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 use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: MONDAY

Date: SEPT 15

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

Room: TBD

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!

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 use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: THURSDAY

Date: Sept 18

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

Room: TBD

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. 

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 use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: SUNDAY

Date: Sept 21

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Tyler Leif Catanella is a teaching artist, performer, deviser and musician. Before moving to Philadelphia to pursue an MFA in Devised Performance with Pig Iron Theatre Company, Tyler lived in Boston where he taught Acting, Devising, Dance Composition & Improvisation at Emerson College for 5 years as an Adjunct Faculty in the Performing Arts Department.  Tyler was the co-founder and artistic director of ParadiseMoves, a non-profit performance company with a mission to share stories through movement that inspire conversation, and make movement improvisation accessible to all regardless of physical ability or experience. Tyler fosters way too many cats, listens to too much Missy Elliott, and is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT!

Introduction to Acting: In this class, you will explore basic acting skills fundamental to performance. Some concepts to be examined are action, objectives, tactics, and simple script analysis. This class will conclude with a twenty minute presentation of monologues or scenes at the discretion of the instructor. Independent viewing of live theatrical performances in the Philadelphia region, with in class discussion will be required.

Meets once a week in person for 8 weeks.

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.

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

Prerequisites: None!

Day: Mondays

Dates: Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Make-up/Practice day: Monday Dec 1

Graduation Show Date/Time:  TBD

Class Location: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

SOHRAB HAGHVERDI is an only child from Iran who has specialized in being a foreigner in America. He schemes (in a good way), performs (in a brilliant way), and thinks creatively to perfectly fit in this new American environment. He has had memorable moments in the Philly community first as The Boy Who Mailed Himself to America and then as the one and only 9/11MAN and recently as Sohrab Is Bumbling Foriegner. He has recently performed at The Public Theater, Princeton University, and University of Pennsylvania, and has collaborated with theater companies like Lighting Rod Special, Pig Iron, and Swim Pony. He is currently teaching Acting 101 at PHIT. www.sohrabh.com

What others Say:

 From Sohrab's latest solo show Sohrab Is Bumbling Foriegner premiered at Cannonball September 2024 and again remounted by Fringe Arts in March 2025:

"restored my faith in live theatre"

"a genius performance"

"I squirmed a lot! And I laughed a lot - but it's really a kind of acting I super admire"

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. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

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

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Mon Dec 1

ShowCase: TBD

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.

Musical Improv 101:

Carly Otte & Dan Perlman 

Ready to level up your comedy game? Join our Musical Improv 101 class and delve into the exhilarating world of spontaneous song creation and hilarious scenes. Over eight weeks, you'll learn some of the art of creating songs and lyrics on the fly, adding musical pizzazz to your characters and scenes, and delving into the wacky world of musical theater genres and quirks. Each class is a lively two-hour mix of exercises, games, and scene work that'll have you harmonizing and laughing like a comedy pro!

Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Age 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.

A minimum of 9 students is required to run this class.

PREREQUISITE: Level 101 improv. Ability to carry a tune (shower singing counts!)

Day: MONDAY

Dates:  Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

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

Make-up / Practice Day: Mon Dec 1

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

 Carly Otte (she/her) is an actor and improviser with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has been studying and performing improv for over a decade, training primarily with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Select screen credits include recurring appearances on the improv comedy series 'Impractical Jokers' (truTV) and a lead role in the upcoming mockumentary 'The Conspiracists'. She is also an experienced teacher, choreographer, and coach, passionate about musical improv and thrilled to be joining the PHIT teaching team.

What Others Say:

“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." 

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: TUESDAY

Dates: Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, NOV 4, 11, 18

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Dec 2

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:

"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. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

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

Day: Tuesdays

Dates: Sep 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-Up/Practice Day: Tues Dec 2

ShowCase:  TBD

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!