Filter by Category
Our Classes
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:
What others say:
Pretty Flower
with Jasmine Jiang
Pretty Flower: Tangents, Truth, and Theatricality
You’ve done the Harold. You know your edits, tag runs, and callbacks. Now you’re ready to take your scenework deeper.
In this 8-week advanced class, you’ll explore Pretty Flower (also known as the Spokane), a dynamic long-form that blends grounded scenework with fast, inspired tangents. Starting from a central “source scene,” the form blossoms outward through tag runs that reveal backstory, alternate realities, or parallel characters—always returning to the original scene with more texture and insight.
You’ll sharpen your listening, heighten your emotional and thematic connections, and learn to build a world that’s rich, layered, and full of surprises. Each week includes targeted exercises, reps in the format, and individual feedback, culminating in a showcase performance.
Ideal for advanced improvisers who want a form that’s structured but flexible, character-rich, and wildly creative.
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: Completion of Improv 401 at PHIT or equivalent long-form training, 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:
What others say:
Improv 101
with Kelly Jennings
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: WEDNESDAY
Dates: Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: July 30
Showcase: TBD
Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
What Others Say:
Improv 301
with Diego Romero-Aros
Intermediate-Advanced Improv: Ensemble Play, Pattern Recognition, Group Games. You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.
This level shifts focus from the paired scenes of 101 and 201 to working collaboratively as a full ensemble. As a group, you’ll begin to recognize patterns and develop the ability to initiate and participate in spontaneous group games, similar to those used in HAROLD and other long-form formats.
The class emphasizes ensemble work, allowing you to explore how improvisers can create and support each other in a more unified and playful way. Along the way, expect to have fun while receiving more specific, individualized feedback and side coaching to help you grow as a performer.
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 level 201 or permission of 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: Wednesday
Dates: Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Make-Up/Practice Day: July 30
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 David Allison
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: THURSDAY
Dates: Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: July 31
Showcase: TBD
Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
What Others Say:
Improv 401
with Diego Romero-Aros
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.
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. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.
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.
Day: THURSDAY
Dates: Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24
MAKE-Up/Practice Date: July 31
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Showcase Date/Time: TBD
Class Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
What others Say:
Musicality in Motion
with Dan Perlman
Musicality in Motion
Advanced Musical Improv
In musical improv, we often sacrifice musical elements in favor of being funny or fast. In this workshop, you’ll elevate your songcraft by diving into core songwriting techniques that help create more emotional, grounded, and thought-provoking songs on the spot. You’ll also build skills to communicate more naturally with an accompanist by crafting melodies that are both unique and musically clear. If you're aiming for a standing ovation with your next 11 o'clock number, this is the workshop for you!
Meets once a week for four weeks for two hours.
There is no showcase performance with this course.
Prerequisites:Musical improv level 2 or equivalent experience or permission from the Instructor.
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 29, Jul 6, 13, 20
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm
Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD
Showcase: None
Room: TBD
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
Improv 101 INTENSIVE
with Chris Esperance
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 four weeks, two hours each meeting. An optional fifth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.
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: June 30, July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Make-up/Practice Date: July 28
Showcase Date/Time: TBD
Class Room: TBD
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.