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 recognizing patterns as they emerge.

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

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes 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.

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: June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 28 

ShowCase: Saturday Aug 1 

Room: Smith

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

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 recognizing patterns as they emerge.

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

By the end of 8 weeks, 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

All 8-week classes 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.

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: WEDNESDAY

Dates: June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: July 29

ShowCase:  Saturday Aug 1

Room: Brown-Martin

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

Improv 401 – Advanced Longform: The Harold

Throughout the 8 weeks, students bring together the skills developed in previous levels—agreement, listening, emotional point of view, environment, pattern recognition, group play, and ensemble support—and apply them to learning the Harold. Students practice building a full longform set from a single audience suggestion, using openings, two-person scenes, group games, and subsequent beats to create a connected, cohesive performance. The focus is on working as an ensemble, heightening ideas and emotional reactions, and learning how to recognize and build recurring themes throughout a full set.

By the end of 401, students should be able to contribute confidently to a Harold opening, initiate and sustain strong two-person scenes inspired by that opening, support and heighten group games, and recognize how characters, patterns, and themes connect across the full performance.

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 connect with other PHIT students).

Improv 401 is the fourth and final step in PHIT’s core structured progression (101–401). This level focuses on integrating the full range of skills developed in earlier classes into a connected longform ensemble performance.

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 forward into more advanced work.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 301 (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: Enrollment is capped at 10 to support coaching, reps, and ensemble work.

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: WEDNESDAY

Dates: June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 29

Showcase: Sat May 16th EVENING 7 p.m.

Room: Smith

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

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 $30 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.

Adults 18+

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

Day: TUESDAY

Date: June 16

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

Room: Brown-Martin

About the Instructor:

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: MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Dates: June 29, July 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 27

ShowCase: Aug 1

Room: 1976

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

About the Instructor

Improv 201 Intensive: Characters + Relationships

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

This Intensive covers the full Improv 201 curriculum in a condensed format. You’ll build on the foundation of Improv 101 by focusing on emotionally grounded characters, clear relationships, and the behavioral patterns that give scenes momentum and depth.

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.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You’ll be asked to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine it, and strengthen it. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening, learning how to support strong scenes and help strong moments land.

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

All Improv 201 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 201 is the second 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+

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 or equivalent experience. Students with prior training elsewhere may contact the Education Director about placement.

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: MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Dates: June 30, July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: July 30

ShowCase: Aug 1

Room: Brown- Martin

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

About the Instructor:

Visual Scene Work: a 3-week clinic

Not sure what to do with your body once a scene starts? Want your scenes to feel more active, clear, and connected? This focused 3-week clinic helps improvisers make stronger physical choices, build clearer environments, and create scenes that feel more alive on stage.

Students will explore how movement, spacing, focus, and simple environmental choices can strengthen scene work without overthinking or forcing. You’ll practice using silence, repetition, status, and relationship to support what’s happening in the moment, while building confidence in how you use the stage. Expect lots of reps, clear coaching, and a supportive room to try things, adjust, and try again.

Class meets once a week for three weeks.

Adults 18+.

Prerequisite: Improv 201 and above

Class size: Limited to 10 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention.

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. Promo and discount codes do not apply to clinics and workshops. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: July 9, 16, 23

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: N/A

Showcase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Michael “Dola” Amendola (he/they) is a Philadelphia & NYC-based performer-creator, and educator with a strong interest in the personal, creative and social impact of “play.” He has performed in over 60 productions across the US including 600 shows with the Off-Broadway comedy hit, Drunk Shakespeare, and 100+ performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ASC. He earned his BFA in Acting from Texas State University and is pursuing an MFA in Devised Performance at the Pig Iron School. He has also studied clown extensively with many world-renowned teachers. In addition to teaching at PHIT, Dola has led workshops in devising, clown, improv and character creation for Circadium School for Contemporary Circus, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center.

What others Say:

"Dola is the best!"

“Dola was incredibly engaged and helped us see how improv skills apply both on stage and in everyday life.”

"This was the most beneficial workshop I've been to in years. I was able to reconnect my mind and body to acting. I have immediate lessons to bring back to my students."

"Oh god. Dola is a brilliant firecracker's worth of expression and depth. His style of teaching gives me courage and curiosity and freedom to explore and learn. I loved this class!!!"

"Dola really invited the students to be their best selves, creating an environment of play and discovery. He had excellent notes for the performers, truly insightful. It is evident that his eye is really tuned in to what is being created and is present to what is actually going on."

“Dola is an excellent teacher - the way he commands the room, and how excited he is by it. It’s great to see someone who is so passionate about something and then so good at it!”