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Longform Lottery Team

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

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.

Check out our class schedules and register today.

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

Recent Blog Posts

Pandemic Precautions

By Sam Haldiman | May 28, 2020

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

By Sam Haldiman | September 10, 2019

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

By Sam Haldiman | September 16, 2018

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!

By Sam Haldiman | August 6, 2018

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

By Sam Haldiman | April 5, 2017

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…

By Sam Haldiman | February 26, 2017

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?

By Sam Haldiman | September 10, 2016

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

By Sam Haldiman | September 10, 2016

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

By Sam Haldiman | August 27, 2016

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.

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Second Beat Improv Theater
1130 E Missouri Ave Ste 590
Phoenix AZ 85014

Use the 1110 E Missouri entrance
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602-644-1365

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