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.

Prerequisites: None!

Adults 18+

Please note: ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Mondays

Dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/27, 12/4

NO CLASS  11/20/2023

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Make-up/Snow Date: 12/11/2023

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17 12:30 p.m.

Class Room: Brown-Martin (this is an accessible space)

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

Instructor: Paul Hazen

About the Instructor:

Paul Hazen (he/him) began improvising music as a jazz saxophonist in high school and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Music degree from Temple University. A lifelong musical theater fan, Paul has also played and conducted in many pit orchestras over the years and is one of the founding members of The Good Kids musical improv team. Paul is an ensemble member of the musical team Thank You, Places where he combines his love of comedy, theater, and making up songs. In addition to performing, Paul is also an amateur cocktail enthusiast known for making his own syrups and super juices and wearing an obnoxious hipster bartender’s apron at both appropriate and inappropriate occasions. And although he loves musical improv with his whole heart, Paul’s favorite and most important role will always be husband and father.

What Other's Say:

"I spent a multi-decade career as a communication creator, and this was one of the BEST learning and creative experiences that I ever had."

"incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging. "

Intermediate Improv:Scene work

You continue to practice 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 and  build objects, environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

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

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Monday

Dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/27, 12/4

NO CLASS 11/20

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Make-Up/Snow Day/Time: 12/11

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17  12:30 p.m.

Class Room: Smith (this is an accessible space)

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

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Even studying/performing Improv for 2 additional years in College while at Conservatory in NYC. He's a HUGE fan of having as much fun as you possibly can whilst under the necessary guise of learning important skills and knowledge: an approach he strives to implement in any and every class he teaches. He also LOVES traveling! :)

What Others Say:

"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."

Advanced Improv- Full Harold Structure

You have accomplished quite a bit to this point. Each previous level has built upon and deepened your individual improv abilities: creating environments, creating characters, recognizing patterns, and creating 3 beat stories. In 401 you put all the parts together to learn the Harold structure. Starting with Openings, 1st,2nd and 3rd beats, group games, exploring and creating  memorable and powerful themes on which to build a solid framework and foundation for HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 301 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Monday

Dates: 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/27, 12/4

NO CLASS 11/20

MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 12/11

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17 2:30

Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible space)

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

Instructor: Chris Esperance

About the Instructor:

Chris Esperance is a comedian, writer, improviser based in Philadelphia, PA. Chris co-hosted the Mad Ethnic Comedy festival which included a variety of improv, podcast and stand-up acts from the tri-state area. He has improvised on Harold, House teams including Metropolis and Dunk Tank and several Indie teams in his years as a performer. Chris was accepted to Magnet Theater’s REMIX sketch diversity showcase and wrote/performed in PIT’s NYC Sketchfest. He has trained at the Philadelphia Improv Theater (PHIT) and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB-NY) and writes for the sketch comedy team Pagliacci (@pagliaccicomedy) with the Boogiemanja sketch comedy collective.

What others say:

"Seriously thank you so much for the last 8 weeks it was truly life changing and opened up a door which was slowly closing in my life. For that I am forever grateful."

"You set such a great tone for the class that made it easy to experiment and let our guards down and try new things. I had a fabulous time and can't wait to do it again."

"I plan on staying with this, and will register for the next 201 class given in the Fall. You have set a very high bar for instructors though. Thanks again for EVERYTHING."

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.

Prerequisites: None!

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Tuesdays

Dates: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5

NO CLASS 11/21/2023

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Make-up/Snow Date: 12/12/2023

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17/2023  10:30 a.m.

Class Room: Brown-Martin (this is an accessible location)

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

Instructor: Nick Elmer

About Your Instructor:

Nick has performed improv comedy in Philadelphia for nine years and can currently be seen with The N-Crowd, No Diggity, Breeders, and the indie team Sizzler Hour. Besides teaching at PHIT and The Lab, he has years of experience coaching and directing improv projects including the newest PHIT Harold team Main Dog! More than anything, he is excited to help new improvisors find what they are great at and fall in love with the art form of improv comedy!

What others say:

"Nick was fantastic and a ton of fun!"

