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IMPROV CLASSES
Improv 101
with Paul Hazen
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 FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: MONDAY
Dates: 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
NO CLASS MONDAY 5/27
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Make-up/Snow Date: 7/22
Showcase Date/Time: Sat 7/28 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Class Room: Smith (all classrooms are accessible spaces)
Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
About the Instructor:
Paul Hazen (he/him) began improvising music as a jazz saxophonist in high school and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Music degree from Temple University. A lifelong musical theater fan, Paul has also played and conducted in many pit orchestras over the years and is one of the founding members of The Good Kids musical improv team. Paul is an ensemble member of the musical team Thank You, Places where he combines his love of comedy, theater, and making up songs. In addition to performing, Paul is also an amateur cocktail enthusiast known for making his own syrups and super juices and wearing an obnoxious hipster bartender’s apron at both appropriate and inappropriate occasions. And although he loves musical improv with his whole heart, Paul’s favorite and most important role will always be husband and father.
What Others Say:
“Paul is encouraging and positive while also giving the feedback we need to improve.”
“Paul is amazing”
"I spent a multi-decade career as a communication creator, and this was one of the BEST learning and creative experiences that I ever had."
"incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraging. "
Improv 201
with Tenara Calem
Intermediate Improv:Scene work
You continue to practice the skills learned in 101 as you progress toward performing HAROLD. Learn how to listen for, and heighten ideas, create 2nd beats, and use simple edits while continuing to create and build objects, environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 or permission from the Education Director.
Adults 18+
Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: Monday
Dates: 5/20, 6,3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15
NO CLASS MONDAY 5/27
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Make-Up/Snow Day/Time: 7/22
Showcase Date/Time: Sat 7/27 10:30 a.m.
Class Room: Brown- Martin (this is an accessible space)
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, 201, and 301.
What others say:
"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"
“She knows her stuff. It’s a blast; just take it!”
"Tenara's class makes it impossible for me to hate Mondays!"
"Tenara is whip-smart."
Improv 101
with Dave Allison
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 FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: Tuesday
Dates: 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Make-up/Snow Date: 7/23/2024
Showcase Date/Time: Sat 7/27 2:30 p.m.
Class Room: Smith (this is an acessible space)
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 and now improv at PHIT!
What Others Say:
“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.”
“I think what I loved most is Dave respecting what each person brought to each exercise and helping them improve in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much”
"He is respectful and engaged. He treats each of us as an individual. He is so vested in us learning and enjoying. I would want to take all the classes with him!"
"you have to do it. It’s so much fun and Dave is so engaging. He will give you feedback and find your personal strengths. He is patient and creative."
Improv 301
with Chris Esperance
Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.
You will begin to learn pattern games and different ways to pull an idea or premise, create 3 beat stories, and learn a few ways to initiate and play group games. You can expect to receive more specific and individualized notes and side coaching with a short range goal of performing a HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director
Adults 18+
Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: TUESDAY
Dates: 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9
MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 7/23
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Showcase Date/Time: Sat 7/27 12:30 p.m.
Class Room: Brown-Martin (this is an accessible space)
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."
Improv 401
with Emily Harnett
Advanced Improv- Full Harold Structure
You have accomplished quite a bit to this point. Each previous level has built upon and deepened your individual improv abilities: creating environments, creating characters, recognizing patterns, and creating 3 beat stories. In 401 you put all the parts together to learn the Harold structure. Starting with Openings, 1st,2nd and 3rd beats, group games, exploring and creating memorable and powerful themes on which to build a solid framework and foundation for HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Prerequisites: PHIT level 301 or permission of the Education Director
Adults 18+
Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: TUESDAY
Dates: 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9
MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 7/23
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Showcase Date/Time: Sun 7/28 2:30 p.m.
Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible space)
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!"
"We had the chance to have fun but at the same time develop our skills in a way that you realized as time went on."
"Emily is wonderful!! They are so talented and have a great ability to teach. They have helped me become a better improviser and actor!"
Improv 101
with Emily Harnett
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 FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: WEDNESDAY
Dates: 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17
NO CLASS 6/19
Time: 7:00am -9:00pm
Make-up/Snow Date: 7/24
Showcase Date/Time: SUN 7/28 12:30 p.m
Class Room: Smith (this is an acessible space)
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!"
"We had the chance to have fun but at the same time develop our skills in a way that you realized as time went on."
"Emily is wonderful!! They are so talented and have a great ability to teach. They have helped me become a better improviser and actor!"
Improv 201
with Dave Allison
Intermediate Improv: Scene work
You continue to build on the skills learned in 101 as you progress toward performing HAROLD. Learn how to listen for, and heighten ideas, create 2nd beats, and use simple edits while continuing to create and build objects, environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 or permission from the Education Director.
Adults 18+
Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: WEDNESDAY
Dates: 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17
NO CLASS 6/19
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00pm
Make-Up/Snow Day: 7/24
Showcase Date/Time: SAT 7/27 2:30 p.m.
Class Room: Brown- Martin (this is an acessible space)
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, and now Improv at PHIT!
What Others Say:
“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.”
“I think what I loved most is Dave respecting what each person brought to each exercise and helping them improve in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much”
"He is respectful and engaged. He treats each of us as an individual. He is so vested in us learning and enjoying. I would want to take all the classes with him!"
"you have to do it. It’s so much fun and Dave is so engaging. He will give you feedback and find your personal strengths. He is patient and creative."
Improv 301
with Tenara Calem
Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.
You will begin to learn pattern games and different ways to pull an idea or premise, create 3 beat stories, and learn a few ways to initiate and play group games. You can expect to receive more specific and individualized notes and side coaching with a short range goal of performing a HAROLD. Meets once a week for eight weeks.
Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director
Adults 18+
Please note ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.
Day: WEDNESDAY
Dates: 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17
NO CLASS 6/19
MAKE-Up/SNOW DATE: 7/24
Time: 7:00-9:00 PM
Showcase Date/Time: Sun 7/28 10:30 a.m.
Class Room: 1976 (this is an accessible space)
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, 201, and 301.
What others say:
"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"
“She knows her stuff. It’s a blast; just take it!”
"Tenara's class makes it impossible for me to hate Mondays!"
"Tenara is whip-smart."