Teams
First Saturday
The Graduates
Cast: Adam Smith, Anna Hernandez, Ceasar Udave, Emily Mauser, Priya Rajdev and Victor Irizarry
The Graduates are a Phoenix based improv group. Their format can best be described as "recommended but not mandatory" as they explore interpersonal relationships and the sillyness that stems from them. In their free time they like to discuss topics like "best ways to get injured" and Incan Earth goddesses.
Schmeckle
Cast: Billy Brandes, Danielle Friedman, Jeremy Schwartz, Laurie Shellenbarger and Stewart Gross
Schmeckle - A conglomerate of Jewish improvisers that kvetch and kvell their grievances with you in a most hilarious way. Come see us, why? Because you never call. A little joy. A little oy.
Second Saturday
Hearts on Fire
Cast: Billy Brandes, Emily Mauser, Jeremy Schwartz, Matt Francis, Priya Rajdev and Stewart Gross
Google: What improv team takes audiences down a fast-paced, no holds barred, internet rabbit hole of scenes, characters and relationships all inspired by search questions? One result found: Hearts on Fire.
Salmon Shane
Cast: Sam Haldiman and Shane Shannon
These two have been performing together for more than seven years. Their improv style is based heavily on the straight/absurd dynamic in the most unconventional way. They are always pushing the envelope on grounding their characters' worlds with the most ridiculous points of view.
Third Friday
Skewed News Hour
Cast: Clifton Gray, Eric Storie, Jacque Arend, Javier Gilmore, Liz Hutchman, Michael Ziman, Sam Haldiman, Shane Shannon and Stacey Clark
The Skewed News Hour is a new take on the news!
Every third Friday at 7pm, you select news articles of the day and SNH performers will use them as inspiration for their improvised scenes. The Skewed News Hour takes some of the best improvisors in the Valley and throws today’s hottest headlines their way to create great comedy. Turn off your TV, throw away your laptop, and stay up-to-date in a way you never imagined!
Third Saturday
Birds and Broads
Cast: Jacque Arend and Liz Hutchman
Starting as a one-night-only performance, Birds & Broads have now been performing together for four years. They focus on a single location scene, creating a strong relationship at the top after which they may or may not explore the other rich characters who inhabit that space. Their shows bounce from being utterly hilarious to edge-of-your-seat engaging.
RPM
Cast: James Hoffmaster, Michael Ziman, and Sam Haldiman
RPM started with the three of them talking each week in the parking lot after classes at Second Beat. The connection they were developing quickly led them to decide a team must be formed. Their speed and energy keeps this well-oiled machine running in the red. One thing is for sure: This engine will never overheat and the audience will want to come back for a test drive every month.
Fourth Saturday
NewHeart
Cast: Bryan Gerdes, Clifton Gray, Laurie Shellenbarger, and Rachel Tullio
From audience suggestions, NewHeart builds scenes with strong characters and points of view, allowing relationships to drive the discovery of concepts and connections throughout each show.
From the absurd and playful, to the real and ridiculous, shows often tackle complex themes such as renewal, loss, hope, stagnation, death and other hilarious tragedies that define the human spirit. NewHeart strives to bring love, honesty, and passion to the world, one set at a time.
Emeny
Cast: Eric Storie and Michael Ziman
Emeny is M (Michael Ziman) and E (Eric Storie). They weave their geeky love of pop culture, sports, and life’s oddities into delightful characters and scenes that are often musings on the minutiae of their relationships. Emeny brings over a decade’s worth of improv and entertainment experience to the Second Beat stage, and we hope you can tell with every show.
