Commedia uses half-masks (which means you can talk while playing a mask, while also living in a wildly expressive body). These masks represent archetypes: characters who exist across time, culture, and identity. For example: the rich old bastard. That person exists everywhere, and everyone can play them in their own way.

Commedia is rooted in a theatrical style from the Renaissance. But it is not the Renaissance now. I’m sorry to tell you. So Virginia has developed a particular approach that makes this work truly contemporary: playing these archetypes in our world, right now. (No bags of gold. No bags of gold.)

Here’s how you’ll grow:

And truly: it is so fun to do and to watch. Current favorite student quote: “My face hurts from laughing so much!”

📅WHEN
Saturday 8/1 and 8/2 | 10am - 5pm (each day)

📍LOCATION
Plays & Players
1714 Delancey Place,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Please note this is not a wheelchair accessible space.

💵 TUITION
$285

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We’ve got options! At checkout, select “Pay With Payment Plan” to see available plans, which may include splitting tuition into 3 or 4 smaller payments. Please note for Improv 1, all tuition must be paid by the first class. Please note: all payment plans may include processing fees.

We may also be able to offer AfterPay by request. This option allows you to enroll and continue making payments during the course. Since AfterPay is arranged manually, please email phillyclasses@xroadscomedy.com before registering if you’d like to use it.

🗣️WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
"I can’t express how happy I am with this course. Virginia is an exceedingly skilled instructor. Her notes and coaching made the course so valuable. Also the class really worked well together and we will keep in touch in an already formed group thread."

"Awesome class with an energetic teacher who was supportive and specific in her direction."

"I am so grateful for Virginia’s uncanny ability to push students into sometimes uncomfortable but always important spaces of self discovery. She not only structured and facilitated a very effective workshop but also was a constant model of the clown: finding delight, reacting honestly in the moment, and uncovering the zany, sad, ecstatic truths in the here and now."

🎓ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Virginia Scott directs and teaches physical theater. She directs the Commedia Company and Some Clowns, performing original commedia and clown shows respectively. Most recently she directed an original clown show with the third-year MFA students at ACT at the Strand Theater in San Francisco and Waiting for Godot at SUNY Purchase. Virginia teaches/has taught at schools such as Brooklyn College (MFA), ACT (MFA), The Juilliard School, Pace University, and Tisch at NYU, Movement Theater Studio, Berg Studio, The Idiot Workshops and Michael Howard Studio. She was a co-founder and faculty member of the Funny School of Good Acting and recently published through TCG Discovering the Clown: the Funny Book of Good Acting by Christopher Bayes with Virginia Scott. Virginia offers physical comedy training and coaching through her studio www.fizgig-studio.com.

📲CONNECT WITH US!
If you'd like to sign up for our newsletter you can do so here. If you're on social media you can follow us on Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, Facebook, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn. Our newsletter and social media are always the first stops for us to post new classes, discount codes, and other special offers.

💳 PAYMENT OPTIONS
Want to split your tuition into smaller payments? We’ve got options! At checkout, select “Pay With Payment Plan” to see available plans. If you have any questions email classes@xroadscomedy.com.

CLASS BUNDLE DISCOUNT
Taking two or more classes in the same session? You may be eligible for 15% off the total, regular price of enrollment! Includes core program courses 1-4 in Improv, Stand-up, Sketch Writing, or Storytelling. To take advantage of this discount offer please email classes@xroadscomedy.com before you enroll so we can get you set up.

REFER A FRIEND AND EARN A BONUS!
Bring a friend along for the fun! If you refer someone to one of our intro classes, and they enroll, you’ll each receive a $25 Crossroads Comedy Theater gift card good toward future classes or shows. Intro classes are classes with a “1” in the title, such as Improv 1, Writing 1, Musical Improv 1, or Stand-Up 1. Once they enroll, email classes@xroadscomedy.com and CC the person you referred, or the person who referred you. We’ll issue the gift cards within a few days after the class begins.

CODE OF CONDUCT
It boils down to this: Treat people with respect. We do not tolerate hateful, discriminatory, or disruptive behavior. Behavior that is racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or any other unacceptable behavior not here mentioned will result in removal from the class. We strive to be inclusive of all experiences. We are always learning and aim to keep the class safe and respectful for everyone. The use of recreational drugs, illegal drugs, and/or alcohol is not permitted during class. The use of substances in class or the impact of prior usage exhibited in disruptive ways in class may result in your removal from class. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page.

REFUND POLICY
All Crossroads Comedy Theater class sales are final. Please review all class dates, performance dates, policies, etc before enrolling. For full details of this policy, please review the FAQ on the Classes page. 

CROSSROADS @ WORK
Improv is not just for individuals. Organizations of all shapes and sizes partner with Crossroads to instill imperative business skills. Our customized applied improv workshops give you and your coworkers a chance to examine personal and group dynamics, focusing on practical skills like listening, sharing, leadership, being bold, conflict resolution, and working as a team. Our workshops are perfect for any group. Whether you are marketing professionals, sales teams, nonprofit volunteers, lawyers, c-level executives doctors, layers, doctorlawyers, lawoctors, nurses, athletes, circus clowns, and everything in between. Call us today and let us show you how we can help your team. Crossroads is also available to come to your for a one of a kind performance! Check out our business improv page for more information.

PRIVATE PERFORMANCES
Crossroads is now available to come to your organization or gathering for a special performance! Stand-up, improv, storytelling, or a mix of that and more are on the table for your event. Our most popular option makes you and your guests the star of the show! Three to five of your guests will tell stories that will inspire the hilarious scenes to follow. It's part tribute, part roast, and all in good fun. Imagine an anniversary party where people tell stories about the couple that are then used to create a hilarious, heart warming, and inspiring show just for you and your guests. That's the power of what we can do. Check out our hire us page for more information.