Moment Improv Theatre

Founding (2014)

Marcus Sams founded Moment Improv Theatre in San Francisco, California in 2014, establishing the organization at 533 Sutter St in downtown San Francisco. The company holds historical significance as one of the first African American-owned improv theatres and training centers in the United States, bringing a commitment to inclusive community-building to a city whose improv tradition traces directly to the Harold's development and the lineage of Del Close.

San Francisco Tradition

Moment operates within the San Francisco long-form tradition, drawing on the Harold format and the influence of teachers and students who shaped Bay Area improv. The organization's philosophy centers on authenticity and integrity in ensemble work alongside an explicit mission of inclusive community cultivation, distinguishing it from performance-first institutions.

Ongoing Operations

Moment Improv Theatre continues to operate at 533 Sutter St in downtown San Francisco as both a performing venue and training center.

Moment Improv Theatre presents long-form improv in the San Francisco Harold tradition, with a curriculum rooted in authenticity, ensemble integrity, and community inclusion. The theater's identity as one of the first African American-owned improv institutions in the country informs its explicit commitment to diverse and welcoming programming, positioning Moment as both a performance venue and a community organization for San Francisco improvisers.