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: 1976

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.

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. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

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: Jun 1, Jun 8, Jun 15, Jun 29, July 6, Jul 13, Jul 20, Jul 27

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: TBD

Showcase: TBD

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!

What Others Say:

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. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

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: 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:

What others Say:

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. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

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: 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:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!

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. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

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: Jun 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 30

Showcase: TBD

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Kelly is the current Director of Education and Corporate training at Philly Improv Theater. She is a Philadelphia based theater artist, improviser, and professional leadership coach. Kelly is an alumna of Philadelphia ComedySportz where, in addition to performing and teaching, she served as Co-Artistic Director, and Minor League Coach. Independent Improv and acting workshop credits include Marywood University, The University of The Arts, C.W. Post Long Island University, improv based corporate training workshops for Comcast, Seer Interactive, UPenn, Villanova, Drexel Univ, and dozens more. Kelly was a founding member of the long form improv company ‘LunchLady Doris’ where she performed for over 12 years; Co-creator of, and Cecily in, ‘Cecily and Gwendolyn’s Fantastical’ recipient of the League of Cincinnati Theaters’ ‘Outstanding Improv Award’ as well as numerous ‘Best Of’ nominations and critical acclaim across the country. Kelly directed and performed in Timeprov – an Improvised Doctor Who parody, 13 Skirts, an all-women’s sketch comedy team, Choosical The improvised Musical, and numerous other one-off projects. Kelly was co-founder of Tapestry Theater and producer of the first Philadelphia based all-women’s comedy festival “Funny Fest” for four consecutive years. Additional Philadelphia theater credits include Swim Pony Performing Arts, Pig Iron Theater, Lantern Theater, Philadelphia Shakespeare, Brat Productions et al.  What Kelly wants most right now is six weeks in a fancy resort, a lovely meal, and good company. And snacks. And maybe a nap?

What Others Say:

“You can tell that Kelly Jennings is passionate about her craft; it showed throughout the workshop. She is a great instructor.”

“Kelly is so deeply knowledgeable, while staying intellectually accessible to all. She kept the pace moving and class flew with her at the helm. Her years of both performing and teaching really benefit us tremendously.”      

“Kelly was a lot of fun to work with.  She really knew what she was doing, and I definitely walked out of the session having learned something new.”

"Kelly Jennings is a dynamic facilitator with a great sense of humor. Her approach makes people feel at ease, enabling them to take risks and reap the rewards of their bravery."

"Kelly is an artistic educator and trainer of the highest integrity. Kelly's enthusiasm for her work is engaging and compelling. She combines her energetic demeanor with a detail-oriented and methodical approach, so that her students feel well-guided toward clearly-defined objectives. Add to this Kelly's talent and passion for creativity, imagination, and the magic of interactive collaborative discovery, and you have a teacher who inspires and motivates through fun and laughter, and who also consistently delivers on learning outcomes."

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. An optional nineth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor avaibility and scheduling.

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:  THURSDAY

Dates: Jun 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: July 31

Showcase: TBD

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 four weeks, two hours each meeting. An optional fifth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

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: June 30, July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-up/Practice Date: July 28

Showcase Date/Time: TBD

Class Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Chris Esperance is a comedian, writer, improviser based in Philadelphia, PA. Chris co-hosted the Mad Ethnic Comedy festival which included a variety of improv, podcast and stand-up acts from the tri-state area. He has improvised on Harold, House teams including Metropolis and Dunk Tank and several Indie teams in his years as a performer. Chris was accepted to Magnet Theater’s REMIX sketch diversity showcase and wrote/performed in PIT’s NYC Sketchfest. He has trained at the Philadelphia Improv Theater (PHIT) and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB-NY) and writes for the sketch comedy team Pagliacci (@pagliaccicomedy) with the Boogiemanja sketch comedy collective.

What Others Say:

"Seriously thank you so much for the last 8 weeks it was truly life changing and opened up a door which was slowly closing in my life. For that I am forever grateful."

"You set such a great tone for the class that made it easy to experiment and let our guards down and try new things. I had a fabulous time and can't wait to do it again."

"I plan on staying with this, and will register for the next 201 class given in the Fall. You have set a very high bar for instructors though. Thanks again for EVERYTHING."