08/31/2024
This is a class I do. If you know anyone that can use it, feel free to reach out to me.
CURTAIN UP! ANXIETY DOWN! IMPROV CLASS STARTS SEPT. 16
Imagine being warm and engaging when meeting people for the first time.
For so many people with social anxiety, meeting and greeting means gritting their teeth and plunging into hell. Having to speak in public, whether to a large or small group, feels like standing in front of a firing squad. A social event finds you wishing you were anywhere else rather than standing at the edge of a group trying to find something—anything---to say. Even ordinary conversation can cause a racing heart and a sensation of dread.
Curtain Up! Anxiety Down! is a class that uses improvisation to help people with social anxiety learn to cope with self-doubt, move beyond fears and successfully and happily take part in social and business functions. Theatre producer and creativity coach Lesly Fredman and psychotherapist and development coach Murray Dabby have led the class for over a decade and know that not only does it take courage and commitment to learn how to manage anxiety—but also that it can happen through play!
“We have found that our most powerful tool is playfulness,” says Lesly. More and more, play is being seen as essential for maintaining physical health and a sense of well-being. Studies have shown it can relieve stress, help with problem-solving, allow relaxation, and enhance social connectedness. Every class that Murray and Lesly have led over the past decade has created opportunities for participants to experience breakthroughs through the act of playing.
Combining movement, improvisational exercises and theatre games, with group processing has helped, often dramatically, to lessen and improve management of anxiety in class participants. “The difference between typical improv classes and our work,” says Murray, “is that we move slowly and deliberately into exercises, offering much time for processing feelings, and learning about applications in life.”
All of the class play takes place in a safe and encouraging environment. “You’re challenged but everyone is very supportive so feelings of being ‘stupid’ or ‘foolish’ go away quickly. No matter how much anxiety you have, you will not die. You are able to do it and the group is there to catch you if you fall..." said a former student.
Class begins Monday, September 16th at 6:30 p.m. For more information and to register, go to www.curtainupanxietydown.com or contact murray@atlantasocialtherapy.com to make a deposit to join. The class will be held in person. Masks are welcome if you feel a concern for safety. Limited scholarships are available. Contact Murray (404-545-2285) if you have any questions. Please feel free to share this information with friends, family members, colleagues whom you think might find it beneficial.
A new approach to social anxiety, social phobia and shyness Curtain Up, Anxiety Down Theatre professional and creativity coach Lesly Fredman and psychotherapist and development coach Murray Dabby, LCSW have teamed up to provide a new and innovative approach to helping people who suffer from social a...
