Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

Improv 201 takes the skills from Improv 101 and helps you make scenes that feel more alive, connected, and specific. You’ll focus on emotion-driven characters in relationship—being visibly affected by your partner and your environment, staying present, and finding the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth. You’ll receive clearer, more specific coaching so you can make an adjustment and try it again right away. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening—learning how to support strong scenes and help gre moments land. Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: MONDAY

Dates: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 11 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

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."

Music Improv 1: Foundations

Music improv is part improv, part listening, and part play. In this beginner-friendly music improv class, you’ll learn how to create simple songs on the spot, build choruses as a group, support your scene partners, and use music to heighten characters and relationships. We’ll explore a few classic musical theater styles (lightly and playfully), and practice turning scenes into songs in a way that feels doable—even if you don’t consider yourself a “singer.” Each class includes a warm-up, guided exercises and games, and lots of supported reps.

Prerequisite: Improv 101 (or equivalent experience). You should be comfortable starting and sustaining a basic two-person scene and playing supportively with a partner. Vocal comfort: You don’t need formal vocal training—“shower singing” is totally fine. You should be able to carry a simple tune.

Adults 18+

Capacity is limited to 12 students to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 11 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: SAT MAY 16

Room: 1976

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

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Even studying/performing Improv for 2 additional years in College while at Conservatory in NYC. He's a HUGE fan of having as much fun as you possibly can whilst under the necessary guise of learning important skills and knowledge: an approach he strives to implement in any and every class he teaches. He also LOVES traveling! :)

What Others Say:

"I really like working with Johnny. He has a great personality and is extremely warm and welcoming. "

"Johnny was very affirming and really made sure we understood what was going on."

"Johnny is so nice and respectful. He makes you feel great."

"Johnny is a really good instructor: he is knowledgeable and he is fun and makes each class interesting and unique! He provides you with just enough structure to successfully master each exercise. He is also very welcoming with all the students. "

"Johnny is the perfect teacher for 101: You'll have a lot of fun, you'll laugh a lot, and you'll learn what the heck improv is. He gives feedback, but doesn't push you any harder than you'd want to be pushed. He's encouraging and will help you build the confidence you need to give your first performance."

Improv 101: Start Here

You’ll learn the fundamentals of improv and performance in a beginner-friendly, warm, coached environment: making your partner look good, “Yes, and,” creating clear environments and objects, establishing relationships, and playing with a strong emotional point of view. You’ll get lots of guided reps, build confidence on your feet, and start creating short two-person scenes that feel grounded and fun. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisites: None.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: TUESDAY

Dates: March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 12 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Jonah (he/him) is a theater director, musician, and educator. A graduate of Pig Iron's MFA in Devised Performance, his Philadelphia collaborations include Pig Iron, Sarah Sanford and Alex Tatarsky, and Nichole Canuso Dance Company. His original musical odyssey, 'The Bad Pirate Rock Show' (created and performed alongside a handful of other PHIT teachers!) was featured in Cannonball Festival the past two Fringe seasons. When he's not making theater, he teaches kindergarteners how sing and bang drums and be kind to each other at Play On, Philly! 

Improv Reps Clinic: Notes + Practice (3 Weeks)

This clinic is practice on purpose: high-rep scene work, targeted notes, and immediate opportunities to apply adjustments. You’ll strengthen what you’re already doing well, spot the habits that get in your way, and leave with clear next steps you can take straight into class, rehearsal, or performance.

Great for intermediate improvisers who want focused reps and actionable feedback—whether you train at PHIT or elsewhere. It’s also an ideal bridge for students coming out of Improv 301 who want to stay engaged and continue progressing toward Improv 401.

Prerequisite: Improv 201+ (or equivalent experience), 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.

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: March 17, 24, 31

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date (only if needed): April 7 

ShowCase: NO SHOWCASE

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor: 

Kelly Jennings is a Philadelphia-based theater artist, improviser, and leadership coach. She serves as Executive Director and leads Education + Corporate Training at Philly Improv Theater (PHIT).

Kelly is an alumna of Philadelphia ComedySportz, where she performed and taught, and also served as Co–Artistic Director and Minor League Coach. Her work includes improv- and performance-based training and workshops for organizations including Comcast, Seer Interactive, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, and Drexel, among others.

As a performer and creator, Kelly was a founding member of the long-form improv company LunchLady Doris (12+ years), and co-created Cecily and Gwendolyn’s Fantastical, which received the League of Cincinnati Theaters’ Outstanding Improv Award. Additional credits include TimeProv (an improvised Doctor Who parody), Choosical: The Improvised Musical, and a whole lot of one-off, blink-and-you-missed-it theater adventures.

What Others Say:

“You can tell that Kelly Jennings is passionate about her craft; it showed throughout the workshop. She is a great instructor.”

“Kelly is so deeply knowledgeable, while staying intellectually accessible to all. She kept the pace moving and class flew with her at the helm. Her years of both performing and teaching really benefit us tremendously.”

“Kelly was a lot of fun to work with.  She really knew what she was doing, and I definitely walked out of the session having learned something new.”  

Anxiety Friendly Improv

Curious about improv, but feeling anxious, shy, or self-conscious about jumping into a typical class environment? Anxiety Friendly Improv is designed as a lower-pressure space to learn the basics with people who get it. You’ll practice beginner-friendly (Improv 101–level) exercises and games focused on play, connection, and confidence—at a pace that supports the room. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Important note:This course is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy.

Prerequisites: None. No improv experience required. No clinical diagnosis is required to participate.

Adults 18+ who experience anxiety, shyness, or high levels of self-consciousness—or who simply want to try improv in a supportive, accepting environment with an instructor who understands those feelings.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers.

Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: Wednesday Dates: March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6

Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): Wednesday, May 13 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

Showcase: Saturday, May 16

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Adam is a psychologist with a private practice in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia specializing in work with individuals who identify as Neuro-diverse - especially folks on the Autism Spectrum. After graduating with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2018, Adam began infusing improv techniques into his work in order to empower individuals who may struggle with confidence in social settings. He has taken many classes at PHIT and has been performing Improv since 2013. He designed and teaches the Anxiety Friendly Improv curriculum at PHIT - an innovative course specifically designed to cater to the needs of neourodiverse individuals. In addition, Adam leads other Core level improv classes at PHIT and can be seen playing with the PHIT improv team Teachers Lounge.

What Others Say:

"Adam provides good support / psychological safety which gives students room to explore their skills"

"Adam clearly explained the concepts and provided an excellent introduction to improv."

"Such a sweet guy! Very empathic, open, and supporting. Good at giving notes. I really appreciated Adam's willingness to get super weird with us during games (pass the face, bunny bunny, hotspot etc.)."

Improv 301: Group Play + Patterns

Improv 301 marks a shift into full-ensemble work. Building on the character and relationship skills from 201, you’ll train your “pattern muscles”—learning how to recognize what’s emerging, support it as a team, and heighten it into clear, satisfying group play. You’ll practice group scenes, group games, and the mechanics that make them work: spotting patterns, clarifying the chaos, and making strong next moves together. You can expect more performance-specific coaching as we refine timing, specificity, pacing, and how you support your partners and the group. These skills are key building blocks for longform performance—including the Harold, taught in 401.

Improv 301 is the third step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 201 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: THURSDAY

Dates: March 19, 26, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 14 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

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!