Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Improv Comedy Classes in Philadelphia
Since 2005, Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) has been the heart of Philadelphia's nationally recognized comedy scene. Our mission is to provide the gift of spontaneous, shared creation through live, improvised comedy while developing local talent to enhance collaborative storytelling. With over 1,000 annual performances and a training center teaching more than 1,000 adults yearly, we have cultivated a vibrant community of performers and students. Our alumni have appeared on major platforms like Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and Orange is the New Black, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We offer a safe, inclusive environment for audiences, students, and performers, fostering openness and accountability.Our instructors are working professionals actively engaged in theater, television, and film, ensuring students receive expert guidance. Through our PHIT Corporate program, we deliver improv-based training to organizations ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. We prioritize health and mental well-being, maintaining a judgment-free zone for creative expression. With over 15 years of operation, we have established ourselves as a trusted leader in Philadelphia's arts community. Our venues, including the Adrienne Theatre and Hamilton Family Arts Center, host diverse shows and classes that reflect Philadelphia's dynamic cultural landscape.
Services
Improv Classes
Acting Classes
Corporate Training
Comedy Shows
Drop-In Workshops
Gift Cards
Student Handbooks
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of experience developing nationally recognized comedic talent.
- Our instructors are working professionals seen in TV, film, and live theater.
- We provide a safe, inclusive environment for creative expression and growth.
- Our alumni network includes performers from Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show.
- We combine foundational improv techniques with advanced performance training.
What people say
Life-changing classes
Vibrant community
Skilled instructors
Confidence growth
Judgment-free zone
Services
Improv Classes
Our improv classes teach foundational techniques like 'Yes And' and scene creation through 8-week courses. Students develop creativity, collaboration, and confidence under professional instructors. Graduates perform full-length formats like the Harold, with alumni appearing in major entertainment platforms.
Acting Classes
Acting programs focus on voice, body control, and emotional range for stage and screen. Classes culminate in showcases for invited guests, emphasizing script analysis and character development. Instructors combine multiple performance philosophies for personalized growth.
Corporate Training
PHIT Corporate delivers improv-based team-building for organizations like Bank of America and Comcast. Programs enhance communication, problem-solving, and workplace collaboration through customized workshops. Training adapts improv principles to professional development needs.
Comedy Shows
We produce 1,000+ annual performances including improvised comedies, sketch shows, and special events. Venues host seasonal festivals like PHEST with student showcases and professional ensembles. Shows feature both emerging talent and nationally touring performers.
Drop-In Workshops
90-minute drop-in sessions let newcomers experience improv basics like spontaneity and collaboration. These workshops serve as trial experiences for full classes, with $30 fees applicable toward future enrollment. No prior experience required for participation.
People
Kelly Jennings
Education Director
With 30+ years in Philadelphia theater, Kelly directs TIMEPROV and teaches improv at universities. She founded LunchLady Doris and 13 Skirts, performing nationally while directing PHIT's education programs since 2014.
Questions
What improv experience do I need to start classes?
No experience required. Our Level 101 classes teach foundational skills for complete beginners.
Do you offer corporate team-building programs?
Yes, PHIT Corporate provides customized improv workshops for organizations like Bank of America and Comcast.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, 90-minute drop-in workshops let you experience improv basics before enrolling in full courses.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Graduates perform in seasonal showcases and join ensembles, with alumni appearing on Saturday Night Live and similar platforms.
What safety measures are in place?
Instructors are fully vaccinated. Masks are optional with policies updated per public health guidelines.
Videos
