coach, and improviser. Sam’s rapid creation of fully realized characters is legendary. He has terrific insights into the workings of scenes and shows, and he both challenges and supports his students.
Jackie R. – Improviser
Improv is live theatre that is made up in the moment. Nothing is scripted, nothing is rehearsed, there's no net. And it's unique: Once you see an improv performance, you'll never see that show again. Every performance of improv is different.
Long-form improv is focused on developing improvised scenes, with characters and plots. This is in distinction to short-form or games, such as those popularized on Whose Line Is It, Anyway?
Students are expected to arrive to class on time and ready to learn. If you are going to be late or miss class please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Classes are three hours. There will be several breaks throughout the class. Please limit phone usage to those times if possible.
You are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages to keep your energy up.
Students must be 18 and above to register for classes. Students under 18 may be allowed to enroll with parent approval.
Payment in full is due at the time of registration. A refund will be issued, less a $60 deposit, if requested in writing through our contact form at least one week prior to class start date.
A student may not miss more than one class. If a student misses more than one class they will be asked to retake to move on to the next level.
Recent Blog Posts
Class Registration Open
Registration is now open for Level 1 classes beginning in January 2017. Levels 2 through 4 will open up as students complete Level 1. Visit our class schedule and registration page.
Pandemic Precautions
I’m eager to get improv going again, but with abundant precautions to keep our improv family safe.
There’s no place like (our new) home
It’s so easy to get comfortable on the couch and settle in for a night of Netflix, but we’d like to invite you to our place. Second Beat Improv Theater has a new home! Check out our new location starting October 1, 2019. Come on in and take a class, enjoy a show, or jump…
Jellies and Improv Jams
We’ve recently started two new improv jams at Second Beat. Every 2nd Saturday at 8:30pm we have the Log Roll Jam, a fast-paced jam of randomly drawn teams of two doing a scene, taking on another duo. The audience votes and the winners keep playing. The other team’s names go back in the bucket to…
Keep swimming!
As I have seen people in my life continue to put themselves out there and try new things and reinvent themselves, I have been inspired. As artists, we should continue to keep learning and trying new things. I am working on providing new opportunities for people at the theater that go beyond improv. There have…
Get Out
I recently saw the movie Get Out. This post has nothing to do with the movie but everything to do with the title. The point is say yes to things and get out of your house and out of your comfort zone. I recently went on a hot air balloon ride for my anniversary, and…
If I had a baby…
I imagine this is how I would feel if I had a baby. This theater keeps me up at night. I never get any sleep and I’m always exhausted. It drains my money. There is always a mess to clean up. I should hate it but everything about it continues to make me smile and…
What Type of Improviser are You?
Each person’s playing style is determined very early in their improv training. Improvisers driven by intellect use their mind to come up with smart and clever retorts in a scene. Emotion-based performers will often respond with “when you say that it makes me feel…” to show how their scene partner’s response affects them. Someone who…
Why I Still Love to Improvise After 16 Years
I think I began improvising to have a creative outlet and show everyone how funny I could be. When I first started to improvise it was a lot about myself. I didn’t realize the power of really being a part of an ensemble. Over time I realized it was so much more than what I…
Class Registration Open
Registration is now open for Level 1 classes beginning in January 2017. Levels 2 through 4 will open up as students complete Level 1. Visit our class schedule and registration page.
Pandemic Precautions
I’m eager to get improv going again, but with abundant precautions to keep our improv family safe.
Sign Up for Alerts
Never miss a Second Beat Improv show or class. Sign up for email alerts today. View past newsletters.
Contact Us
Second Beat Improv Theater
1130 E Missouri Ave Ste 590
Phoenix AZ 85014
Use the 1110 E Missouri entrance
See a map of our complex
602-644-1365