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!"

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:  TUESDAY

Dates: Jun 3, 10, 17, 24, Jul 1, 8, 15, 22

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 29

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!

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:  WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 30

Showcase: TBD

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Emily Harnett (they/them) is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT. Emily is a life long actor, writer, comedian and professional laugher. They earned their BFA in Acting from Point Park University. Emily previously studied at Emerson College’s Comedic Arts program. They currently write for their sketch channel which is launching in the next few months and perform stand ups around Philly. They are passionate about teaching through play, exploration and acceptance.

What Others Say:

"A fantastic class where we were able to be creative but also learn how to do so in the best way!"

"Emily is wonderful!! They are so talented and have a great ability to teach. They have helped me become a better improviser and actor!"

"Em is really great at creating an inclusive environment."

"Em was great. You feel as good when they tell you what you need to improve upon as you do when they tell you how you're killing it."

"Em has a way of explaining things so they’re easy to follow. And Em didn’t hold back, if the scene didn’t work, they let you know why, and how to make it better which was so refreshing."

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.

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

Spots in this course are limited - sign up early!

Prerequisites: PHIT level 301 or permission of 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.

Due to the collaborative nature of this course, it is strongly suggested you are able to attend all of the classes for maximum learning. You must be able to attend the final class in order to perform in the showcase.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24

MAKE-Up/Practice Date: July 31

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time: TBD

Class Room: TBD

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:

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: June 16th

Time: 7:00 PM  - 8:30 PM

Room:  Brown-Martin 

Musicality in Motion

Advanced Musical Improv

In musical improv, we often sacrifice musical elements in favor of being funny or fast. In this workshop, you’ll elevate your songcraft by diving into core songwriting techniques that help create more emotional, grounded, and thought-provoking songs on the spot. You’ll also build skills to communicate more naturally with an accompanist by crafting melodies that are both unique and musically clear. If you're aiming for a standing ovation with your next 11 o'clock number, this is the workshop for you! 

Meets once a week for four weeks for two hours.

There is no showcase performance with this course.

Prerequisites:Musical improv level 2 or equivalent experience or permission from the Instructor.

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 29, Jul 6, 13, 20

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD

Showcase:  None

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dan (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:

"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."

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 four weeks, two hours each meeting. An optional fifth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

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: June 30, July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-up/Practice Date: July 28

Showcase Date/Time: TBD

Class Room: TBD

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

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."