Acting 2: Play. Create. Perform. — A Text + Improv Ensemble Experience

Where text meets improv and a show is made. 

Play. Create. Perform. This isn’t scene study, and it isn’t “just improv.” It’s a collaborative performance lab: you’ll generate material together, then rehearse, refine, and shape what you discover into a repeatable 20-minute piece for a final showing.

You’ll begin with a short text prompt (a line of dialogue or simple source), then use improvisation to expand, explore, and build a clear performance structure that’s grounded, specific to your ensemble, and ready to perform.

Students should have some prior experience in at least one of the following:

• Acting 1, or
• Improv 201+ (or equivalent), or
• prior theater/performance experience (community theater, college, etc.)

If you’re newer to PHIT but have performance experience elsewhere, you’re welcome.

Attendance matters

Because we’re creating a piece as an ensemble, consistent attendance is part of the commitment. Attendance at the final class is required to participate in the showing. If you anticipate missing more than 1 class, this is not a good fit for you right now.

Meets once a week for 8 weeks.

Adults 18+

Capacity limited to 12 students.

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).

Registration & payment policy

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds, credit, transfers, or rollovers. Tuition must be paid in full by the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: May 10

ShowCase:  TBD

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!