Musical Improv 101:

Carly Otte & Dan Perlman 

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!)

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:

 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." 

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: TUESDAY

Dates: Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, NOV 4, 11, 18

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Dec 2

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:

"Dola is the best!"

"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!”