Clown 1

Curious about clowning but unsure where to start? Clown 101 introduces you to the joy, creativity, and honest connection at the heart of this playful art form. Through games, exercises, and gentle encouragement, you'll discover your unique clown persona, explore laughter, and find comfort in spontaneity and vulnerability. No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to play. If you're an improviser, Clown 101 is a perfect way to deepen your skills in spontaneity, physical expression, and authentic audience connection.

Class 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.

Preferred: Completion of a Level 101 improv or acting class (any training center), or permission from the Education Director.

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: MONDAY

Dates: Jun 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Jul 7, 14, 21

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 28

Showcase:  TBD

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:

"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!”

Pretty Flower: Tangents, Truth, and Theatricality

You’ve done the Harold. You know your edits, tag runs, and callbacks. Now you’re ready to take your scenework deeper.

In this 8-week advanced class, you’ll explore Pretty Flower (also known as the Spokane), a dynamic long-form that blends grounded scenework with fast, inspired tangents. Starting from a central “source scene,” the form blossoms outward through tag runs that reveal backstory, alternate realities, or parallel characters—always returning to the original scene with more texture and insight.

You’ll sharpen your listening, heighten your emotional and thematic connections, and learn to build a world that’s rich, layered, and full of surprises. Each week includes targeted exercises, reps in the format, and individual feedback, culminating in a showcase performance.

Ideal for advanced improvisers who want a form that’s structured but flexible, character-rich, and wildly creative.

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

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: Jun 3, 10, 17, 24, Jul 1, 8, 15, 22

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 29

Showcase: TBD

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."

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: TBD

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."