Improv Essentials: A 3-week first steps clinic for beginners

A supportive first step into improv — no experience needed.

Curious about improv, but not ready to jump into a full class? Improv Essentials is a 3-week clinic for beginners who want a low-pressure way to get started. This clinic introduces core improv skills in a shorter format, but it does not replace PHIT’s full Improv 101 course.

This class focuses on a few simple tools that make improv feel more natural and less intimidating: listening, making clear choices, connecting with a scene partner or group, and building something simple from nothing. Each week, you’ll practice through structured, playful exercises, storytelling, and guided group work designed to help you feel more present, clear, and confident.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

A great fit for anyone who wants more than a one-time workshop, but is not yet ready to commit to a full course.

Adults 18+.

No prerequisite.

Class size: Limited to 12 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention. Average class size 6-10.

Policies: 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: Oct 5, 12, 19

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: TBD

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: Brown Martin

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. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

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."

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $50 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts. Not valid on Clinics or Workshops.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: Sept 22

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

Room: 1976

About the Instructor:

ohnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

Improv 101 Intensive: Fast Track

(4 Weeks, Meets Twice a Week | 8 Class Meetings Total)

This Intensive covers the full Improv 101 curriculum in a condensed format. You’ll learn the same foundational skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

With two meetings each week, you’ll get frequent reps, consistent coaching, and the momentum that comes from working close together in a short period of time. This format is best for students who prefer a focused, fast-paced schedule and can commit to attending both weekly meetings.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Stay present instead of planning ahead
• Build scenes about their partner, not offstage plots
• Recognize and heighten simple patterns
• Create clear, playable characters
• Support their scene partner in a way that strengthens the whole scene

All Improv 101 sections conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+

No prerequisite.

Attendance: Because this course moves quickly, consistent attendance is important. Students should plan to attend both weekly meetings whenever possible. Participation in the showcase requires attendance at the final class.

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

Policies: 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 & THURSDAY

Dates: Oct 27, 29, Nov 3, 5, 10,12, 17, 19

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: Brown-Martin

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"