Blog/Experiences
Keeping Comedy Live The Improv Edition: A Review of Third Space Improv’s Laughapalooza
While visiting a friend in St. Augustine, Florida, I had the chance to spend a Saturday night at Third Space Improv—and it turned out to be an absolute treat. There’s something about being in a room full of friendly people who don’t take themselves too seriously, all laughing together and soaking in the moment, that gives you a kind of runner’s high—without having to run 🙂
I attended a couple of improv shows decades ago in college and remembered enjoying them, but I still wasn’t sure what to expect. With cautious optimism, we grabbed our seats and waited for the lights to dim. From the very first performance, Third Space delivered a high-energy, all-ages show that had the audience in stitches from start to finish.
Crowd Reactions and Highlights
Audience members described “belly laughs” and “I-can’t-breathe” moments throughout the night. The welcoming studio, convenient location, and upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere made it clear why this venue has built such a loyal following. If you’re familiar with “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, several of their skits felt reminiscent of that quick, clever style, but what stood out was how the cast kept things refreshingly PG-13. It’s the kind of show families with teenagers could easily enjoy together—a great mix of smart humor and shared fun generating lasting memories.
Tickets were reasonably priced—$17 in advance or $20 at the door—and given the sheer volume of comedy per minute, it’s an incredible value. The theater was nearly sold out, proof that word is spreading fast about this local gem.
Audience-Driven Mayhem: Pure Improv Magic
The performers took turns spinning audience suggestions into wild scenes and unexpected stories, living up to Third Space’s motto of creativity, connection, and collaboration. Fast-paced games turned into hilarious role reversals and absurd scenarios—at one point, a parody of a one-star local business review somehow spiraled into a full-blown pirate adventure. Every show is different, and that unpredictability is what makes improv so captivating. You can feel the sense of community in the room, as locals and visitors come together just to enjoy the moment and unwind. After a strong opening set from the local troupe, the energy in the room reached another level when the headliner took the stage.
A Double Dose of Comedy: The Headliner Arrives
Just when it felt like the night couldn’t get any funnier, the second half of the show kicked off with guest headliner Billy Merritt, a comedy veteran and improv legend whose presence immediately lifted the room’s energy. A longtime member of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) since its earliest days, Merritt co-founded some of the most respected improv groups in the country—The Swarm, The Stepfathers in New York, and The Smokes in Los Angeles. Seeing him live was a real treat. It almost felt like two shows in one—the first half showcasing the brilliant spontaneity of the local performers, and the second featuring Merritt’s polished, veteran style. His timing, storytelling, and ability to build entire worlds from a single audience suggestion were masterful. Whether taking on a character or pulling callbacks from earlier scenes, Merritt kept the laughs rolling effortlessly.
Fans who recognized him from shows like Reno 911!, Happy Endings, Weeds, Parks and Recreation, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine got a special thrill seeing him return to his roots in live improv. His performance balanced warmth and expert-level wit, the mark of a seasoned comic who truly loves his craft.
The Cast and Crew: Local Talent Shines
What really impressed me was the seamless teamwork of the Third Space Improv cast. At first, I thought Amy Angelilli was simply the night’s MC—smoothly guiding the audience through games and intros. But before I knew it, she was right back on stage, diving into scenes with the same sharp timing and fearless energy as her castmates. Referencing again “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, you might imagine Drew Carey, Aisha Tyler, and Ryan Stiles all rolled into one performer — that’s the kind of versatile energy Amy brought to the show. A little research revealed that Amy is not only a talented performer—she’s also the owner and founder of Third Space Improv. A special shoutout to her for keeping live comedy thriving in our community!
Art is subjective, of course, and I thoroughly enjoyed every performer and how well they worked together to spark laughter from the audience. That said, I was especially impressed by the talent and stage presence of Lex Marks, Scott Perry, Carole Phelan, Kelly Flunker, and Stefanie Whittington. Each brought their own unique comedic energy and strong character work, creating a perfect balance of humor and heart that made the entire performance feel alive and authentic.
Final Thoughts
Third Space Improv has managed to create something special—a space that brings together professional-caliber comedy and genuine community spirit. Whether you’re a local looking for a night of laughter or a visitor exploring St. Augustine, there’s something about shared laughter that can both bring you closer to others and make you feel lighter at the same time. Follow 3rd Space Improv on Facebook or @3rdSpaceImprov on Instagram for upcoming showtimes. Highly recommended you grab some tickets—this is the kind of comedy experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls and the lights come up.
