Adult Online Improv Classes
Fact: improv uses the same basic skill set regardless of what format or form you are doing. That being said, each form uses a different muscle and we believe, to be well-rounded performer, you should be exercising as many improv muscles as possible. That is why The Philadelphia School of Improv (PSI) offers classes on multiple forms.
We’ve been doing improv for over 25 years, and we’re pretty good at it. This means whether you are a new improviser or a pro you’ll be getting proven, experienced training.
Scroll on down and find which class or workshop appeals to you as a performer and start there. We’ll be adding more classes as time goes on, so be sure to sign up for our PSI Mailing List to find out when new ones are added.
All of our online courses are done using ZOOM, the FREE video conferencing software. Participants will be able to see and be seen, hear and be heard, and interact with the Instructors and fellow students. After you purchase your class, you will get an email with the link to join the class before it starts. To learn more about ZOOM, click here.
PSI is proud to offer LIVE CLOSED CAPTIONING for our online classes and workshops.
Students are required to see at least one online show (either ComedySportz or a special show) during the course. Also: students see shows for free!
SUMMER CLASSES
COMEDYSPORTZ CURRICULUM
You want to perform improv like the Players in ComedySportz? Then this is the track for you! You’ll learn the basics and apply them to our game-based format of improv that is faster and varied in style.
CSz 101 INTRO TO IMPROV (6 Weeks)
In CSz 101, we will learn the basics of improv, and we will focus on agreement (“yes, and-ing”), active listening, commitment, and being present in the moment. Students will then start to apply these skills towards ComedySportz style improv. In this class, students will learn and play some of our favorite ComedySportz games, utilizing the basic skills and learning to trust themselves, all while making people laugh and having a lot of fun! If you’ve never done improv before, or you’d like to revisit the fundamentals of playing CSz style improv games from another perspective in an inclusive, safe, and fun environment, this class is for you. The class ends in a showcase for friends and family. No pre-requisite.
When: Wednesdays, June 16-July 21, 2021
Time: 7-9 PM (EST)
Instructor: Emily Davis
Showcase: Sunday, July 25, 10AM (EST)
CSZ GAMES FOR INTERMEDIATE IMPROVISERS (6 Weeks)
In this intermediate class, you’ll practice some of your favorite games, learn some new ones, and even tackle some of our more advanced games. But don’t worry—you are ready! Whatever kind of improviser you are, your instructor will give you the personalized feedback you need to succeed, all in a fun and safe (digital) environment. Prerequisite: CSz 101. equivalent from another improv school, or permission from the Education Director, emily@comedysportzphilly.com
When: Wednesdays, June 16-July 21, 2021
Time: 7-8:30 PM (EST)
Instructor: Alan Williams
LONG FORM CURRICULUM
Long form improv is a series of scenes, based on a single suggestion, that are loosely connected and come together to make a cohesive, satisfying show. In our long form improv classes, you will learn the improv basics and apply them to scene work. As you progress, you will start to incorporate other techniques of the form.
Summer Workshops
It's Not Me, It's You
Del Close once said, “If we treat each other as if we are geniuses, poets and artists, we have a better chance of becoming that on stage.” In this workshop, you will work on enhancing your scene work by learning how to focus on your scene partner(s) and treating them like the geniuses, poets, and artists that they are! Prerequisite: Improv 201 or equivalent with permission from the Education Director: emily@comedysportzphilly.com
When: Monday, June 21
Time: 7-9 PM (EST)
Instructor: Mary Carpenter
Location: Online
+ Who is Mary Carpenter?
MARY CARPENTER has been with ComedySportz Philadelphia since 1992, where she has worked as a performer, teacher, Education Director and Artistic Director. She holds degrees in theatre from Northwestern University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Her improv training began at The Second City in Chicago and continued with Mick Napier, Keith Johnstone, Joe Bill, Todd Stashwick, Jill Bernard and Jeff Wirth. She has appeared in plays with Stephen Colbert and David Schwimmer, and developed and performed in an original two-woman show with SNL alum Ana Gasteyer. Mary co-founded Philadelphia’s first non-profit Improvisation Company, Freefall Productions where she produced Philly’s first women’s improv ensemble 13 Skirts, as well as the fully improvised musical Choosical. In addition to ComedySportz Philadelphia, Mary’s improvisation experience includes City of Nutterly Love with The Second City, Dangerous Fools with Thomas Fowler, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, Wisdom Teeth and Smoochy & Me. Mary also works as an actress, writer and director. Most recent projects include directing Kalamazoo at Act II and I’ll Have What she’s Having.
