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

** NO CLASS JUNE 22 **

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:

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 mimed objects and environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. 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.

Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 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: SUNDAY

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

** NO CLASS JUNE 22 **

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:

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. 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!

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 mimed objects and environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. 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.

Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 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: 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:

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!”

Pretty Flower: Tangents, Truth, and Theatricality

You’ve done the Harold. You know your edits, tag runs, and callbacks. Now you’re ready to take your scenework deeper.

In this 8-week advanced class, you’ll explore Pretty Flower (also known as the Spokane), a dynamic long-form that blends grounded scenework with fast, inspired tangents. Starting from a central “source scene,” the form blossoms outward through tag runs that reveal backstory, alternate realities, or parallel characters—always returning to the original scene with more texture and insight.

You’ll sharpen your listening, heighten your emotional and thematic connections, and learn to build a world that’s rich, layered, and full of surprises. Each week includes targeted exercises, reps in the format, and individual feedback, culminating in a showcase performance.

Ideal for advanced improvisers who want a form that’s structured but flexible, character-rich, and wildly creative.

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.

Prerequisites: Completion of Improv 401 at PHIT or equivalent long-form training, 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: 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:

 Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What others say:

"Jasmine was great at this, she listened carefully to everyone and it felt very personal"

"I'd recommend ANYONE take a course with Jasmine or any of the other talented folks at PHIT. I had been looking for something different and found Improv 101 to be a refreshing break from the norm. The course offers a space for spontaneity and play in a supportive environment. Amazing experience!"

"Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The email, “key takeaways” sent to us, after each lesson was extremely helpful in integrating that classes lessons."

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:

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."

Intermediate-Advanced Improv: Ensemble Play, Pattern Recognition, Group Games. You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.

This level shifts focus from the paired scenes of 101 and 201 to working collaboratively as a full ensemble. As a group, you’ll begin to recognize patterns and develop the ability to initiate and participate in spontaneous group games, similar to those used in HAROLD and other long-form formats.

The class emphasizes ensemble work, allowing you to explore how improvisers can create and support each other in a more unified and playful way. Along the way, expect to have fun while receiving more specific, individualized feedback and side coaching to help you grow as a performer. 

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.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of 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: Wednesday

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

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

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:

 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.

What others Say:

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.

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

Spots in this course are limited - sign up early!

Prerequisites: PHIT level 301 or permission of 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.

Due to the collaborative nature of this course, it is strongly suggested you are able to attend all of the classes for maximum learning. You must be able to attend the final class in order to perform in the showcase.

Day: THURSDAY

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

MAKE-Up/Practice Date: July 31

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time: TBD

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.

What others Say: