Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

In this FOUR WEEK INTENSIVE you will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner.

Meets twice a week for two hours each meeting.

Prerequisites: None! Students must be able to commit to attend twice a week for four weeks to meet the requirements of the full 101 curriculum. Attendace at the last class is required to participate in the showcase.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: TUESDAY and THURSDAY

Dates: April 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, May 1, 6, 8

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-up/Practice Date: May 13

Showcase Date/Time: Sunday May 18th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Class Room: 1976

Theater Location:Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Diego is an improviser and sketch comedian PROUDLY hailing from Wilmington, Delaware and is absolutely ecstatic to be coming on board to teach at PHIT, after having graduated from the program! As an instructor, Diego has an energetic and focused energy, with a big emphasis on exploring YOUR creativity and helping to activate your funny bone. On the weekends, you can find Diego performing with teams at various spots around Philly, and at home playing some tabletop RPGs, and would be happy to nerd out about them with anyone who feels so inclined.

Advanced MonoScene

Mark Stetson and Patrick Williams (Awkward Family Dinner) will be teaching an advanced MonoScene workshop.

The MonoScene is an entire show based in one location without scene breaks. Mark and Patrick will take you through making strong character choices and building strong relationships with each character on stage while patiently driving the plot forward for a 30 min show.

This form is the foundation of their show, Awkward Family Dinner, headlining SPRING PHEST at PHIT on Saturday May 17th, and performed at The Peoples Improv Theater (The PIT) for 10 years running.

Both Mark and Patrick are veteran improv teachers in NYC having taught at The PIT, Business Improv, varius theaters across Europe, and the Montclair Film Festival Training Center.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

About the Instructors:

Patrick is an actor/ improviser/ comedian who grew up in South Carolina, but now calls Brooklyn his home. He received his BA from the University of South Carolina and his MFA (acting) from The New School for Drama. On Wednesday nights Patrick can be seen performing on The PIT’s house team, The Community Players, as they improvise a community theatre production for a play that has never been written. It’s fun and funny. With his co-writer, developer, and dear friend (Dan Titmuss), Patrick wrote a 2 person 1 hour sci-fi adventure, Life’s Yearning, where all the parts are played by the two performers. When he isn’t performing or auditioning, Patrick hustles as an auctioneer who sells storage lockers for Auctioncheer. Just like Storage Wars! For more info about current projects and content, please check out: patrickdarwinwilliams.com

Mark Stetson has been a performer at The Peoples Improv Theater since 2012, producing shows like “Awkward Family Dinner,” “World’s Fair” and “MafiaProv.” Mark has been a member of PIT Improv House Teams “Animal Farm” and “The Murder Police”, was host of “The PITcast Podcast” and former Creative Director of PITtv.

Take an Intro to Improv Workshop!

Join this 90-minute improv workshop to get a taste of the fun awaiting you in our 8-week Level 101 improv class!

You'll dive into key improv concepts like Yes And, spontaneity, and creative collaboration, and even try your hand at improvised scene work.

These workshops are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience level, age, or background. Whether you're looking to explore improv, boost public speaking confidence, or just have fun and meet new people, these workshops are for you.

A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You may join an intro workshop without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll offer you a promo code that you apply when you sign up for a full class, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

** Students will be given a promo code to apply at the payment page when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

The Intro to Improv Workshop fee and promo codes cannot be combined with other discounts. Only one promo code per customer. Promo codes expire 5 days after the workshop – no exceptions.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: MONDAY

Date: May 19th

Time: 7:00 PM  - 8:30 PM

Room:  SMITH

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

Take an Intro to Improv Workshop!

Join this 90-minute improv workshop to get a taste of the fun awaiting you in our 8-week Level 101 improv class!

You'll dive into key improv concepts like Yes And, spontaneity, and creative collaboration, and even try your hand at improvised scene work.

These workshops are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience level, age, or background. Whether you're looking to explore improv, boost public speaking confidence, or just have fun and meet new people, these workshops are for you.

A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You may join an intro workshop without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll offer you a promo code that you apply when you sign up for a full class, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

** Students will be given a promo code to apply at the payment page when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

The Intro to Improv Workshop fee and promo codes cannot be combined with other discounts. Only one promo code per customer. Promo codes expire 5 days after the workshop – no exceptions.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: THURSDAY

Date: May 22nd

Time: 7:00 PM  - 8:30 PM

Room:  SMITH

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

Prerequisites: None!

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 29, July 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27

** NO CLASS JUNE 22 **

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD

Showcase: TBD

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!

