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: MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Dates: June 29, July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 27

ShowCase: Aug 1

Room: 1976

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

About the Instructor:
Jonah (he/him) is a theater director, musician, and educator. A graduate of Pig Iron's MFA in Devised Performance, his Philadelphia collaborations include Pig Iron, Sarah Sanford and Alex Tatarsky, and Nichole Canuso Dance Company. His original musical odyssey, 'The Bad Pirate Rock Show' (created and performed alongside a handful of other PHIT teachers!) was featured in Cannonball Festival the past two Fringe seasons. When he's not making theater, he teaches kindergarteners how sing and bang drums and be kind to each other at Play On, Philly!

What Others Say:

“Jonah helped create a welcoming, supportive room where students could take risks, make mistakes, and trust the process.”

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: THURSDAY

Date: July 16

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

 Carly Otte (she/her) is a Philadelphia- and NYC-based actor and improviser with credits across film, television, and live performance. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has trained and performed improv for over a decade, with extensive training at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Her screen work includes recurring appearances on the comedy series Impractical Jokers (truTV) and a lead role in the feature mockumentary The Conspiracists (Amazon Prime). Carly is also an experienced director, choreographer, and coach who loves helping performers build confidence and stay present in their scene work.

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 $50 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: THURSDAY

Date: July 16

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What Others Say:

“Jasmine challenged us in a supportive way, giving specific tools and feedback that helped us build stronger scenes without feeling overwhelmed.”

“Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The ‘key takeaways’ emails after each lesson were extremely helpful in integrating the class lessons.”

“Jasmine listened carefully to everyone, and the class felt very personal.”

Fearless Opening Numbers: a 3-week clinic

with Johnny Di Sciascio, Carly Otte, andDan Perlman  

In musical improv, the first song sets the stage for the whole show. This three-week clinic will give you the tools to create opening numbers that grab attention and carry energy into the rest of the performance. Each week you’ll focus on a different element: building harmonies and song structure, shaping stage pictures and movement, and finally blending everything into fully realized ensemble numbers. Perfect for improvisers with some musical background who want to sharpen their skills and kick off every show with confidence.

Class meets once a week for three weeks.

Adults 18+.

Prerequisite: Music 1 and Improv 201 and above (PHIT or equivilent)

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. Promo and discount codes do not apply to clinics and workshops. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: Aug 6, 13, 20

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

Make-up / Practice Day: N/A

Class Location: 1976

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructors:

Johnny Di Sciascio: Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

Carly Otte (she/her) Carly Otte (she/her) is a Philadelphia- and NYC-based actor and improviser with credits across film, television, and live performance. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has trained and performed improv for over a decade, with extensive training at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Her screen work includes recurring appearances on the comedy series Impractical Jokers (truTV) and a lead role in the feature mockumentary The Conspiracists (Amazon Prime). Carly is also an experienced director, choreographer, and coach who loves helping performers build confidence and stay present in their scene work.

Dan Perlman (he/him) is a seasoned pianist with 20 years of experience, known for his dynamic range and musical versatility. He has spent several years performing in various cover bands, tribute acts, piano bars, and jazz ensembles, honing his skills across diverse musical genres. Recently, Dan has been an integral part of Philadelphia's musical improv scene, accompanying the premier team Thank You Places, The Good Kids, the improvised musical documentary Off the Record, and for various musical improv classes and indie teams. He is eager to play his part in further expanding the musical improv scene in Philadelphia!

What Others Say:

"Johnny was very affirming and really made sure we understood what was going on."

"Johnny is so nice and respectful. He makes you feel great."

"Johnny is a really good instructor: he is knowledgeable and he is fun and makes each class interesting and unique! He provides you with just enough structure to successfully master each exercise. He is also very welcoming with all the students. "

“I loved Carly’s advice! Very specific and pointed critiques… would absolutely take a class with her!” 

“Carly’s feedback was very positive, specific, and empowering… She has a lovely easy-going personality, and I imagine she would be a favorite with students.” 

"She has this wonderfully calming energy that instantly takes the stress out of the process, while still giving me the confidence to dive into the material fully prepared. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and always brings in fresh perspectives and choices I never would have thought of on my own, which makes the work feel creative and exciting." 

"Dan is an incredible pianist and we were so lucky to have him, esp since we're all learning and he's so effortlessly able to adapt the backing music to help support."

"Dan is amazing."

"Dan is so skilled and easily adapts to anything we dish at him and has such great instincts when playing."

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: MONDAYS

Dates: Aug 10, 17, 24

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: TBD

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:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What Others Say:

“Jasmine challenged us in a supportive way, giving specific tools and feedback that helped us build stronger scenes without feeling overwhelmed.”

“Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The ‘key takeaways’ emails after each lesson were extremely helpful in integrating the class lessons.”

“Jasmine listened carefully to everyone, and the class felt very personal.”

What Others Say:

Musical Improv: The Want Song

One-Time Workshop

In musical improv, a Want Song reveals what a character wants most — and can give a scene emotional direction, momentum, and heart.

In this 2-hour workshop, students will practice identifying a clear character want, recognizing when a scene is ready to become a song, and singing a Want Song that supports the character’s arc. Students will explore how desire, emotion, and song structure can work together to create stronger musical improv scenes.

This workshop is best for students who are comfortable with improv fundamentals and have a basic understanding of song structure, such as verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus.

Come ready to play, sing, and explore your character’s deepest desires through song.

Recommended Experience: This workshop is best for students with some prior improv experience, including Improv 101, Music 1, or equivalent musical improv training.

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. Promo and discount codes do not apply to clinics and workshops. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Class size: Limited to 12 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Aug 10

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date: NONE

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this workshop

Room: 1976

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

About the Instructor:

Moriah Kofsky is a Philly-based improviser, singer, dancer, and comedy writer. She currently performs with the musical improv group Family Reunion, featuring PHIT instructors and alumni. Moriah took her first improv class in elementary school, later trained at Provocation Theatre in Berkeley, CA, and discovered musical improv through BATS. She has also studied musical improv and clown at PHIT. She majored in Creative Nonfiction Writing at the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed a strong foundation in story structure that informs her performance work.

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 $50 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: August 18

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

What Others Say:

"I really like working with Johnny. He has a great personality and is extremely warm and welcoming. "

"Johnny was very affirming and really made sure we understood what was going on."

"Johnny is so nice and respectful. He makes you feel great."

"Johnny is a really good instructor: he is knowledgeable and he is fun and makes each class interesting and unique! He provides you with just enough structure to successfully master each exercise. He is also very welcoming with all the students. "

"Johnny is the perfect teacher for 101: You'll have a lot of fun, you'll laugh a lot, and you'll learn what the heck improv is. He gives feedback, but doesn't push you any harder than you'd want to be pushed. He's encouraging and will help you build the confidence you need to give your first performance."