The Playful Stage

The Playful Stage Welcome to The Playful Stage, a Long Beach improv school where creativity meets personal growth. TPS is a Black & Q***r Owned Small Business.

Our classes blend creative play, real connections, & bold self-expression in a supportive & inclusive space.

We celebrated three years of The Playful Stage last night with a sold out show of improvised joy, laughter, and communit...
06/07/2026

We celebrated three years of The Playful Stage last night with a sold out show of improvised joy, laughter, and community.

Thank you to everyone who's helped us reach this anniversary, and just know: this is just the beginning.

A note from Richard, on The Playful Stage’s 3rd Anniversary:Three years ago, after a sleepless night of finalizing the w...
06/06/2026

A note from Richard, on The Playful Stage’s 3rd Anniversary:

Three years ago, after a sleepless night of finalizing the website, I launched The Playful Stage. In those three years, while I have personally had ups and downs, the overall trajectory of the school has been “up.” Three years in, and the community that has developed at TPS is truly one of the most special things in my life, and something I am truly proud of.

It’s always been my intention that The Playful Stage wasn’t just seen as “Richard’s school.” We’ve had amazing guest instructors and as we enter this next chapter, that continues to grow and expand, not just with improv but with sketch comedy and acting classes as well. That’s not even to mention the goal of mounting theatrical productions. We’re going BIG in our third act, and are excited to have you with us, helping to shape this school and this community.

Thank you to everyone who’s been a student of TPS classes, performers in shows, and audience members. The Playful Stage couldn’t exist without you.

A huge congratulations to the cast of HDTMYF: How Does That Make You Feel, last night's improv show performed by Cabrill...
06/04/2026

A huge congratulations to the cast of HDTMYF: How Does That Make You Feel, last night's improv show performed by Cabrillo High School's improv team, coached by Richard.

They excelled in Long Form clap-ins, narrative, and short form scenes, shining a spotlight on the next generation of improvisers!

The Juneteenth Show by The Notorious Black Improv Group is a powerful night of Long Beach Improv and original sketch com...
06/04/2026

The Juneteenth Show by The Notorious Black Improv Group is a powerful night of Long Beach Improv and original sketch comedy honoring Black joy, culture, and resilience. Experience bold storytelling, sharp humor, and unforgettable performances that celebrate freedom, history, and community.

Featuring
Evelyn Carter (she/her)
Joshua Johnson (he/him)
Liz Lanier (she/her)
Richard J. Martinez (he/him)
Richie Jones-Muhammad (he/him)
DeRod Taylor (they/them)
Lou Taylor (she/they)

Venue
The Playful Stage
4651 E. Anaheim St. Long Beach CA

Tickets: $19
theplayfulstage.com/juneteenth-show

TPS turns 3 this Saturday, and we’re celebrating with a night of improv, community, and play at The Playful Stage studio...
06/03/2026

TPS turns 3 this Saturday, and we’re celebrating with a night of improv, community, and play at The Playful Stage studio.

Join us Saturday, June 6 at 7:30pm for our TPS Anniversary Show, featuring some of the incredible performers who have helped shape this space over the last three years.

Thanks to a generous TPS supporter, all anniversary show attendees may enter our free TPS Class Giveaway for a chance to win one of three full 6-week classes.

Only 12 tickets remaining.

Tickets are $15.

The Playful Stage
4651 E. Anaheim St.
Long Beach, CA 90804

Come celebrate three years of Long Beach improv, theatre, comedy, creativity, and community with us.

After a full year of coaching with Richard, the students of Cabrillo High School's improv team are ready to take the sta...
05/28/2026

After a full year of coaching with Richard, the students of Cabrillo High School's improv team are ready to take the stage! This showcase features a mix of fast-paced short form games and bold long form storytelling as these young performers celebrate a year of creativity, connection, and play live onstage.

Ticket proceeds go towards an end of the year improv pizza party for the class!

https://theplayfulstage.com/cabrillo

05/22/2026

The first episode of The Playful Stage Podcast is out, featuring an interview between Richard and Dr. Evelyn Carter, author of WAS THAT RACIST and co-facillitator of our upcoming workshop Rehearsing Resistance: Disrupting Racism Through Improv.

You can find the full interview at youtube.com/theplayfulstage

Last night's show was truly something special....Congratulations to the cast of Dim Sum Crazy Asians for putting on a PH...
05/20/2026

Last night's show was truly something special....

Congratulations to the cast of Dim Sum Crazy Asians for putting on a PHENOMENAL show last night at The Wicked Wolf!

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, these players had the audience laughing, crying, and learning! They truly epitomized The Playful Stage experience, and we couldn't be more proud!

Thank you to Nelli for leading today's Long Form Clap-in class while Richard was away! ❤️💛❤️💛❤️
05/16/2026

Thank you to Nelli for leading today's Long Form Clap-in class while Richard was away! ❤️💛❤️💛❤️

Address

4645 E. Anaheim Street
Long Beach, CA
90804

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