Improv 301: Group Play + Patterns

This is where ensemble focus becomes the skill.

Improv 301 shifts from strong two-person scenes to full-ensemble work. Building on the character and relationship skills from 201, you’ll strengthen your ability to recognize patterns as they emerge, support them as a team, and heighten them into clear, satisfying group play. If 301 feels like a shift from 2-person scenes, that’s intentional — this level asks students to lean into group awareness by supporting ideas that aren’t yours and helping the group stay focused.

You’ll practice group scenes, group games, and the mechanics that make them work: spotting patterns, clarifying the chaos, making strong next moves together, and sustaining focus across multiple beats. Coaching becomes more performance-specific at this level as we refine timing, specificity, pacing, and how you support both your scene partners and the ensemble as a whole.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Recognize and articulate the central pattern of a scene
• Support and heighten ideas with clarity
• Maintain ensemble awareness across edits and beats
• Make deliberate, confident next moves
• Recover when a scene loses focus

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 301 is the third step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). This level prepares students for advanced longform structure work in 401.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 201 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: March 18, 25, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: May 13 

ShowCase: May 16

Room: Smith

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

About the Instructor:

Arantxa Chavez is a theater artist, improviser, and clown from Lima, Peru. She started practicing Improv in 2012 and has not stopped since. Having recently graduated from Pig Iron’s Devised Performance MFA program, Arantxa delights in using improv as a mode for creation, having fun with friends, and reinforcing her collaborative skills. She has many years of performance experience with her old troupe, Unsupervised Improv, and has taught Improv all over Colorado Springs including the Millibo Art Theatre. Locally, she teaches Improv to young students through The Unscripted Project and now here, at PHIT! Keep an eye out for more classes and more art!

What Others Say:

“Aranxta inspires confidence while offering clear, constructive feedback.”

“Aranxta explains concepts thoroughly while keeping the class relaxed and welcoming.”

“Encouraging questions and creating a supportive environment made it easy to take risks and try new things.”

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $30 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: SUNDAY

Date: April 12

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room: 1976

Improv 101 Intensive: Fast Track

(4 Weeks, Meets Twice a Week | 8 Class Meetings Total)

This Intensive covers the full Improv 101 curriculum in a condensed format. You’ll learn the same foundational skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

With two meetings each week, you’ll get frequent reps, consistent coaching, and the momentum that comes from working close together in a short period of time. This format is best for students who prefer a focused, fast-paced schedule and can commit to attending both weekly meetings.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Stay present instead of planning ahead
• Build scenes about their partner, not offstage plots
• Recognize and heighten simple patterns
• Create clear, playable characters
• Support their scene partner in a way that strengthens the whole scene

All Improv 101 sections conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+

No prerequisite.

Attendance: Because this course moves quickly, consistent attendance is important. Students should plan to attend both weekly meetings whenever possible. Participation in the showcase requires attendance at the final class.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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

Day: TUESDAY & THURSDAY

Dates: April 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, May 5, 7   

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: May 12

ShowCase: May 16

Room: Smith

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

About the Instructor

Carly Otte (she/her) is an actor and improviser with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has been studying and performing improv for over a decade, training primarily with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Select screen credits include recurring appearances on the improv comedy series 'Impractical Jokers' (truTV) and a lead role in the upcoming mockumentary 'The Conspiracists'. She is also an experienced teacher, choreographer, and coach, passionate about musical improv and thrilled to be joining the PHIT teaching team.

Edits & Beats: 3 week clinic

A focused 3-week clinic for improvisers who want to strengthen their timing, sharpen their edits, and get more comfortable recognizing when it’s time to transition.

This class explores how edits shape rhythm, pacing, and momentum in long-form improv. You’ll practice a range of common edit styles, work on recognizing strong moments to cut, and build confidence in both editing and responding to edits in the moment. Expect lots of reps, clear coaching, and a supportive room to try things, miss things, and try again.

Class meets once a week for three weeks.

Prerequisite: Completion of Improv 201 or equivalent experience at any training center.

Adults 18+

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

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: April 21,28, May 5

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date (only if needed): N/A

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: Brown-Martin

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.

What Others Say:

"Diego is an absolute joy and an excellent educator. He knows when to be supportive and also when to push students to find the better “funny.” "

"Diego is a FANTASTIC instructor"

"Diego cuts through the noise to really get across the main idea each class. And he does it through different ways so it’s easy to understand. The energy Diego brings to the entire room is the reason we all are excited each class."

"Diego was honestly an amazing teacher. Very engaging, gives accurate and wonderful feedback"

"He also just has a good energy and encouraged us to do our best as well as give really good constructive feedback along the way. 10/10 teacher "

Improv Essentials: A 3-week first steps clinic for beginners

A supportive first step into improv — no experience needed.

Curious about improv, but not ready to jump into a full class? Improv Essentials is a 3-week clinic for beginners who want a low-pressure way to get started. This clinic introduces core improv skills in a shorter format, but it does not replace PHIT’s full Improv 101 course.

This class focuses on a few simple tools that make improv feel more natural and less intimidating: listening, making clear choices, connecting with a scene partner or group, and building something simple from nothing. Each week, you’ll practice through structured, playful exercises, storytelling, and guided group work designed to help you feel more present, clear, and confident.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

A great fit for anyone who wants more than a one-time workshop, but is not yet ready to commit to a full course.

Adults 18+.

No prerequisite.

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

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

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: April 22, 29, May 6

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: N/A

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Kirsten LaCerda's love for improv comedy began at a young age. Performing since 2004, she won "Best Improviser" at the Virginia Thespian Society Conference in 2008. She has taken improv classes with Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, and legends like Tim Meadows. Since relocating to Philly, Kirsten has performed on multiple PHIT teams, including Thank You, Places, the improvised musical, which continues to perform every 4th Friday at Tavern on Camac. She strongly encourages you to purchase her children's books, The Poo-Poo Party or Taco Steve: The Quest for the Elder Taco, which can be found and loved on Amazon.

What Others Say:

“Open-hearted, encouraging, and excellent at teaching skills — I felt comfortable right away and laughed a lot.”

Instant Characterization! 3 week clinic

A focused 3-week clinic for performers who want to make stronger, more immediate character choices.

Led by seasoned performer Michael “Dola” Amendola, this class explores how physicality, voice, and emotional point of view can help you create characters that feel specific, distinct, and fun to play. Students will practice building characters quickly from simple choices, using established information to deepen characterization, and creating contrast that supports stronger scenes, relationships, and world-building.

Expect lots of reps, clear coaching, and a supportive room to experiment, commit, and expand your range.

Open to students of all experience levels, from beginner through advanced. This clinic meets once a week for three weeks. No showcase performance with this class.

Prerequisite: NONE

Adults 18+

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

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: May 13, 20, 27

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date (only if needed): N/A

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $30 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: May 19

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: May 31, June 7, 14,21,28, July 5,12,19

Time: 1 PM - 3PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 26

ShowCase: Saturday Augsut 1 2026

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say