Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

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: Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4

CLASS WILL MEET ON EASTER SUNDAY

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 11

Showcase:  Sunday May 18th Block 1 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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!”

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

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: Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21, Apr 28, May 5

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 12

Showcase: Sunday May 18th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Emily Harnett (they/them) is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT. Emily is a life long actor, writer, comedian and professional laugher. They earned their BFA in Acting from Point Park University. Emily previously studied at Emerson College’s Comedic Arts program. They currently write for their sketch channel which is launching in the next few months and perform stand ups around Philly. They are passionate about teaching through play, exploration and acceptance.

What Others Say:

"A fantastic class where we were able to be creative but also learn how to do so in the best way!"

"Emily is wonderful!! They are so talented and have a great ability to teach. They have helped me become a better improviser and actor!"

"Em is really great at creating an inclusive environment."

"Em was great. You feel as good when they tell you what you need to improve upon as you do when they tell you how you're killing it."

"Em has a way of explaining things so they’re easy to follow. And Em didn’t hold back, if the scene didn’t work, they let you know why, and how to make it better which was so refreshing."

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

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: Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22, Apr 29, May 6

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: MAY 13

Showcase: Saturday May 17th Block 1 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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.

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

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:  WEDNESDAY

Dates: Mar 19, Mar 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 7

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: MAY 14

Showcase: Saturday May 17th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Devin is an actor and deviser based in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of the University of the Arts / Pig Iron Devised Performance Program. Devin grew up in Alaska, studied Physics at Notre Dame, built data centers in Des Moines, and somehow wound up at clown school.

What Others Say:

"Devin is a great teacher! He made class comfortable, fun, and challenging!"

"Devin brings so much richness and intention into his curriculum...I most valued his ability to meet people of different skill levels where they're at with appropriately challenging insights and guidance."

"Devin will challenge you in class, and give you the focus to improve. He knows that being funny and being not funny are both on the path to improving."

"Made class a lot of fun AND I've been learning a lot! I appreciate his direct feedback!"

"Devin is the best. Practices great safety tools/fences, and really encourages us to explore our own ideas and be ourselves."

"Devin was high energy, which is great for Monday evenings! His pointers/critiques are delivered in a sweet way that leaves everybody eager to improve without any demotivation."

"Take the class. It is going to become the day you will look forward to the most every week and will only enrich this unique life of yours."

"He made the class fun by the constant encouragement to have fun, play and keep it positive. He delivered feedback in a helpful manner."

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

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.

Day:  THURSDAY

Dates:  Mar 20, Mar 27, Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 17, Apr 24, May 1, May 8

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: MAY 15

Showcase: Sunday May 18th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia-based Educator and Performer. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University. Outside of his undergrad he has studied at Second City Training Center in Chicago and the Pig Iron School in Philly, and has an extensive background in Martial Arts. Dave is currently teaching students from Kindergarten through Adulthood with Walnut Street Theatre, ASAP Drama, Rooted Tree Productions, Wolf Performing Arts Center

What others Say:

"I think what I loved most is Dave respecting what each person brought to each exercise and helping them improv in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much"

"Dave is an amazing instructor! He immediately made everyone feel welcomed and free to express themselves and be goofy and expressive. His lessons had a clear focus and were full of information helpful to beginners. He provided direct feedback and an energetic attitude that inspired everyone. Love that guy."

"A class with Dave is like taking a breath of fresh air. Any troubles, any feelings of nervousness or apprehension will disappear and be replaced with a willingness to try new things and take on new identities. His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and makes the 2 hours of fun fly by."

"Dave was very open. The class really worked well as a team and Dave fostered that. "

"Dave is passionate about teaching and improving his craft. I felt like the entire was extremely supported while also being challenged to grow. Dave is amazing!"

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

In this FOUR WEEK INTENSIVE you will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner.

Meets twice a week for two hours each meeting.

Prerequisites: None! Students must be able to commit to attend twice a week for four weeks to meet the requirements of the full 101 curriculum. Attendace at the last class is required to participate in the showcase.

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.

Day: TUESDAY and THURSDAY

Dates: April 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, May 1, 6, 8

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-up/Practice Date: May 13

Showcase Date/Time: Sunday May 18th Block 2 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Class Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Diego is an improviser and sketch comedian PROUDLY hailing from Wilmington, Delaware and is absolutely ecstatic to be coming on board to teach at PHIT, after having graduated from the program! As an instructor, Diego has an energetic and focused energy, with a big emphasis on exploring YOUR creativity and helping to activate your funny bone. On the weekends, you can find Diego performing with teams at various spots around Philly, and at home playing some tabletop RPGs, and would be happy to nerd out about them with anyone who feels so inclined.