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 are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required for this course to run.

Day: Tuesdays

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

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-Up/Practice Day: Tues March 3

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Tyler Leif Catanella is a teaching artist, performer, deviser and musician. Before moving to Philadelphia to pursue an MFA in Devised Performance with Pig Iron Theatre Company, Tyler lived in Boston where he taught Acting, Devising, Dance Composition & Improvisation at Emerson College for 5 years as an Adjunct Faculty in the Performing Arts Department.  Tyler was the co-founder and artistic director of ParadiseMoves, a non-profit performance company with a mission to share stories through movement that inspire conversation, and make movement improvisation accessible to all regardless of physical ability or experience. Tyler fosters way too many cats, listens to too much Missy Elliott, and is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT!

What Others Say:

"Tyler was so open and encouraging - he created an environment where I, and believe we all, felt supported, connected, and free to try out skills and really learn."

"Tyler was completely himself, and in being so authentic showed us that we could do the same thing. And he cared deeply for our humanity, which in turn meant we did the same for one another. "

Strong Offers - 3 Week Clinic

Every scene starts with an offer — a line, a look, a feeling that gives your partner something to build on. In this clinic, you’ll dig into what makes an offer strong, and how to support the gifts you’re given in return. We’ll focus on making clear, specific choices that your partners want to play with, and turning small details into great scenes.

Space is limited, and you’ll get plenty of reps

Class meets once a week for three weeks. There is no showcase offered with this course.

Prerequisites: Completion of Improv 201 (or equivalent training) at PHIT or another long-form program. Students should already be comfortable building two-person scenes, naming relationship and environment, and working without line prompts or games.

Age 18+

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:  Jan 6, 13, 20

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

Make-up / Practice Day: N/A

Class Location: TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

SOHRAB HAGHVERDI is an only child from Iran who has specialized in being a foreigner in America. He schemes (in a good way), performs (in a brilliant way), and thinks creatively to perfectly fit in this new American environment. He has had memorable moments in the Philly community first as The Boy Who Mailed Himself to America and then as the one and only 9/11MAN and recently as Sohrab Is Bumbling Foriegner. He has recently performed at The Public Theater, Princeton University, and University of Pennsylvania, and has collaborated with theater companies like Lighting Rod Special, Pig Iron, and Swim Pony. He is currently teaching Acting 101 at PHIT.  www.sohrabh.com

What others Say:

From Sohrab's latest solo show Sohrab Is Bumbling Foriegner premiered at Cannonball September 2024 and again remounted by Fringe Arts in March 2025:

"restored my faith in live theatre"

"a genius performance"

"I squirmed a lot! And I laughed a lot - but it's really a kind of acting I super admire"

The Bunker

What happens when you lock an ensemble in one shared space and throw away the exit cues? The Bunker is an advanced longform that blends the sustained realism of a Monoscene with the layered proximity of Close Quarters. The entire performance unfolds in real time, inside a single shared environment. No one leaves — though focus may shift between corners, subgroups, or imagined zones within the space.

The fun (and pressure) comes from watching what builds when characters can’t escape each other. It’s claustrophobic, funny, tense, and deeply human — a playground for actors who love emotional precision and discovery.

Students will learn to:

Stay present and grounded through long, continuous scenes that demand emotional endurance.

Evolve relationships organically, using subtle shifts in power, trust, and intention instead of edits.

Shape space with specificity, defining and expanding a shared world through physical and vocal detail. This form rewards commitment and curiosity.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: TUESDAY

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

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 3

Showcase: MARCH PHEST Weekend of March 6-7

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Kristofer Hodge is a comedian from the Philadelphia area who has been performing improv, sketch and stand-up comedy since 2015. In addition to collaborating on multiple Philly Improv Theater house teams, he also taught improv as part of PHIT’s former Kids and Teams program. Kristofer has taught improv workshops at Neumann University and currently teaches a variety of comedy classes at Haverford Township Adult School and Main Line School Night.

What Others Say:

"Kris was really encouraging and positive. "

"If you want to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in a fun way (with the guidance of a fantastic instructor), sign up asap :) "

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 are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class.

Day:  WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Wed March 4

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Alyse James is a classically trained clown who creates from an insistent sense of curiosity and existential pondering, inspired by a deep desire to merge otherworldly cosmic clown etherealities with our everyday human failures. Their collaborative theater making and community engagement inform their socially conscious art practice. As a performer, they have worked with Pig Iron Theater Company, Theater Unspeakable, the Tank Theater, and FringeArts. Their work spans clown, devised theater, original songs, plays, poetry, and improvisational comedy—often incorporating elements of the surreal and absurd. Through vivid imagery, discomfort, and vulnerability, Alyse invites audiences into layered worlds that challenge, provoke, and ask rather than answer.

What Others Say:

"I never thought I could tell a whole joke just by walking into the room and staring at people. Alyse gave feedback that helped us find the laugh, and shared different strategies for polishing our acts. The group felt like a bonded troop by the end. I could have stayed playing for hours! I can’t wait to do this again!"

"I loved learning from Alyse! As a teacher, they are so present, kind, and clear. They created a supportive, relaxed, and fun learning environment and offered constructive feedback. I can’t wait to attend another one of their workshops!"

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.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: WEDNESDAYS

Dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Arantxa Chavez is a theater artist, improviser, and clown from Lima, Peru. She started practicing Improv in 2012 and has not stopped since. Having recently graduated from Pig Iron’s Devised Performance MFA program, Arantxa delights in using improv as a mode for creation, having fun with friends, and reinforcing her collaborative skills. She has many years of performance experience with her old troupe, Unsupervised Improv, and has taught Improv all over Colorado Springs including the Millibo Art Theatre. Locally, she teaches Improv to young students through The Unscripted Project and now here, at PHIT! Outside Improv, see her next in 5 Stagehands Fall Out of a Closet (the goose crisis) during this year’s Fringe Festival, and keep an eye out for more classes and more art!

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

This level marks a shift from the paired scene work of 101 and 201. Instead of focusing on 2–3 person scenes, you’ll be working as a full ensemble. The emphasis is on recognizing patterns, building group mind, and initiating spontaneous group games—skills that are essential to HAROLD and other long form formats. You can also expect more individualized feedback and in-the-moment coaching to help deepen your performance.

Meets once a week for eight weeks.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jan 7, 14, 21, 28. Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4

ShowCase: Weekend March 7-8

Room: TBD

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"

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 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.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day:  THURSDAYS

Dates: an 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Thurs March 5

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

Room:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dominick “Dom” Arp (he/him) has been an improviser in the Philly community for over 10 years. He is currently performing with Roll Play, Show and Tell Live, and KDM. Currently he is also the president of the Philadelphia Improv Social Club. Having additionally trained in public speaking, theater, & business administration, he is passionate about the power of combining theory, theatrics, and policy in order to grow the Philly improv community.

What Others Say:

"Dom always had an upbeat generous attitude"

"Dom is great! He has the perfect balance of theory and practice. I feel like I learn so much while also having a ton of fun."

"Dom has an incredible approach and exudes positivity while giving clear feedback!"

"Dom gave great, specific feedback and created a warm and supportive environment. "

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.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 5

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What others say:

"Jasmine was great at this, she listened carefully to everyone and it felt very personal"

"I'd recommend ANYONE take a course with Jasmine or any of the other talented folks at PHIT. I had been looking for something different and found Improv 101 to be a refreshing break from the norm. The course offers a space for spontaneity and play in a supportive environment. Amazing experience!"

"Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The email, “key takeaways” sent to us, after each lesson was extremely helpful in integrating that classes lessons."