This two hour introductory workshop gives cautious students the chance to “try before you buy”, by sampling some of the fun things you'll do in an 8 week improv course at PHIT. You'll learn the core improv concept of "agreement", how to create characters from nothing, and you'll dip your toes into improvised scenework.
This class is perfect for people of all experience levels. You do not need to have prior experience or be an actor / comedian. PHIT has students from all walks of life and all ages. We have people that are looking to make a go of improvising, but we have also had students that were just looking to meet new people, improv public speaking confidence, try something new, or simply have fun for two hours. There is no commitment here to register for a full class, only come in ready to have a good time.
INSTRUCTOR
Mike Marbach
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT MIKE
“Mike’s a great teacher; he’s not only very knowledgeable, but incredibly attentive to his students with their development and comfort.” — “On top of being an effective, fun teacher, Mike is good people. He seems to genuinely care about his students’ success. I thoroughly enjoyed having him as my Improv 101 teacher and I’m looking forward to future classes at PHIT!”
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Mike Marbach, PHIT’s Education Director since 2011 and currently Acting Artistic Director, was born into the world of improv in Chicago. He has completed the iO Theater and Annoyance Theater training center programs and has studied under improv greats such as Charna Halpern, Mark Sutton, Susan Messing, Mick Napier, several members of The Reckoning and many more. He performed with the iO Harold Team, Dart and could be seen around Chicago in various groups. Currently you can see him perform in Pasiones de Pasiones: An Improvised Telenovela, The Deans List, Stripped and other projects around Philly.
Mike directed PHIT House Team Asteroid! from 2010-2013, which was the recipient of multiple Awards for Philadelphia Comedy, twice winning Best Improv Group. He directed PHIT House Team The Future from 2013 - 2016 and has directed Study Hall since 2013. He has also directed Stay Dead, an yearly improvised horror comedy show that takes place around Halloween, since 2014.
When he’s not doing PHIT things, Mike likes to write ridiculously long letters to companies about mundane things and hosting various podcasts (Gettin’ Close with Mike Marbach, Reheated: The Leftovers Podcast and the popular Stark Raven Mad: A Game of Thrones Podcast) all of which are available on iTunes.
