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Improv 101 INTENSIVE
with Diego Romero-Aros
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 two hours each meeting.
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: April 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, May 1, 6, 8
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Make-up/Practice Date: May 13
Showcase Date/Time: Sunday May 18th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Class Room: 1976
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.
Intro to Improv Workshop
with Adam Taupin
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: WEDNESDAY
Date: Aprl 30th
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Room: TBD
About the Instructor:
What Others Say:
Improv 101
with Chris Cauffman-Cooke
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: SUNDAY
Dates: Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 29, July 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD
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!
What Others Say:
Improv 201
with - TBD
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.
An optional ninth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.
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. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.
Day: SUNDAY
Dates: Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 29, July 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD
Showcase: TBD
Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
Clown 1
with Michael Amendola
Clown 1
Curious about clowning but unsure where to start? Clown 101 introduces you to the joy, creativity, and honest connection at the heart of this playful art form. Through games, exercises, and gentle encouragement, you'll discover your unique clown persona, explore laughter, and find comfort in spontaneity and vulnerability. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to play. If you're an improviser, Clown 101 is a perfect way to deepen your skills in spontaneity, physical expression, and authentic audience connection.
Class 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.
Preferred: Completion of a Level 101 improv or acting class (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, 30, Jul 7, 14, 21
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: July 28
Showcase: TBD
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:
"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!”
Improv 101
with Em Harnett
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: MONDAY
Dates: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 14, 21
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: July 28
Showcase: TBD
Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
What others Say:
Improv 101
with Chris Cauffman-Cooke
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!
Improv 201
with Michael Amendola
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.
An optional ninth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.
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. 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:
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:
"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!”