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Philly Improv Theater

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Improv 301

$384

with Tenara Calem

Calendar May 22, 2024 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.

You will begin to learn pattern games and different ways to pull an idea or premise, create 3 beat stories, and learn a few ways to initiate and play group games. You can expect to receive more specific and individualized notes and side coaching with a short range goal of performing a HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

 

Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17

NO CLASS 6/19

MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 7/24

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time:  Sun 7/28 10:30 a.m.

Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible space)

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, 201, and 301.

 

What others say:

"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"

“She knows her stuff. It’s a blast; just take it!”

"Tenara's class makes it impossible for me to hate Mondays!"

"Tenara is whip-smart."

 

 

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid weekly.

Improv 101

$384

with Katie Butler

Calendar May 23, 2024 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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 FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18

NO CLASS 7/4

Time: 7:00 am -9:00 PM

Make-up/Snow Date: 7/25

Showcase Date/Time: Sun 7/28 12:30 p.m.

Class Room: Smith  (this is an accessible location)

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

 

About the Instructor:

Katie is a Philadelphia-based teaching artist and theater maker. She has been teaching for seven years and earned her BFA from the University of Texas at Arlington ('10) and her MFA from The Pig Iron School ('20). Her work as an artist and educator revolves around building community and connection through physical discovery and play. Katie is also a founding company member of Shakespeare On Tap and performs and teaches nationally.

 

What Others Say:

"Katie is a master (expert) of improv. She communicates goals clearly and sets high expectations...She sets safe boundaries, and is trustworthy. Her enthusiasm is uplifting, and it is clear she is passionate about teaching and improv."

"Katie was GREAT! Always showed up with a ton of energy and enthusiasm, made us feel respected and also taught very effectively, reviewing what we had learned after each class and building on previous lessons"

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid weekly.

La Ronde

$384

with Francesca Martin

Calendar May 23, 2024 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

La Ronde

La Ronde is a character-based improv structure where each scene connects to the next, creating a chain of interconnected stories and characters. It's a great way to explore character development, storytelling, and group dynamics. Each week, you'll explore new characters, relationships, and storylines, culminating in a showcase performance. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your character and storytelling skills.

Prerequisite: Level 3 or above long form improv from any established improv training center, or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

 

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

 

Day: THURSDAY

Date: 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/11, 7/18

NO CLASS 7/4

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

MAKE-UP/ SNOW DATE: 7/25

 SHOW CASE DATE/TIME:  SUN 7/28 2:30 p.m.

 

About the Instructor:

Francesca (she/her) is thrilled to be back teaching Improv at PHIT again! She studied Theatre at Florida State University, where she fell in love with improv, sketch comedy, and comedy writing. Francesca has had two original shows produced, and has worked theaters around Philly and the country! Currently, she is helping lead the PHIT Queer Practice Group and performing in Teacher’s Lounge at PHIT Harold Nights. In Francesca’s class, you can expect energy, excitement, patience, and zero judgment.

 

What others say:

"She was the absolute best! I think she made 101 what it was!!"

"We had so much fun as a class that we wanted to all take 201 together! Francesca was a huge reason for that."

"Francesca is so supportive and made our classroom a safe space to play and learn. She’s the best hype woman and had great notes for us that we could learn from without feeling discouraged "

"Francesca is amazing! Everyone should get the opportunity to take her class."

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid weekly.

Drop In

$30

with Francesca Martin

Calendar Jun 2, 2024 at 1 pm

Take a Drop In 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 a drop in without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll give you a promo code for $30 off a full class when you decide to join, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

Students must sign up for full class within 5 days of attending in order to apply their $30 fee to a full class registration. **

Drop In fee may only be applied to a single level 101 class for the upcoming session. Policy prohibits the doubling up or simultaneous use of discount codes with other promotional discounts.

 

Adults 18+

 

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

 

Day: Sunday

Date: 6/2

Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

 

About the Instructor:

Francesca (she/her) is thrilled to be back teaching Improv at PHIT again! She studied Theatre at Florida State University, where she fell in love with improv, sketch comedy, and comedy writing. Francesca has had two original shows produced, and has worked theaters around Philly and the country! Currently, she is helping lead the PHIT Queer Practice Group and performing in Teacher’s Lounge at PHIT Harold Nights. In Francesca’s class, you can expect energy, excitement, patience, and zero judgment.

 

What Others Say:

"She was the absolute best! I think she made 101 what it was!! We had so much fun as a class that we wanted to all take 201 together! Francesca was a huge reason for that."

"Francesca is so supportive and made our classroom a safe space to play and learn. She’s the best hype woman and had great notes for us that we could learn from without feeling discouraged "

"Francesca is amazing! Everyone should get the opportunity to take her class. "

 

Improv 101

$384

with Katie Butler

Calendar Jun 2, 2024 at 1 pm, runs for 6 weeks

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 FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: 6/2, 6/9, 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14

NO CLASS 6/16

Time: 1:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.

This class runs 2.5 hours

Make-up/Snow Date: N/A

Showcase Date/Time: SUN 7/28  10:30 am - Noon

Class Room: Smith  (this is an accessible location)

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

 

About the Instructor:

Katie is a Philadelphia-based teaching artist and theater maker. She has been teaching for seven years and earned her BFA from the University of Texas at Arlington ('10) and her MFA from The Pig Iron School ('20). Her work as an artist and educator revolves around building community and connection through physical discovery and play. Katie is also a founding company member of Shakespeare On Tap and performs and teaches nationally.

