Philly Improv Theater

Fearless Opening Numbers

with Carly Otte and Dan Perlman

In musical improv, the first song sets the stage for the whole show. This three-week clinic will give you the tools to create opening numbers that grab attention and carry energy into the rest of the performance. Each week you’ll focus on a different element: building harmonies and song structure, shaping stage pictures and movement, and finally blending everything into fully realized ensemble numbers. Perfect for improvisers with some musical background who want to sharpen their skills and kick off every show with confidence.

Class meets once a week for three weeks. There is no showcase offered with this course.

Age 18+

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

A minimum of 9 students is required to run this class.

PREREQUISITE: Music 1 and Level 101 improv from PHIT /equivilant traning with another training center. Ability to carry a tune (shower singing counts!)

Day: THURSDAY

Dates:  Oct 9, 16, 23

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

Make-up / Practice Day: N/A

Class Location: TBD

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

About the Instructors:

Carly Otte (she/her) is an actor and improviser with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Point Park University. She has been studying and performing improv for over a decade, training primarily with the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City. Select screen credits include recurring appearances on the improv comedy series 'Impractical Jokers' (truTV) and a lead role in the upcoming mockumentary 'The Conspiracists'. She is also an experienced teacher, choreographer, and coach, passionate about musical improv and thrilled to be joining the PHIT teaching team.

Dan Perlman (he/him) is a seasoned pianist with 20 years of experience, known for his dynamic range and musical versatility. He has spent several years performing in various cover bands, tribute acts, piano bars, and jazz ensembles, honing his skills across diverse musical genres. Recently, Dan has been an integral part of Philadelphia's musical improv scene, accompanying the premier team Thank You Places, The Good Kids, the improvised musical documentary Off the Record, and for various musical improv classes and indie teams. He is eager to play his part in further expanding the musical improv scene in Philadelphia!

What Others Say:

What Others Say:

“I loved Carly’s advice! Very specific and pointed critiques… would absolutely take a class with her!” 

“Carly’s feedback was very positive, specific, and empowering… She has a lovely easy-going personality, and I imagine she would be a favorite with students.” 

"She has this wonderfully calming energy that instantly takes the stress out of the process, while still giving me the confidence to dive into the material fully prepared. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and always brings in fresh perspectives and choices I never would have thought of on my own, which makes the work feel creative and exciting." 

"Dan is an incredible pianist and we were so lucky to have him, esp since we're all learning and he's so effortlessly able to adapt the backing music to help support."

"Dan is amazing."

"Dan is so skilled and easily adapts to anything we dish at him and has such great instincts when playing."