Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) Instructors are passionate about teaching improv, knowledgeable about their subject matter, excellent communicators, enthusiastic learners, and able to create a positive environment and experience for all students. This position reports to the Director of Education.
PHIT Instructors are responsible for teaching all of the various improv courses in the PHIT curriculum to adult students. Instructors may lead additional courses in acting, movement, voice, clown, etc. as experience, availability, and student interest allow.
WE ARE A TEAM
At PHIT we are all on the same team. Our students and audiences come from all walks of life and so does our team of instructors. Each individual on the team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and backgrounds to the work because we believe that to reflect the city in which we operate. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also lived experiences, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and the many other parts of one’s identity. All these points of view are key to our success and makes PHIT a healthier, stronger community.
We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered. We are excited to receive your application!
SCHEDULE:
This position requires 2–3 hours per week in person per assigned class, plus up to 2 additional hours per week (remote) for administrative tasks. Instructors must be available to lead at least one class per session. Classes are currently scheduled on weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
We are currently prioritizing candidates with availability on both Sundays and weekdays, as well as general availability during the Summer session (June–July). While we will consider candidates with more limited availability, those with broader flexibility will be given preference.
Each session runs approximately 9 weeks, with classes meeting once per week. Instructors are expected to be available for at least three out of four sessions per season. PHIT’s season runs September through July; August and early September are typically “off” periods, though we may offer occasional workshops or short-format classes during that time.
Please Note:
- Candidates selected to move forward will be asked to lead a short teaching demonstration on one of the following dates:
• Wednesday, July 24 from 7:00–9:00 PM
• Saturday, July 27 from 1:00–3:00 PM
- New hires must attend a paid full-day on-boarding on Friday, August 16 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- All instructors are required to attend our full instructor team meeting on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum two years experience performing longform or shortform comedy improvisation and/or live theater strongly preferred
- Teaching, coaching, or directing experience with adult learners in comedy improvisation and/or live theater, especially with longform formats like Harold, La Ronde, Deconstruction, The Movie, or True Stories, is highly desirable
- Completion of PHIT’s improv curriculum, or a comparable program at another training center (Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, Magnet, ComedySportz, Crossroads, or another established regional improv training program) is a plus
- Completion of a professional actor or director training program
- Proven ability to lead a group of adult learners in a safe and welcoming learning environment
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through ongoing learning, modeling inclusive behavior, and proactively addressing bias
- Ability to deliver clear, timely, and constructive feedback to students in a supportive way
- Effective written and oral communication skills
- Professional, approachable, and friendly demeanor
- Basic experience with email, Google Sheets, Excel, and general computer use preferred
- Access to a mobile phone or other internet-connected device to manage rosters, communication, and reports
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Establish a welcoming, safe, joyful, brave, and creative educational climate
- Deliver clear, concise, effective instructional activities and objectives in accordance with PHIT’s approved curriculum and policies.
- Manage student behavior in the classroom in accordance with PHIT’s policies.
- Record and monitor the attendance of students in a timely manner.
- Communicate with students in person 1:1 to share thorough, effective, and clear notes on progress both during class and as a follow up as needed.
- Communicate with students through effective & clear written communication following each class.
- Assess and report on the development and behavior of students through communication with the Education Director and other Training Center staff as appropriate.
- Complete all necessary and requested training in PHIT curriculum and pedagogy.
- Participate in staff, group or other meetings related to the better organization and administration of the Training Center both in person and over Zoom
- Participate and lead student community events, such as Intro Workshops, Skills Labs, Practice groups, etc.
- Attend and help to facilitate, run light tech, and perform box office duties as assigned at class showcases each session
- Assist the Education Director in maintaining, updating, or co-creating curriculum for assigned courses on an as needed basis.
- Participate in the marketing of classes through self promotion, sharing links to class registration, helping to distribute flyers, taking class photos, creating blog or social media posts, and possibly leading free classes and jams on an as needed basis
- Support the mission and learning objectives of Philly Improv Theater & Training Center
- Serve as a Brand Ambassador for Philly Improv Theater, promoting and representing the brand in a positive, enthusiastic way at all times.
COMPENSATION:
$40 per hour for instructional time (most classes are 2-3 hours), and $15 per hour for administrative tasks (2 hours per week are expected for each class taught).
In addition, there are potential opportunities for facilitating corporate training workshops and/or contracted special performances as experience and availability allows.
A NOTE ON THE TEAM WE’RE HOPING TO BUILD
These are not required, but we’re especially interested in connecting with applicants who bring one or more of the following strengths to our instructor team:
- Identify as people of color, female, nonbinary, or gender-diverse (especially those underrepresented in comedy spaces)
- Have musical improv experience (bonus if you can accompany others in class or during a show)
- Bring clinical or educational experience working with adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, or other forms of neurodivergence
If you’re a strong, grounded teacher and passionate improviser—even if you don’t check these boxes—we still encourage you to apply.
Open 6/20/2025 - Close 7/11/2025