What Others Say:

Intermediate Improv: Scene work

You continue to build on the skills learned in 101 as you progress toward performing HAROLD. Learn how to listen for, and heighten ideas, create 2nd beats, and use simple edits while continuing to create mimed objects and environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

An optional ninth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 29, July 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27

** NO CLASS JUNE 22 **

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD

Showcase:  TBD

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Michael “Dola” Amendola (he/they) is a Philadelphia & NYC-based performer-creator, and educator with a strong interest in the personal, creative and social impact of “play.” He has performed in over 60 productions across the US including 600 shows with the Off-Broadway comedy hit, Drunk Shakespeare, and 100+ performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ASC. He earned his BFA in Acting from Texas State University and is pursuing an MFA in Devised Performance at the Pig Iron School. He has also studied clown extensively with many world-renowned teachers. In addition to teaching at PHIT, Dola has led workshops in devising, clown, improv and character creation for Circadium School for Contemporary Circus, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center.

What Others Say:

"This was the most beneficial workshop I've been to in years. I was able to reconnect my mind and body to acting. I have immediate lessons to bring back to my students."

"Oh god. Dola is a brilliant firecracker's worth of expression and depth. His style of teaching gives me courage and curiosity and freedom to explore and learn. I loved this class!!!"

"Dola really invited the students to be their best selves, creating an environment of play and discovery. He had excellent notes for the performers, truly insightful. It is evident that his eye is really tuned in to what is being created and is present to what is actually going on."

“Dola is an excellent teacher - the way he commands the room, and how excited he is by it. It’s great to see someone who is so passionate about something and then so good at it!”

Characters in Motion: Building from the Outside In

You've got the voice, the instincts, the timing — but what about the body?

In Characters in Motion, you’ll break out of old habits and unlock new characters from the outside in. Through high-energy exercises like character walks, the LeCoq 7 levels of tension, and movement games like Over/Around/Under/Through, you’ll build bold, physical choices that drive everything else — no second-guessing, no standing still.

This is hands-on (and feet-on) work. You'll move, sweat, and probably surprise yourself. If you’re serious about standing out onstage — and not just standing there — this is the training edge you didn’t know you needed.

Prerequisite:  Level 201 improv or acting experience (any training center) or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: NA

Showcase: None

Room: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia-based Educator and Performer. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University. Outside of his undergrad he has studied at Second City Training Center in Chicago and the Pig Iron School in Philly, and has an extensive background in Martial Arts. Dave is currently teaching students from Kindergarten through Adulthood with Walnut Street Theatre, ASAP Drama, Rooted Tree Productions, Wolf Performing Arts Center.

What Others Say:

 "I think what I loved most is Dave respecting what each person brought to each exercise and helping them improv in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much"

"Dave is an amazing instructor! He immediately made everyone feel welcomed and free to express themselves and be goofy and expressive. His lessons had a clear focus and were full of information helpful to beginners. He provided direct feedback and an energetic attitude that inspired everyone. Love that guy."

"A class with Dave is like taking a breath of fresh air. Any troubles, any feelings of nervousness or apprehension will disappear and be replaced with a willingness to try new things and take on new identities. His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and makes the 2 hours of fun fly by."

"Dave was very open. The class really worked well as a team and Dave fostered that. "

"Dave is passionate about teaching and improving his craft. I felt like the entire was extremely supported while also being challenged to grow. Dave is amazing!"

Clown 1

Curious about clowning but unsure where to start? Clown 101 introduces you to the joy, creativity, and honest connection at the heart of this playful art form. Through games, exercises, and gentle encouragement, you'll discover your unique clown persona, explore laughter, and find comfort in spontaneity and vulnerability. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to play. If you're an improviser, Clown 101 is a perfect way to deepen your skills in spontaneity, physical expression, and authentic audience connection.

Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

An optional ninth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

Preferred: Completion of a Level 101 improv or acting class (any training center), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 14, 21

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 28

Showcase:  TBD

Room: Smith

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Michael “Dola” Amendola (he/they) is a Philadelphia & NYC-based performer-creator, and educator with a strong interest in the personal, creative and social impact of “play.” He has performed in over 60 productions across the US including 600 shows with the Off-Broadway comedy hit, Drunk Shakespeare, and 100+ performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ASC. He earned his BFA in Acting from Texas State University and is pursuing an MFA in Devised Performance at the Pig Iron School. He has also studied clown extensively with many world-renowned teachers. In addition to teaching at PHIT, Dola has led workshops in devising, clown, improv and character creation for Circadium School for Contemporary Circus, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center.

What others Say:

"This was the most beneficial workshop I've been to in years. I was able to reconnect my mind and body to acting. I have immediate lessons to bring back to my students."

"Oh god. Dola is a brilliant firecracker's worth of expression and depth. His style of teaching gives me courage and curiosity and freedom to explore and learn. I loved this class!!!"

"Dola really invited the students to be their best selves, creating an environment of play and discovery. He had excellent notes for the performers, truly insightful. It is evident that his eye is really tuned in to what is being created and is present to what is actually going on."

“Dola is an excellent teacher - the way he commands the room, and how excited he is by it. It’s great to see someone who is so passionate about something and then so good at it!”