 

What Others Say:

"Katie is a master (expert) of improv. She communicates goals clearly and sets high expectations...She sets safe boundaries, and is trustworthy. Her enthusiasm is uplifting, and it is clear she is passionate about teaching and improv."

"Katie was GREAT! Always showed up with a ton of energy and enthusiasm, made us feel respected and also taught very effectively, reviewing what we had learned after each class and building on previous lessons"

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 4 payments of $52.25, paid weekly.

Musical Accompaniment

$275

with Dan Perlman

Calendar Jun 3, 2024 at 7 pm, runs for 3 weeks

Musical Accompaniment Workshop

Are you intrigued by the idea of musical improv accompaniment but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you're already familiar with the basics and eager to refine your skills? Look no further!

Join us for a workshop that covers the essentials of musical improv accompaniment. You'll be provided with easy-to-use frameworks for popular improv song forms, learn how to effectively support a vocalist, and sharpen your skills at playing music by ear. Additionally, you'll discover how to smoothly start and end songs, capturing the mood of any scene.

Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced accompanist seeking professional development, this workshop offers valuable insights and techniques to enhance your musical journey. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your musical improvisation skills and unlock new creative possibilities! Meets once a week for three weeks.

Pre-requisites: Ability to play a musical instrument, especially piano, is highly encouraged. All skill levels are welcome. The course will be customized to participants' abilities based on a pre-class survey. No prior improv experience is necessary.

Adults 18+

 

ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.  PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

 

Day: MONDAY

Dates: 6/3, 6/10, 6/17

Time: 7:00 P.m.  – 9:00pm

Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible room)

NO SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE OFFERED WITH THIS WORKSHOP

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

 

About the Instructor:

Dan (he/him) is a seasoned pianist with 20 years of experience, known for his dynamic range and musical versatility. He has spent several years performing in various cover bands, tribute acts, piano bars, and jazz ensembles, honing his skills across diverse musical genres. Recently, Dan has been an integral part of Philadelphia's musical improv scene, accompanying the premier team Thank You Places, The Good Kids, the improvised musical documentary Off the Record, and for various musical improv classes and indie teams. He is eager to play his part in further expanding the musical improv scene in Philadelphia!

 

What Others Say:

Dan is an incredible pianist and we were so lucky to have him, esp since we're all learning and he's so effortlessly able to adapt the backing music to help support.

Dan is amazing.

Dan is so skilled and easily adapts to anything we dish at him and has such great instincts when playing.

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $50.00, paid every two weeks.

Skills Lab: Scene Partners & Strong Offers

$25

with Tenara Calem

Calendar Jun 9, 2024 at 1 pm

Skills Lab: Scene Partners and Strong Offers

This Lab will focus on agreement within a scene, listening and supporting your scene partner by staying focused on each other, defining the action of the scene, making specific, committed choices, allowing yourself to be affected by each other.

Skills Lab is a deep dive into a topic pulled directly from the PHIT curriculum.  Led by one of our instructors, participants start with a fun warm-up, engage in select exercises followed by open practice working on games or scenes with a specific focus around the topic of the Lab.

Part targeted workout, part practice group, Labs are open to anyone with some level 101 experience and above. It is strongly recommended for your own benefit that you have some familiarity with any Skills Lab topic as instructors provide targeted coaching and feedback around that topic to help you gain more mastery applying it in performance.

 

Skills Labs are *not intended* for people with ZERO improv experience. Skills Labs are open to levels 101 + from any training center.

 

Please check your schedule carefully before you register. All sales are final. There are no refunds, exchanges, or credits.

 

Day: SUNDAY

Date: June 9, 2024

Time: 1:00 p.m -2:30 p.m.

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

Room: TBD

 

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.

What others say:

“She knows her stuff. It’s a blast; just take it!”

"Tenara's class makes it impossible for me to hate Mondays!"

"Tenara is whip-smart."

"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"

Drop In

$30

with Dave Allison

Calendar Jun 20, 2024 at 7 pm

Take a Drop In 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 a drop in without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll give you a promo code for $30 off a full class when you decide to join, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

Students must sign up for full class within 5 days of attending in order to apply their $30 fee to a full class registration. **

Drop In fee may only be applied to a single level 101 class for the upcoming session. Policy prohibits the doubling up or simultaneous use of discount codes with other promotional discounts.

 

Adults 18+

 

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

 

Day: THURSDAY

Date: 6/20

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

 

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia-based Educator and Performer. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University. Outside of his undergrad he has studied at Second City Training Center in Chicago and the Pig Iron School in Philly, and has an extensive background in Martial Arts. Dave is currently teaching students from Kindergarten through Adulthood with Walnut Street Theatre, ASAP Drama, Rooted Tree Productions, Wolf Performing Arts Center and now improv at PHIT!

 

What others say:

"Dave was AWESOME, and I recommend his class more than I recommend ice cream(which is saying a lot)!"

“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 improve in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much”

"He is respectful and engaged. He treats each of us as an individual. He is so vested in us learning and enjoying. I would want to take all the classes with him!"

"you have to do it. It’s so much fun and Dave is so engaging. He will give you feedback and find your personal strengths. He is patient and creative."

 





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