Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Sept 27, Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Time: 1 PM - 3PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

This is where your work deepens.

Improv 201 builds on the foundation of Improv 101 and focuses on creating emotionally grounded characters in relationship. You’ll work on being visibly affected by your scene partner and environment, staying present, and identifying the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You’ll be asked to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine it, and strengthen it. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening, learning how to support strong scenes and help great moments land.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Create distinct, emotionally grounded characters
• Sustain clear relationships through behavior
• Recognize and build on emerging patterns
• Adjust based on coaching in real time
• Support edits and heightening within a scene

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Sept 27, Oct 4,11,18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY Nov 22

Showcase: SUNDAY Nov 29

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What others Say:

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Sept 28, Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16

Time: 7 PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

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: 

PREREQUISITE: Standard Improv level 201 plus, Musical Improv 101 from any training center

With Musical Accompanist: Dan Perlman

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Sept 28, Oct 5, 12,19, 26. Nov 2, 9, 16

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

Make-up / Practice Day: THURSDAY NOV 19

Class Location: 1976

Showcase Date & Time: FRIDAY NOV 20  7PM

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say:

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

This is where your work deepens.

Improv 201 builds on the foundation of Improv 101 and focuses on creating emotionally grounded characters in relationship. You’ll work on being visibly affected by your scene partner and environment, staying present, and identifying the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You’ll be asked to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine it, and strengthen it. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening, learning how to support strong scenes and help great moments land.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY Nov 22

Showcase: SUNDAY Nov 29

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What others Say:

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.

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

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

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.)."

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: SUNDAY NOV 22

ShowCase: SUNDAY NOV 29

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say

Improv 401 – Advanced Longform: The Harold

Throughout the 8 weeks, students bring together the skills developed in previous levels—agreement, listening, emotional point of view, environment, pattern recognition, group play, and ensemble support—and apply them to learning the Harold. Students practice building a full longform set from a single audience suggestion, using openings, two-person scenes, group games, and subsequent beats to create a connected, cohesive performance. The focus is on working as an ensemble, heightening ideas and emotional reactions, and learning how to recognize and build recurring themes throughout a full set.

By the end of 401, students should be able to contribute confidently to a Harold opening, initiate and sustain strong two-person scenes inspired by that opening, support and heighten group games, and recognize how characters, patterns, and themes connect across the full performance.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to connect with other PHIT students).

Improv 401 is the fourth and final step in PHIT’s core structured progression (101–401). This level focuses on integrating the full range of skills developed in earlier classes into a connected longform ensemble performance.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving forward into more advanced work.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 301 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Enrollment is capped at 10 to support coaching, reps, and ensemble work.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: THURSDAY NOV 19th

Showcase:  SATURDAY NOV 21 EVENING 7 p.m.

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

What Others Say: