Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

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).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: SUNDAY

Dates: Sept 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Time: 1 PM - 3PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

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

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

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).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: MONDAY

Dates: Sept 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16

Time: 7 PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: Smith

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 :) "

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

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).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

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: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: Brown-Martin

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!"

“Dola was incredibly engaged and helped us see how improv skills apply both on stage and in everyday life.”

"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."

Improv 101 Intensive: Fast Track

(4 Weeks, Meets Twice a Week | 8 Class Meetings Total)

This Intensive covers the full Improv 101 curriculum in a condensed format. You’ll learn the same foundational skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

With two meetings each week, you’ll get frequent reps, consistent coaching, and the momentum that comes from working close together in a short period of time. This format is best for students who prefer a focused, fast-paced schedule and can commit to attending both weekly meetings.

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Stay present instead of planning ahead
• Build scenes about their partner, not offstage plots
• Recognize and heighten simple patterns
• Create clear, playable characters
• Support their scene partner in a way that strengthens the whole scene

All Improv 101 sections conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

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).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+

No prerequisite.

Attendance: Because this course moves quickly, consistent attendance is important. Students should plan to attend both weekly meetings whenever possible. Participation in the showcase requires attendance at the final class.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: 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 & THURSDAY

Dates: Oct 27, 29, Nov 3, 5, 10,12, 17, 19

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

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