Acting 2

What happens when acting meets improv and neither backs down? This class! This class shows you how acting and improv mix to create something fresh and real. You’ll combine the structure of a script with the spontaneity of improv, leaning into ensemble work to create a 20-minute original piece—part scripted, part discovered in the moment. The result: something rehearsed, alive, and just unpredictable enough to keep everyone on their toes. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: Improv 201 or higher, or Acting 1, or similar training elsewhere. Due to the collaborative nature of this class, attendance at all sessions is essential. Missing classes may result in reduced participation opportunities, ineligibility to appear in the final showcase performance, or dismissal from the course without refund or credit, at the instructor’s discretion.

Adults 18+

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

Day: MONDAY 

Dates: Jan 5,12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Mon March 2

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7 -8

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:

"Dola is the best!"

"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!”

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 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.

 A minimum of 8 students is required for this course to run.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Mon March 2

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7 and 8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Kassidy is a Philly native with a love for theatre. This is Kassidy’s first semester working with PHIT and will be teaching a 101 class! She graduated from Messiah University with a B.A in Theatre which allowed her to study in Ireland at the Gaiety School of Acting. She has worked with Philly Young Playwrights, Azuka Theatre, and Yes! And…? Collaborative Arts. She is also in a improv group called Improvabilitee and is excited to be at PHIT. 

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.

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. All courses must be paid for in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: Mondays

Dates: Jan 5,12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 16, 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 2

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

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.

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.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: WEDNESDAYS

Dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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! Outside Improv, see her next in 5 Stagehands Fall Out of a Closet (the goose crisis) during this year’s Fringe Festival, and keep an eye out for more classes and more art!

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

This level marks a shift from the paired scene work of 101 and 201. Instead of focusing on 2–3 person scenes, you’ll be working as a full ensemble. The emphasis is on recognizing patterns, building group mind, and initiating spontaneous group games—skills that are essential to HAROLD and other long form formats. You can also expect more individualized feedback and in-the-moment coaching to help deepen your performance.

Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

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.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4

ShowCase: Weekend March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

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 - 401.

What others Say:

"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"

"Tenara is the best mix of silly and serious, and she's super dedicated to the work ... I really appreciate her thorough knowledge and her critiques that always made me want to do better and take action the next time around."

"Tenara was great! She really set the stage for the class and exhibited great enthusiasm for all activities, drills, etc. She did a great job pointing out what worked in scenes/games and what needed to be improved upon in a way that felt productive and supportive."

"Tenara was absolutely awesome. She gave us appropriate space and reinforced all the key skills. She also was outstanding at making suggestions and providing examples."

"Tenara is so intelligent and patient. A great teacher!"

"She was very in tune to everyone's needs"

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 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.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day:  THURSDAYS

Dates: an 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Thurs March 5

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

Room:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dominick “Dom” Arp (he/him) has been an improviser in the Philly community for over 10 years. He is currently performing with Roll Play, Show and Tell Live, and KDM. Currently he is also the president of the Philadelphia Improv Social Club. Having additionally trained in public speaking, theater, & business administration, he is passionate about the power of combining theory, theatrics, and policy in order to grow the Philly improv community.

What Others Say:

"Dom always had an upbeat generous attitude"

"Dom is great! He has the perfect balance of theory and practice. I feel like I learn so much while also having a ton of fun."

"Dom has an incredible approach and exudes positivity while giving clear feedback!"

"Dom gave great, specific feedback and created a warm and supportive environment. "

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.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 5

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

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 was great at this, she listened carefully to everyone and it felt very personal"

"I'd recommend ANYONE take a course with Jasmine or any of the other talented folks at PHIT. I had been looking for something different and found Improv 101 to be a refreshing break from the norm. The course offers a space for spontaneity and play in a supportive environment. Amazing experience!"

"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."

Pirates, Robots, and Ninjas 3 Week Clinic

You’ve honed your improv skills—creating environments, building characters, recognizing patterns, and working within the Harold structure. Now, it’s time to push your skills further by exploring a dynamic approach to scene work that will challenge you to make bigger choices, heighten faster, and edit with precision.

In this clinic, you’ll use the framework developed by Billy Merritt and Will Hines to explore three distinct styles of play:

Pirate Harold – Fully commit to bold, larger-than-life characters and fearless scene work. Step into a world where pirates mutiny, duel, and plunder—freeing you from overthinking and letting you play with full commitment.

Robot Harold – Master pattern recognition and heightening. Strip away hesitation and train yourself to quickly lock onto and escalate patterns with machine-like precision.

Ninja Harold – Sharpen your editing instincts and ability to initiate with confidence. This style focuses on rapid scene work, strong initiations, and lightning-fast edits to build momentum and keep scenes moving.

In the final week, you’ll integrate these elements, combining the boldness of a Pirate, the analytical skill of a Robot, and the speed of a Ninja to create more versatile and powerful scene work.

Meets once a week for three weeks. There is no showcase with this clinic.

Spots in this course are limited

Prerequisite: PHIT Level 401 or permission of instructor.

Adults 18+

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

Due to the collaborative nature of this course, it is strongly suggested you are able to attend all classes for maximum learning.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: Jan 8, 15, 22

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Practice date: N/A

Showcase Date: No showcase 

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:

"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 "