Atlanta’s socially anxious confront their fears through improv

Dabby, one of two creators behind the program, acts as the workshop’s development coach alongside fellow founder Lesly Fredman, a theater pro and creativity coach. Together, the two work with students through 12-week courses twice a year. From warming up with a quick chat in total gibberish to acting out as quirky characters on the fly, these classes take students out of their comfort zones and into a playful world free of judgment.

“It’s really important that we create a safe space for everyone,” Fredman said. “We’ve been very fortunate that people really start bonding pretty immediately during that first class. Part of it is because they’re sharing their anxiety and they’re finding out, ‘Oh, other people feel the same way.’ They feel a connection in that way. That’s really important for us too, for people to be able to feel comfortable so that they can play.”

By 12 weeks, Dabby said participants often feel far more comfortable. People who have never danced in public because of their phobias have started dancing. People who feared speaking to strangers are having full conversations, he said.

Among them is Atlanta filmmaker Jordan Shankman, a former student of “Curtain Up, Anxiety Down” who is bringing the workshop to the big screen. “Tightrope” is still in production, exploring how the improv class empowers people with anxiety disorders to face their fears.

“It’s a radically different approach to treating mental health problems (compared) to what’s normalized in our country,” Shankman said.

The local photographer and filmmaker explained that before visiting the workshop, his anxiety was “on track to ruining my life.” The class has since changed him, and from behind the camera, he believes he’s seen that same transformation in other students.

“I think exposure — putting yourself into the situation that you find most frightening — is the best treatment for social anxiety,” he said. “It’s just a really special, unique therapy/improv group that’s been profoundly effective for their participants.”

Decatur therapist Renee Hall-George has referred patients to the workshop to treat anxiety, reporting back that her patients have returned to her much improved. For anyone on the fence about seeking mental health treatment, traditional therapy or a novel improv class, the expert explained that help can take many forms.

“Our mental health is so connected to our physical health,” she said. “It’s really important, and we’re living in times that are really hard. Most people could use some connection. It doesn’t have to look like a therapist per se. Do you have good friends you can talk to? Do you have people that you can be really honest with and share what’s happening?

“Obviously I think therapy is fabulous, and I’m a big proponent. (But) it doesn’t have to be that. It doesn’t have to be therapy, but make sure you have support. Connection is so important.”

For those experiencing social anxiety, participating in the “Curtain Up, Anxiety Down” workshop, provides connection along with classes.