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Improv Comedy for Social Anxiety

confidence · hard · 2 hours per week for classes

What is Improv Comedy for Social Anxiety?

Take an improv class to rewire your fear of judgment. Improv's core rule — 'Yes, and...' — teaches you to accept whatever happens and build on it. Studies show improv training reduces social anxiety, increases spontaneity, and builds genuine confidence.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEmoderate

How do you do Improv Comedy for Social Anxiety?

  1. 1.Find a beginner improv class in your area (search 'improv comedy classes near me') — most theaters offer drop-in workshops
  2. 2.If in-person feels too scary: start with online improv games (YouTube improv exercises you can do solo or with a friend)
  3. 3.Practice the 'Yes, and' rule in daily conversations: instead of disagreeing or deflecting, accept what someone says and add to it
  4. 4.Key improv principles to practice daily: make your partner look good, there are no mistakes (only offers), be present (don't plan ahead)
  5. 5.Commit to 8 weeks of weekly classes. The first class is terrifying, the third is fun, and by week 8 your relationship to embarrassment is fundamentally different

How long does it take?

2 hours per week for classes.

Is it hard to start?

hard.

Source: Felsman et al. (2020, Thinking Skills & Creativity), Second City works, applied improv research
confidence · anxiety · relationships · creativity · emotional
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This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.