Improv Essentials: A 3-week first steps clinic for beginners

A supportive first step into improv — no experience needed.

Curious about improv, but not ready to jump into a full class? Improv Essentials is a 3-week clinic for beginners who want a low-pressure way to get started. This clinic introduces core improv skills in a shorter format, but it does not replace PHIT’s full Improv 101 course.

This class focuses on a few simple tools that make improv feel more natural and less intimidating: listening, making clear choices, connecting with a scene partner or group, and building something simple from nothing. Each week, you’ll practice through structured, playful exercises, storytelling, and guided group work designed to help you feel more present, clear, and confident.

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.

A great fit for anyone who wants more than a one-time workshop, but is not yet ready to commit to a full course.

Adults 18+.

No prerequisite.

Class size: Limited to 12 participants to support coaching, reps, and individual attention. Average class size 6-10.

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: MONDAY 

Dates: Oct 5, 12, 19

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: TBD

ShowCase: No showcase offered with this course

Room: Brown Martin

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."