BEGINNER LONG-FORM IMPROV
Students will be introduced to the art of long-form improvisation by learning the key concept of “Yes, and..”. They will also learn important basic improv skills like: listening, creating characters, establishing relationships, exploring scenes with objects and environment work. Students will then combine these skills to create fully improvised scenes with a partner and discover how scenes can grow through agreement and support. The class will culminate in a live, fully improvised performance for families and invited guests.
CLASS DETAILS
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, & 2/28
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Class Performance: Saturday, March 3rd, 2017 @ 1:30 p.m. (Mainstage)
Please read through our PHIT Kids & Teens - Terms and Conditions of Enrollment prior to enrolling.
INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Semigran
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT RACHEL
“Rachel was super supportive, a great improv role-model, an awesome instructor, and a genuinely sweet person.” — “Rachel was a fantastic instructor. Her class was a fun and energetic learning environment. I think she was great at recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and pushing us to perform our best.”
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Semigran has been a member of PHIT House teams Mayor Karen and Hot Dish, and is currently a member of PHIT House Team Sabotage. She is a recent graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. While working towards a masters degree in London, Rachel eased the academic rigor by diving into the UK comedy scene. Her highest honor was performing the Armando with Tim Brooke Taylor. Other UK credits include: Assistant Director “NOLA,” – Edinburgh Fringe and “Epidemic” – Old Vic New Voices. Improv training includes Second City, UCB, Baby Wants Candy, and of course PHIT! She is also a long-time company member of Iron Age Theatre Company.
Rachel is distantly related to Nathan of Nathan’s hot dogs (I know, right?).
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Derrick Houck
ABOUT YOUR TEACHING ASSISTANT
Derrick joined the PHIT's Kids & Teens teaching staff in the fall of 2016. He is currently a member of PHIT house team Metropolis and sketch house team Fezziwig. Additionally he can be seen performing with his indie team, Toothbrush Money. Derrick has worked as a high school math teacher in Philadelphia for the past seven years and previously worked as a summer camp counselor and after-school program facilitator for elementary-aged children for three years. When not teaching or performing improv, Derrick enjoys playing piano, intramural sports with coworkers, and board games.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT DERRICK
“He was very nice and kind. And he is a good actor.”
“He was always happy.”
WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT DERRICK
“Very approachable, polite and consistent. My child learned how to get out of her comfort zone.”
“Derrick was friendly and engaging with the kids. He and his teaching assistant seemed to really enjoy teaching the class, and my son had a lot of fun. They had good feedback about my son as well.”