Acting 2: Ensemble Creation (Text + Improv)

You won’t just rehearse scenes—you’ll generate and shape material together into a performance piece. In this ensemble-based performance class, you’ll combine a short piece of source text and improvisation to create a unique original piece. You might start from a few lines of dialogue, a prompt, or another simple text source, then use improv to generate fresh material and shape what you discover into a repeatable performance structure—grounded, alive, and specific to your ensemble. This is a collaborative process course: you’ll rehearse, refine, and build toward a final showing.

Prerequisite: Some prior experience recommended (Improv 201+, Acting 1, or equivalent). If you’re newer but have performance experience elsewhere, you’re welcome.

Attendance: Because this is an ensemble creation process, consistent attendance is essential. Students should plan to attend all sessions whenever possible. Missing classes may limit participation in the final showing, and attendance at the final class is required to participate.

Adults 18+

Capacity is limited to 12 students to support ensemble work and individual attention.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full by the first class.

Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 10 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice

Graduation Show Date/Time: SPRING PHEST Sat May 16th 7PM

Class Location: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Arantxa Chavez is a theater artist, improviser, and clown from Lima, Peru. She started practicing Improv in 2012 and has not stopped since. Having recently graduated from Pig Iron’s Devised Performance MFA program, Arantxa delights in using improv as a mode for creation, having fun with friends, and reinforcing her collaborative skills. She has many years of performance experience with her old troupe, Unsupervised Improv, and has taught Improv all over Colorado Springs including the Millibo Art Theatre. Locally, she teaches Improv to young students through The Unscripted Project and now here, at PHIT! Outside Improv, see her next in 5 Stagehands Fall Out of a Closet (the goose crisis) during this year’s Fringe Festival, and keep an eye out for more classes and more art!

Improv 101: Start Here

You’ll learn the fundamentals of improv and performance in a beginner-friendly, warm, coached environment: making your partner look good, “Yes, and,” creating clear environments and objects, establishing relationships, and playing with a strong emotional point of view. You’ll get lots of guided reps, build confidence on your feet, and start creating short two-person scenes that feel grounded and fun. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisites: None.

Adults 18+

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: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 10 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase:  Sat May 16

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:

"Tyler was so open and encouraging - he created an environment where I, and believe we all, felt supported, connected, and free to try out skills and really learn."

"Tyler was completely himself, and in being so authentic showed us that we could do the same thing. And he cared deeply for our humanity, which in turn meant we did the same for one another. "

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

Improv 201 takes the skills from Improv 101 and helps you make scenes that feel more alive, connected, and specific. You’ll focus on emotion-driven characters in relationship—being visibly affected by your partner and your environment, staying present, and finding the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth. You’ll receive clearer, more specific coaching so you can make an adjustment and try it again right away. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening—learning how to support strong scenes and help gre moments land.

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

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: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3

Time: 1PM - 3PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 10 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

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:

"Dola is the best!"

"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!”

Improv 101: Start Here

You’ll learn the fundamentals of improv and performance in a beginner-friendly, warm, coached environment: making your partner look good, “Yes, and,” creating clear environments and objects, establishing relationships, and playing with a strong emotional point of view. You’ll get lots of guided reps, build confidence on your feet, and start creating short two-person scenes that feel grounded and fun. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisites: None.

Adults 18+

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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7 PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 11 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: Sat May 16

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Kassidy is a Philly native with a love for theatre. This is Kassidy’s first season working with PHIT and will be teaching a 101 class! She graduated from Messiah University with a B.A in Theatre which allowed her to study in Ireland at the Gaiety School of Acting. She has worked with Philly Young Playwrights, Azuka Theatre, and Yes! And…? Collaborative Arts. She is also in a improv group called Improvabilitee and is excited to be at PHIT. 

Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

Improv 201 takes the skills from Improv 101 and helps you make scenes that feel more alive, connected, and specific. You’ll focus on emotion-driven characters in relationship—being visibly affected by your partner and your environment, staying present, and finding the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth. You’ll receive clearer, more specific coaching so you can make an adjustment and try it again right away. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening—learning how to support strong scenes and help gre moments land. Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

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: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 11 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia based actor, director and educator; he also manages a devised company in the city. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University, and post grad has trained with the Pig Iron School and The Wilma Theatre. Dave has experience teaching all ages at a large variety of experience. At PHIT, Dave has taught all 4 core level classes, as well as electives like: La Ronde and Characters in Motion, a movement workshop for Improvisors. Dave has been featured in Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival, and has directed in local children’s theatres to Villanova’s student music theatre company. 

What Others Say:

 “I recommend class with Dave more than ice cream!” PHIT Student 101 & 201.

“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.”

"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"

"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!"

Music Improv 1: Foundations

Music improv is part improv, part listening, and part play. In this beginner-friendly music improv class, you’ll learn how to create simple songs on the spot, build choruses as a group, support your scene partners, and use music to heighten characters and relationships. We’ll explore a few classic musical theater styles (lightly and playfully), and practice turning scenes into songs in a way that feels doable—even if you don’t consider yourself a “singer.” Each class includes a warm-up, guided exercises and games, and lots of supported reps.

Prerequisite: Improv 101 (or equivalent experience). You should be comfortable starting and sustaining a basic two-person scene and playing supportively with a partner. Vocal comfort: You don’t need formal vocal training—“shower singing” is totally fine. You should be able to carry a simple tune.

Adults 18+

Capacity is limited to 12 students 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 by the first class.

Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 11 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: SAT MAY 16

Room: 1976

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

About the Instructor:

Johnny has been performing/teaching Improv since LITERAL middle school. Eventually going on to study Improv on a collegiate level with various Second City alums as teachers. "Having as much fun as one possibly can under the guise of actually learning something" is the vibe he tries to bring to each and every class. Johnny is also a proud member of Philly's Premier Musical Improv Team "Thank You Places" and performs with them the last Thursday of every month at their residency at Tavern On Camac. (thankyouplacesimprov.com). He also loves to travel the big wide world as far and as often as he can. 

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: Start Here

You’ll learn the fundamentals of improv and performance in a beginner-friendly, warm, coached environment: making your partner look good, “Yes, and,” creating clear environments and objects, establishing relationships, and playing with a strong emotional point of view. You’ll get lots of guided reps, build confidence on your feet, and start creating short two-person scenes that feel grounded and fun. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s core training path.

Prerequisites: None.

Adults 18+

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: TUESDAY

Dates: March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): May 12 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

ShowCase: May 16

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Jonah (he/him) is a theater director, musician, and educator. A graduate of Pig Iron's MFA in Devised Performance, his Philadelphia collaborations include Pig Iron, Sarah Sanford and Alex Tatarsky, and Nichole Canuso Dance Company. His original musical odyssey, 'The Bad Pirate Rock Show' (created and performed alongside a handful of other PHIT teachers!) was featured in Cannonball Festival the past two Fringe seasons. When he's not making theater, he teaches kindergarteners how sing and bang drums and be kind to each other at Play On, Philly! 

Anxiety Friendly Improv

Curious about improv, but feeling anxious, shy, or self-conscious about jumping into a typical class environment? Anxiety Friendly Improv is designed as a lower-pressure space to learn the basics with people who get it. You’ll practice beginner-friendly (Improv 101–level) exercises and games focused on play, connection, and confidence—at a pace that supports the room. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Important note:This course is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy.

Prerequisites: None. No improv experience required. No clinical diagnosis is required to participate.

Adults 18+ who experience anxiety, shyness, or high levels of self-consciousness—or who simply want to try improv in a supportive, accepting environment with an instructor who understands those feelings.

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: March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6

Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): Wednesday, May 13 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

Showcase: Saturday, May 16

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.)."