GENEROUS LISTENING
When was the last time you allowed yourself to be deeply curious? How often do you consciously allow your characters to be informed by elements of your own personality and experience? When you’re on-stage with others, are you able to let go of the need to be the focus and revel in the joy of making your teammates and scene partners look great?
By utilizing the technique of generous listening, you will expand your ability to make honest and innovative choices, discover a myriad of complex and exciting characters, and become an improviser that other improvisers are drawn to work with. The tone of the program is light and fun, yet it is a powerful catalyst for authenticity, empathy, inclusion, and joyful co-creation. Taught by an improviser, actor, journalist, podcaster, yogi, and author, Generous Listening offers skills that you can implement onstage and in your everyday life. Be generous to yourself by saying “yes, and…” to this dynamic and powerful workshop! Prerequisite: Improv 101 or equivalent with permission from the Education Director: emily@comedysportzphilly.com
When: Thursday, June 24, 2021
Time: 7-9PM (EST)
Instructor: Daralyse Lyons
Location: Online
+ Who is Daralyse Lyons?
Daralyse Lyons is a transformational storyteller, actor, improviser, journalist, podcaster, yogi and activist. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has written and published numerous articles as well as more than 20 full-length books. She is passionate about creativity as a vehicle for personal expression, innovation, and laughter. As a current member of ComedySportz Philadelphia and Not Yet Rated and former member of the Philly Improv Theatre (PHIT) and producer of the We the People Improv Festival, she brings improvisational skills to her life and work. She makes a living out of generous and empathetic listening, enthusiastic expression, and loving collaboration. To find out more about Daralyse, visit daralyselyons.com or demystifyingdiversitypodcast.com
IMPROV AND MINDFULNESS
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (Jon Kabat-Zinn). The focus of this class will be on play and how this rescues us from the fight, flight, or freeze response. Join Caroline Rhoads for an evening of improv, fun, and play, and learn how to be in the present moment. Prerequisite: Improv 101 or equivalent with permission from the Education Director: emily@comedysportzphilly.com
When: Monday, June 28, 2021
Time: 7-9PM (EST)
Instructor: Caroline Rhoads
Location: Online
+ Who is Caroline Rhoads?
Caroline was first bit by the improv bug in college where, while receiving her B.F.A. in Performing Arts, she coached and performed with her campus troupe (The Happy Tuesday Players). After taking her first intensive with Second City, she was hooked. She then made her way to Philly where, through her apprenticeship at the Walnut Street Theater, she was able to connect with and bolster her acting chops under the guidance of Seth Rozin, Ellen Tobie, Jennie Eisenhower, and Susie Stephens. Caroline then decided to supplement her love for performing with her love for teaching. Teaching credits include Mighty Writers: Girl Power Theater (A grant-funded program she developed for young women to find their voice through improvisation), Barrymore Award Winning Program: Of Mythic Proportions, Art Reach, Story Up!, Child Drama workshops, and the Delaware Art’s Initiative: Camp Imagine. In between planning lessons she made time to study long and short form improvisation with such talented comedians as Susan Messing (IO), Jen Childs (1812 Productions), Maggy Keegan (Figment Theater), Nathan Edmondson (PHIT), Kristin Finger, and Dave Jadico. She largely credits the training she's received through the Comedy Sportz for the skills she possesses today.
TUITION
Prices are listed on the enrollment page. Just click the ENROLL NOW button next to the class. (Don’t worry, you won’t be enrolled by clicking.)
Sign up by the Early Bird Deadline and you’ll receive the biggest discount. If you sign up after that date, you’ll still get a discount, but not as big. If you sign up on the day of the class, you’ll pay full price.
You can also put a $100 deposit down and pay the difference on the first day of class! Please Note: The deposit is non-refundable.
Sign up for more than one class per semester and you’ll get a 15% discount on all secondary classes (discount cannot be combined with Scholarship classes).
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
CSz Philly is proud to offer scholarships to the diverse population of Philadelphia. In addition, we have partnered with the Black Improv Alliance to help them train 100 Black improvisers by July 2021. If you would like to apply for a Diversity Scholarship, please click below.
If you have any questions about our online classes, please email the Education Director.
