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Philly Improv Theater



IMPROV CLASSES

Improv 101

$384

with Michael Amendola

Calendar Mar 16, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

 

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4

CLASS WILL MEET ON EASTER SUNDAY

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 11

ShowCase:  TBD - weekend of May 16 -18

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!”

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Improv 201

$384

with Tyler Catanella

Calendar Mar 16, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

 

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30,Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4

CLASS WILL MEET ON EASTER SUNDAY

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 11

ShowCase:  TBD - weekend of May 16-18

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!

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Improv 301

$384

with Tenara Calem

Calendar Mar 16, 2025 at 1 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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.

PrerequisitesPHIT 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: SUNDAY

Dates: Mar 16, Mar 23, Mar 30, Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4

CLASS WILL MEET EASTER SUNDAY

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 11

ShowCase: TBD - weekend of May 16-18

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"

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Improv 101

$384

with Emily Harnett

Calendar Mar 17, 2025 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

 

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21, Apr 28, May 5

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: May 12

ShowCase: TBD - weekend of May 16-18

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."

 

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Musical Improv 1

$384

with Johnny Di Sciascio

Calendar Mar 17, 2025 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

Musical Improv 1:

Ready to level up your comedy game? Join our Musical Improv 1 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 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.

Prerequisites: None!

 

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

With Musical Accompanist:

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21, Apr 28, May 5

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

Make-up / Practice Day: May 12

Class Location: TBD

Showcase Date & Time: TBD - weekend of May 16 -18

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."

 

 

Improv 101

$384

with Kristofer Hodge

Calendar Mar 18, 2025 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

 

Day:  TUESDAY

Dates: Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22, Apr 29, May 6

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: MAY 13

ShowCase: TBD - weekend of May 16- 18

Room: TBD

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

 

About the Instructor:

Kristofer Hodge is a comedian from the Philadelphia area who has been performing improv, sketch and stand-up comedy since 2015. In addition to collaborating on multiple Philly Improv Theater house teams, he also taught improv as part of PHIT’s former Kids and Teams program. Kristofer has taught improv workshops at Neumann University and currently teaches a variety of comedy classes at Haverford Township Adult School and Main Line School Night.

 

 

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Improv 401

$384

with David Allison

Calendar Mar 18, 2025 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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.

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: TUESDAY

Dates: Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22, Apr 29, May 6

MAKE-Up/Practice Date: May 13

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Showcase Date/Time: TBD - weekend of May 16-18

Class 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!"

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.

Improv 101

$384

with Devin Preston

Calendar Mar 19, 2025 at 7 pm, runs for 8 weeks

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. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

 

Day:  WEDNESDAY

Dates: Mar 19, Mar 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, May 7

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: MAY 14

ShowCase: TBD - weekend of May 16-18

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."

Payment plan available: $175 deposit plus 2 payments of $104.50, paid every two weeks.




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