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: 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18

** Classes will meet on OCT 14 and NOV 11 **

NO CLASS NOV 25

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: 12/2   7pm - 9pm

ShowCase: 12/7 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Room: Brown-Martin

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 101:

Ready to level up your comedy game? Join our Musical Improv 101 class and delve into the exhilarating world of spontaneous song creation and hilarious scenes. Over eight weeks, you'll learn some of the art of creating songs and lyrics on the fly, adding musical pizzazz to your characters and scenes, and delving into the wacky world of musical theater genres and quirks. Each class is a lively two-hour mix of exercises, games, and scene work that'll have you harmonizing and laughing like a comedy pro!

Class meets once a week for eight weeks.

Age 18+

Please note: ALL SALES FINAL. NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS. PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING.

PREREQUISITE: Level 101 improv. Ability to carry a tune (shower singing counts!)

With Musical Accompanist: Dan Perlman

Day: MONDAY

Dates:  Sep 30, Oct 7, Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4, Nov 11, Nov 18

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

Make-up / Practice Day: 12/2  7pm - 9pm

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time:  12/6 7 PM - 9:30 PM

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Even studying/performing Improv for 2 additional years in College while at Conservatory in NYC. He's a HUGE fan of having as much fun as you possibly can whilst under the necessary guise of learning important skills and knowledge: an approach he strives to implement in any and every class he teaches. He also LOVES traveling! :)

What Others Say:

"I really like working with Johnny. He has a great personality and is extremely warm and welcoming. "

"Johnny was very affirming and really made sure we understood what was going on."

"Johnny is so nice and respectful. He makes you feel great."

"Johnny is a really good instructor: he is knowledgeable and he is fun and makes each class interesting and unique! He provides you with just enough structure to successfully master each exercise. He is also very welcoming with all the students. "

"Johnny is the perfect teacher for 101: You'll have a lot of fun, you'll laugh a lot, and you'll learn what the heck improv is. He gives feedback, but doesn't push you any harder than you'd want to be pushed. He's encouraging and will help you build the confidence you need to give your first performance."

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: Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19

** Class will Meet Nov 5 **

NO CLASS NOV 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: 12/3  7pm - 9pm

ShowCase: 12/7 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Room: Brown- Martin

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 for the first time at PHIT!

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: TUESDAY

Dates: Oct 1, Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19

** Classes will meet on Election day Nov 5 **

NO CLASS Nov 26

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Dec 3  7pm - 9pm

ShowCase:  12/7 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Room: Smith

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:  WEDNESDAY

Dates:  Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20

NO CLASS NOV 27

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: 12/4  7pm - 9pm

ShowCase: 12/7 1:30 PM - 3PM

Room: Brown- Martin

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.

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: WEDNESDAY

Dates: Oct 2, Oct 9, Oct 16, Oct 23, Oct 30, Nov 6, Nov 13, Nov 20

NO CLASS NOV 27

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Dec 4  7pm - 9pm

ShowCase: 12/8 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Room: Smith

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 was extremely positive and encouraging of everyone in the class. I always felt welcome and excited to go to his class."

"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:  THURSDAY

Dates: Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21

NO CLASS NOV 28

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  12/5  7pm - 9pm

ShowCase:  12/7 1:30 PM - 3 PM

Room: Brown- Martin

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

About the Instructor:

Tara Gadomski (she/her) is an actor, filmmaker, improvisor, BBC radio producer and Sundance Knight Fellow. She trained in London and worked with the Fluxx Impro company for many years, performing full-length improvised plays around Europe. Tara loves working with all ages of improvisers. She helped create the improv show The Quest which toured rural schools in Pennsylvania and is currently is a teaching artist with The Unscripted Project in Philadelphia public schools. Her favorite acting credits include Orange is the New Black (Netflix); The BLACKLIST (NBC); Recent Tragic Events (T.I.C. Theatre) and Lost Pirates (Edinburgh Fringe Festival.) Tara is also happy to improvise in Portuguese and Hungarian, if she can find anyone who will take her up on the offer.

What Others Say:

"Tara was an excellent teacher. ... She is very personable and encouraging. Her feedback on our scenes was incisive and very helpful in bringing out the best in us."

"Tara fostered a togetherness among the class participants through games and exercises. She encouraged everyone to speak up with questions or comments about anything we were doing, and was always receptive to anything participants had to say."

"Tara's emphasis on boundaries/fences and presenting her own non-standard fences during each class helped normalize the use of fences"

"Tara REALLY knows her craft and she leads class in a thoughtful and balanced manner — with both affirmation and considered expert feedback where needed. As a side note, we all appreciated her international experience and perspective!"

"She is good at what she does"

"Do it. She's incredible"

"Just take it! "

"She's awesome!"

"Tara is such an excellent teacher: flexible, empathetic, aware, talented, and intelligent that she was open to our suggestions and worked excellently to make adjustments (meet our needs) on the fly!"

Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.

This level is a little differnt than 101 and 201. There are very few paired scenes in this class. Instead, You and your class work more as an ensemble. You will begin to learn to recognize patterns and to initiate and play the types of spontaneous group games played in HAROLD and other long form formats. You can expect to receive more specific and individualized notes and side coaching. 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: THURSDAY

Dates: Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 17, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 14, Nov 21

NO CLASS NOV 28

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: Dec 5   7pm - 9pm

ShowCase: 12/7 1:30 PM - 3 PM

Room: Smith

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."