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: Dec 22

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

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

What others say:

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.

Day: SUNDAYS

Dates: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make-Up/Practice Day: Sun March 1

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Musical Improv 2:

Carly Otte & Dan Perlman 

You’ve learned how to rhyme on the fly and jump into a chorus — now it’s time to make your scenes sing. In this next-level musical improv class, you’ll go beyond games and structures to explore story, emotion, and character through song. Build confidence blending acting, improv, and melody to create full musical moments that feel alive and connected — not just clever. Expect big laughs, bold choices, and the joy of discovering what happens when you stop worrying about “doing it right” and let the music lead you. Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisite: Musical Improv 1, Improv 101 or higher. 

Age 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 9 students is required to run this class.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates:  Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make-up / Practice Day: March 1

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time:  Weekend of March 6-8

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." 

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.

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.

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

A minimum of 8 registered students is needed to run this class.

Age 18+

Day: SUNDAY

Dates:  Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make-up / Practice Day: March 1

Class Location: TBD

Showcase Date & Time: MARCH PHEST Weekend of March 6-7

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

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia based actor, director and educator; he also manages a devised company in the city. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University, and post grad has trained with the Pig Iron School and The Wilma Theatre. Dave has experience teaching all ages at a large variety of experience. At PHIT, Dave has taught all 4 core level classes, as well as electives like: La Ronde and Characters in Motion, a movement workshop for Improvisors. Dave has been featured in Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival, and has directed in local children’s theatres to Villanova’s student music theatre company. 

What Others Say:

 “I recommend class with Dave more than ice cream!” PHIT Student 101 & 201.

“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.”

"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"

"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!"

"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"

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.

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: Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-Up/Practice Day: Tues March 3

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

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!

What Others Say:

"Tyler was so open and encouraging - he created an environment where I, and believe we all, felt supported, connected, and free to try out skills and really learn."

"Tyler was completely himself, and in being so authentic showed us that we could do the same thing. And he cared deeply for our humanity, which in turn meant we did the same for one another. "