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: SUNDAY

Dates: Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 2, 2025

ShowCase:  Sunday March 9. Block 1 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Room:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Tyler Leif Catanella is a teaching artist, performer, deviser and musician. Before moving to Philadelphia to pursue an MFA in Devised Performance with Pig Iron Theatre Company, Tyler lived in Boston where he taught Acting, Devising, Dance Composition & Improvisation at Emerson College for 5 years as an Adjunct Faculty in the Performing Arts Department.  Tyler was the co-founder and artistic director of ParadiseMoves, a non-profit performance company with a mission to share stories through movement that inspire conversation, and make movement improvisation accessible to all regardless of physical ability or experience. Tyler fosters way too many cats, listens to too much Missy Elliott, and is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT!

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.

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.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 2 2025

ShowCase:  Sunday March 9. Block 1 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Room: TBD

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"

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: MONDAY

Dates: Jan 6, Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, Mar 3

NO CLASS MONDAY JAN 20

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 3

ShowCase: SATURDAY March 7. Block 2 12:30 PM - 2:30 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."

Musical Improv 2

Intermission is officially over. It's time for Act 2. Get ready to kick-ball change your Musical Improv Skills right into the next level in Musical Improv 2. Over the course of 8 weeks, students will move beyond the basics, delving deeper into learning and executing more specific song structures and styles, more nuanced ensemble work, more advanced scene to song transitions, light show staging and formatting techniques, and of course, even MORE Jazz Hands!

Each class is two hours long and will have you laughing, belting, shimmying and stage ready to give a, totally made-up, performance of a lifetime.

Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Age 18+

Please note: ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDIT FOR FUTURE SESSIONS. NO TRANSFERS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

PREREQUISITE: Musical Improv 101 from any training center, plus Level 201 improv. Ability to carry a tune (shower singing counts!)

With Musical Accompanist: Dan Perlman

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Jan 6, Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, Mar 3

NO CLASS JAN 20

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

Make-up / Practice Day: TBD

Class Location: TBD

Showcase Date & Time: Friday March 7  7PM

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 North 2nd Street 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.

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:  TUESDAY

Dates: Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4 2025

ShowCase: Saturday March 8th. Block 2 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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."

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.

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.

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4 2025

ShowCase: Sunday March 9th. Block 2  12:30 PM - 2:30 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!"

Anxiety Friendly Improv

Join us and see how improv can improve your confidence and help you in your day-to-day life, even in those awkward, anti-social, shy, frustrating, quiet, ANXIOUS moments! Designed for people who want to learn improv in a low pressure environment with "like-feeling" people. This class will employ basic 101 level improv exercises and games to help you play, laugh, and learn new ways to connect and communicate.   Meets once a week for eight weeks. 

Important note: This course is NOT therapy, nor does it substitute therapy.

Prerequisites: None! No improv experience or clinical diagnosis for anxiety required to participate. 

Adults 18+ who experience anxiety, shyness, or high levels of self-consciousness or who wish to experience improv with a group of people (and an improv coach) who understand their feelings, in a supportive, accepting environment.

Please note:  All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Make-up Date: Wednesday March 5

Showcase Date/Time: Saturday March 8th. Block 1 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Class Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Adam is a psychologist with a private practice in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia specializing in work with individuals who identify as Neuro-diverse - especially folks on the Autism Spectrum. After graduating with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2018, Adam began infusing improv techniques into his work in order to empower individuals who may struggle with confidence in social settings. He has taken many classes at PHIT and has been performing Improv since 2013. He designed and teaches the Anxiety Friendly Improv curriculum at PHIT - an innovative course specifically designed to cater to the needs of neourodiverse individuals. In addition, Adam leads other Core level improv classes at PHIT and can be seen playing with the PHIT improv team Teachers Lounge.

What Others Say:

"Adam provides good support / psychological safety which gives students room to explore their skills"

"Adam clearly explained the concepts and provided an excellent introduction to improv."

"Such a sweet guy! Very empathic, open, and supporting. Good at giving notes. I really appreciated Adam's willingness to get super weird with us during games (pass the face, bunny bunny, hotspot etc.)."

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:  WEDNESDAY

Dates: Jan 8, Jan 15, Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 5 2025

ShowCase: Saturday March 8th. Block 2 12:30 PM - 2:30 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."