"Nick is great. He is relaxed, and he explains concepts and exercises in an easily digestible way. His astute feedback was instrumental in helping me tweak my short comings while trying to grasp the information throughout the last 8 weeks. What I also really appreciate is that Nick used feedback to praise our work in class (and in the showcase!), which is a HUGE confidence booster when you're in the hotspot. "

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 and  build objects, environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

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

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Tuesdays

Dates: 10/10, 10/17,10/24,10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Make-Up/Snow Day: 12/12

Showcase Date/Time: 12/16  3:00 p.m.

Class Room: Smith (this is an acessible space)

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

Instructor: Francesca Martin

About the Instructor:

Francesca (she/her) is thrilled to be back teaching Improv at PHIT again! She studied Theatre at Florida State University, where she fell in love with improv, sketch comedy, and comedy writing. Francesca has had two original shows produced, and has worked theaters around Philly and the country! Currently, she is helping lead the PHIT Queer Practice Group and performing in Teacher’s Lounge at PHIT Harold Nights. In Francesca’s class, you can expect energy, excitement, patience, and zero judgment.

What others say:

"She was the absolute best! I think she made 101 what it was!! We had so much fun as a class that we wanted to all take 201 together! Francesca was a huge reason for that."

"Francesca is so supportive and made our classroom a safe space to play and learn. She’s the best hype woman and had great notes for us that we could learn from without feeling discouraged "

"Francesca is amazing! Everyone should get the opportunity to take her class. "

Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.

You will begin to learn pattern games and different ways to pull an idea or premise, create 3 beat stories, and learn a few ways to initiate and play group games. You can expect to receive more specific and individualized notes and side coaching with a short range goal of performing a HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Tuesday

Dates: 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5

NO CLASS 11/21

MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 12/12

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17 10:30 a.m.

Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible space)

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

Instructor: Jasmine Jiang

About the Instructor:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater (where she was on house ensemble Madeline), and now PHIT. She will also be making her Comedysportz debut in May as part of an improvised musical mockumentary. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, a producer of experimental work that also runs an MFA program in devised theatre.

What Others Say

"Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The email, “key takeaways” sent to us, after each lesson was extremely helpful in integrating that classes lessons."

Improv for Neurodiverse Individuals:

This improv class is designed by Dr. Adam Taupin, a clinical psychologist and improviser, specifically for folks who identify as anxious, shy, having trouble focusing, or self-conscious. Empower yourself through humor and embrace your quirky side!

Given his expertise as a psychologist, Adam is attuned to the individual needs of the students and will design activities to help everyone participate at their most comfortable level.

Meets once a week for eight weeks and concludes with a 20 minute showcase open to the public.

Prerequisites: None!

Ages 18+

ALL SALES FINAL - NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: Wednesday

Dates: 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6

NO CLASS 11/22

Time: 7:00pm -9:00pm

Make-up/Snow Date: 12/15/2023

SHOWCASE Date/Time: 12/16/2023 1:30 PM

Class Room: 1976 Room (This is an accessible space)

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

Instructor: Adam Taupin

About the Instructor:

Dr. Taupin is a psychologist with a private practice in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia specializing in work with individuals who identify as Neuro-diverse - especially folks on the Autism Spectrum. After graduating with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2018, Adam began infusing improv techniques into his work in order to empower individuals who may struggle with confidence in social settings. He has taken many classes at PHIT and has been performing Improv since 2013. He designed and teaches the Improv 099 at PHIT - an innovative course specifically designed to cater to the needs of neourodiverse individuals. In addition, Adam leads other Core level improv classes at PHIT and can be seen playing with the PHIT improv team Teachers Lounge.

What Others Say:

"Adam clearly explained the concepts and provided an excellent introduction to improv."

"Such a sweet guy! Very empathic, open, and supporting. Good at giving notes. I really appreciated Adam's willingness to get super weird with us during games (pass the face, bunny bunny, hotspot etc.)."

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.

Prerequisites: None!

Adults 18+

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: 10/11, 10/18, 10/28, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Make-up/Snow Date: 12/13/2023

Showcase Date/Time: 12/17/2023   12:30 p.m.

Class Room: Brown- Martin (this is an acessible space)

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

Instructor: Tenara Calem

About the Instructor:

Tenara is a theater maker and educator with a strong background and interest in improvisation. She is currently earning her Masters of Fine Arts in Devised Performance from the University of the Arts/Pig Iron Theatre Company. Tenara teaches Improv 101 and 201.

What others say:

“She knows her stuff. It’s a blast; just take it!”

"Tenara's class makes it impossible for me to hate Mondays!"

"Tenara is whip-smart."