Musicality in Motion

Advanced Musical Improv

In musical improv, we often sacrifice musical elements in favor of being funny or fast. In this workshop, you’ll elevate your songcraft by diving into core songwriting techniques that help create more emotional, grounded, and thought-provoking songs on the spot. You’ll also build skills to communicate more naturally with an accompanist by crafting melodies that are both unique and musically clear. If you're aiming for a standing ovation with your next 11 o'clock number, this is the workshop for you! 

Meets once a week for four weeks for two hours.

There is no showcase performance with this course.

Prerequisites:Musical improv level 2 or equivalent experience or permission from the Instructor.

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Jun 29, Jul 6, 13, 20

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD

Showcase:  None

Room: 1976

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."

PHIT Pop-Up: Edits & Beats

This 3-week pop-up clinic zeroes in on when to cut, how to cut, and why it matters. You’ll sharpen your instincts around heightening, transitions, and internal timing — and leave with simple, repeatable tools you can use in any format. Lots of reps, low stress, high impact.

Class meets once a week for three weeks.

Preferred: Completion of a Level 101 improv course (any training center).

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

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

Day: Mondays

Dates: August 11, 18, 25

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Make-up Date: None

Showcase: None

Room: Brown Martin

Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Dominick “Dom” Arp (he/him) has been an improviser in the Philly community for over 10 years. He has experience as an improv teacher at a number of institutions including Drexel University, the Franklin Institute, and the Philly Improv Theater. He is the president of the Philadelphia Improv Social Club and a Co-founder of SideQuest Theater. 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. "

PHIT Pop-Up: Status & Relationships

This 3-week pop-up clinic dives into the dynamics that drive every great scene. You’ll explore how power, vulnerability, and emotional point of view shape interactions — and walk away with clear tools to initiate and deepen relationship-based scenes, no matter what style or form you’re playing.

Class meets once a week for three weeks.

Preferred: Completion of a Level 101 improv course (any training center).

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.

All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

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

Day: Wednesdays

Dates: August 13, 20, 27

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Make-up Date: None

Showcase: None

Room: Brown Martin

Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Tenara is a theater maker and educator with a strong background and interest in improvisation. She is earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Devised Performance from Rowan University/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"

Musical Improv 101:

Ready to level up your comedy game? Join our Musical Improv 101 class and delve into the exhilarating world of spontaneous song creation and hilarious scenes. Over eight weeks, you'll learn some of the art of creating songs and lyrics on the fly, adding musical pizzazz to your characters and scenes, and delving into the wacky world of musical theater genres and quirks. Each class is a lively two-hour mix of exercises, games, and scene work that'll have you harmonizing and laughing like a comedy pro!

Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Age 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

A minimum of 9 students is required to run this class.

PREREQUISITE: Level 101 improv. Ability to carry a tune (shower singing counts!)

With Musical Accompanist: 

Day: MONDAY

Dates:  Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

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

Make-up / Practice Day: Mon Dec 1

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say: