Philly Improv Theater

Acting 2 Ensemble Devising: In this class, students continue to explore the craft of acting while working together as an ensemble to devise a unique, one-of-a-kind twenty-minute piece to be performed during Showcase weekend.

Every Acting 2 class is unique in form and content, reflecting the performance training and background of the instructor, and the enrolled students, ensuring a fresh and dynamic approach each session. No two Acting 2 classes are alike.

Improvisation is a core component of every Acting 2 course, serving as both a creative tool and a valuable technique within our performance curriculum. The extent of improv may vary, reflecting the unique approach of each instructor.

Because of the collaborative nature of this class, attendance at all sessions is essential. Missing classes may lead to reduced participation opportunities, ineligibility to appear in the final showcase performance, or dismissal from the course without refund or credit, at the instructor's discretion.

Prerequisite: Minimum one year of live performance experience from any discipline (improv, scripted theater, clown, devised, ect) OR completion of Acting 1, and/or Improv 201 from PHIT or any similar Training Center, OR permission from the Education Director.

Meets once a week in person for 8 weeks.

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.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23

Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

Make-up/Practice day: Sunday March 2

Graduation Show Date/Time: SATURDAY EVENING March 8 5PM - 9:30 PM

Class Location:  TBD

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center. 62 N. 2nd Street 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!”