Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and building collaboratively.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work.

You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”You don’t need to be funny or have any experience.

You won't be expected to create scenes entirely on your own. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of eight weeks, students should be able to:

• Stay present and respond in the moment instead of planning ahead.
• Use “Yes, And” to build on and support their scene partners’ ideas.
• Establish clear scene foundations: who, what, and where.
• Create playable characters and imaginary environments through physical choices and emotional reactions.
• Collaborate with scene partners to create and sustain simple improvised scenes.

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the skills developed in the previous one.Progression &

Feedback: 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.

Learn more about PHIT's Training Center.

Class Information

Prerequisite: None! No previous improv or acting experience required.

Adults 18+

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

Showcase: All eight-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Showcase Prep / Make-Up Hold: The week after the final class is reserved for a make-up class if needed. Otherwise, it becomes an optional showcase run-through — a chance to practice in a supportive room, review logistics, receive final notes, and meet other PHIT students. If the date is needed for a make-up class, alternate showcase preparation may be offered when possible, though availability is not guaranteed.

Registration & Policies

All registrations are final. No refunds, transfers, or credits toward future sessions for student withdrawals. Please review the complete class schedule and be certain you can attend before registering. All tuition must be paid in full before the first class.

Review PHIT's Cancellation & Refund Policies

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 7 PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: Mar 3

Showcase:  TBD Weekend of March 5-7

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

This is where your work deepens

Improv 201 builds on the foundations of Improv 101, focusing on creating emotionally grounded characters and meaningful relationships. You'll practice being visibly affected by your scene partner and environment, staying present, and recognizing the patterns of emotional behavior that give scenes momentum and depth.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You'll be challenged to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine your choices, and strengthen your scene work. You'll also practice editing and heightening, learning how to recognize and develop strong moments while keeping characters and relationships at the center of the scene.

By the end of eight weeks, students should be able to:

• Create distinct, emotionally grounded characters with clear points of view.
• Build and sustain relationships through emotional reactions and behavior.
• Actively engage with scene partners and imagined environments.
• Recognize and heighten patterns of emotional behavior that move scenes forward.
• Apply coaching and feedback to strengthen scene work, including editing and timing.

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT's structured progression (101–401). This level strengthens the scene work and relationship skills students will bring into ensemble-focused training in Improv 301.

Progression & Feedback: 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.

Learn more about PHIT's Training Center.

Class Information

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

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

Showcase: All eight-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Showcase Prep / Make-Up Hold: The week after the final class is reserved for a make-up class if needed. Otherwise, it becomes an optional showcase run-through — a chance to practice in a supportive room, review logistics, receive final notes, and meet other PHIT students. If the date is needed for a make-up class, alternate showcase preparation may be offered when possible, though availability is not guaranteed.

All registrations are final. No refunds, transfers, or credits toward future sessions for student withdrawals. Please review the complete class schedule and be certain you can attend before registering. All tuition must be paid in full before the first class.

Review PHIT's Cancellation & Refund Policies

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 1 - 3PM

Showcase Prep  / Make-Up Date: Mar 3

Showcase: Weekend of March 5-7

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say: