Musical Improv 2:

Carly Otte & Dan Perlman 

You’ve learned how to rhyme on the fly and jump into a chorus — now it’s time to make your scenes sing. In this next-level musical improv class, you’ll go beyond games and structures to explore story, emotion, and character through song. Build confidence blending acting, improv, and melody to create full musical moments that feel alive and connected — not just clever. Expect big laughs, bold choices, and the joy of discovering what happens when you stop worrying about “doing it right” and let the music lead you. Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisite: Musical Improv 1, Improv 101 or higher. 

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. 

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

Day: SUNDAY

Dates:  Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make-up / Practice Day: March 1

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time:  Weekend of March 6-8

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

About the Instructor:

Carly Otte (she/her) is an actor and improviser with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has been studying and performing improv for over a decade, training primarily with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Select screen credits include recurring appearances on the improv comedy series 'Impractical Jokers' (truTV) and a lead role in the upcoming mockumentary 'The Conspiracists'. She is also an experienced teacher, choreographer, and coach, passionate about musical improv and thrilled to be joining the PHIT teaching team.

What Others Say:

“I loved Carly’s advice! Very specific and pointed critiques… would absolutely take a class with her!” 

“Carly’s feedback was very positive, specific, and empowering… She has a lovely easy-going personality, and I imagine she would be a favorite with students.” 

"She has this wonderfully calming energy that instantly takes the stress out of the process, while still giving me the confidence to dive into the material fully prepared. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and always brings in fresh perspectives and choices I never would have thought of on my own, which makes the work feel creative and exciting." 

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 :) "