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

This level marks a shift from the paired scene work of 101 and 201. Instead of focusing on 2–3 person scenes, you’ll be working as a full ensemble. The emphasis is on recognizing patterns, building group mind, and initiating spontaneous group games—skills that are essential to HAROLD and other long form formats. You can also expect more individualized feedback and in-the-moment coaching to help deepen your performance.

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class.

Day: WEDNESDAY

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

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 4

ShowCase: Weekend March 7-8

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day:  THURSDAYS

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

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

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Thurs March 5

ShowCase:  Weekend of March 7-8

Room:  TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Dominick “Dom” Arp (he/him) has been an improviser in the Philly community for over 10 years. He is currently performing with Roll Play, Show and Tell Live, and KDM. Currently he is also the president of the Philadelphia Improv Social Club. Having additionally trained in public speaking, theater, & business administration, he is passionate about the power of combining theory, theatrics, and policy in order to grow the Philly improv community.

What Others Say:

"Dom always had an upbeat generous attitude"

"Dom is great! He has the perfect balance of theory and practice. I feel like I learn so much while also having a ton of fun."

"Dom has an incredible approach and exudes positivity while giving clear feedback!"

"Dom gave great, specific feedback and created a warm and supportive environment. "

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. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: THURSDAY

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

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

Make-Up/Practice Day: March 5

ShowCase: Weekend of March 7-8

Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Jasmine is an artist, educator, and arts manager who has been improvising since 2014. She has been teaching at PHIT since 2023 and has also trained and performed at Empire Comedy, Reno Improv, Washington Improv Theater, and SideQuest Theater. You may have seen her in Roll Play, Off the Record, Objection!, Todorov’s Dirty Laundry, or a viral TikTok she is vaguely mortified by. Outside of performing, Jasmine is the Managing Director of Pig Iron Theatre Company, an OBIE Award-winning producer of experimental work that also runs a training program in devised theatre.

What others say:

"Jasmine was great at this, she listened carefully to everyone and it felt very personal"

"I'd recommend ANYONE take a course with Jasmine or any of the other talented folks at PHIT. I had been looking for something different and found Improv 101 to be a refreshing break from the norm. The course offers a space for spontaneity and play in a supportive environment. Amazing experience!"

"Jasmine was totally engaged with the class. The email, “key takeaways” sent to us, after each lesson was extremely helpful in integrating that classes lessons."

Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

In this FOUR WEEK INTENSIVE 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 twice a week for four weeks, two hours each meeting. An optional fifth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

Prerequisites: None! Students must be able to commit to attend twice a week for four weeks to meet the requirements of the full 101 curriculum. Attendace at the last class is required to participate in the showcase.

Adults 18+

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.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: TUESDAY and THURSDAY

Dates:  Feb 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Make-up/Practice Date: Thur March 5

Showcase Date/Time: Weekend of March 7-8

Class Room: TBD

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

About the Instructor:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!