8 minutes read time.

Can Acting Help with Social Anxiety? Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Drama

The short answer is, of course! Acting, by its nature is a practice of social interaction. Although the benefits of acting lessons are only recently being highlighted by the scientific community, actors have long seen the rewards of their training on their personal lives. If a person with anxiety can make it past the biggest obstacle (getting to class), it often becomes a life changing experience for them!

How Can Acting Help Overcome Social Anxiety?

Acting allows individuals to immerse themselves in different characters, emotions, and scenarios, in a structured environment to safely explore and navigate social interactions. Allowing participants develop social skills, build confidence, and confront their fears in a controlled way.

What’s remarkable, having gone through my own battle with anxiety, is watching people transform through their experience. Those who once felt paralyzed by fear in social situations begin to find their voice, express themselves freely, and navigate their lives with greater ease.

I can remember a time where 24/7, non-stop I was riddled with anxiety. Today, I happily tell you I rarely experience an anxious thought, and when I do, I have the tools to deal with it immediately. This is thanks, in large part to the tools I learned from my training as an actor.

Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is an incredibly complex and isolating experience. When fear dominates every social interaction, avoidance becomes the next logical step. Slowly, that behavior seeps into every corner of life—you go out less, connect less, and experience less. Over time, the fear limits interactions and reduces the fullness of life itself, keeping the person with anxiety from the opportunities and connections that make life meaningful.

Benefits of Acting for Individuals with Social Anxiety

Engaging in acting classes offers several benefits:

• Building Confidence: Performing in front of others can reduce self-consciousness and increase self-esteem over time. Acting provides a controlled environment where individuals can challenge their fears in manageable steps. The experience of rehearsing and performing in a safe, supportive group setting helps participants acclimate to being the center of attention. With each successful performance, they gain a sense of accomplishment and a boost in confidence, which often translates into other areas of their lives, such as speaking up in meetings or initiating conversations.
• Enhancing Communication Skills: Acting requires clear expression and active listening, which are transferable to real-life interactions. When delivering lines or responding to a scene partner, actors must articulate their thoughts effectively and remain attentive to cues from others. These skills are invaluable in everyday interactions, from making small talk to handling professional discussions. Additionally, learning how to interpret and convey non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, equips individuals with tools to navigate social situations more effectively.
• Encouraging Emotional Expression: Portraying various characters allows individuals to explore and express emotions safely. Acting often involves accessing and portraying emotions such as joy, anger, sadness, or fear, enabling participants to process their own feelings in a constructive way. This practice helps individuals break through emotional barriers and fosters a greater understanding of their inner experiences. By stepping into the mindset of different characters, participants learn empathy and gain insights into diverse perspectives, enriching their personal growth and emotional resilience.

Why Does Acting have such an impact on Social Anxiety?

The therapeutic effects of acting may be attributed to:

• Empathy Building
  Empathy requires individuals to imagine themselves in someone else’s situation, focusing on how that person might feel or think. This process diverts attention away from self-criticism and self-consciousness, encouraging understanding and connection.
• Reducing Self-Focus
  A significant characteristic of social anxiety is an excessive inward focus—constantly monitoring one’s actions, appearance, or words. Acting disrupts this cycle by engaging the individual in external tasks, such as responding to scenarios or embodying a specific character.
• Building Social Skills
  Acting is also an effective way to develop practical social skills in a safe environment. Whether it’s practicing small talk, handling conflict, or improving public speaking, repeated exposure through acting helps individuals:

Studies Supporting Acting as a Therapeutic Tool

• Improvisation and Anxiety Reduction:
  Study: “Thera-prov: a pilot study of improv used to treat anxiety and depression”
  Authors: Kristin R. Krueger, Jonathan W. Murphy, and Andrea B. Bink
  Published in: Journal of Mental Health, 2019
  Abstract: This pilot study explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a therapeutic improvisation (thera-prov) intervention for individuals with anxiety and depression. Participants engaged in a four-week program combining improvisational theater exercises with group therapy sessions. Results indicated significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as improvements in self-esteem.
  Access: Thera-prov: a pilot study of improv used to treat anxiety and depression
• Improv Training in Adolescents:
  Study: “The use of improvisational theater training to reduce social anxiety in adolescents”
  Authors: Peter Felsman, Colleen M. Seifert, and Joseph A. Himle
  Published in: The Arts in Psychotherapy, 2019
  Abstract: This study examined the impact of a 10-week improvisational theater program on social anxiety symptoms among adolescents. Nearly 270 middle and high school students participated, with findings indicating significant reductions in social anxiety symptoms post-intervention. The study suggests that school-based improv theater may serve as an effective, low-stigma intervention for social phobias and anxiety disorders.
  Access: Improvisational Theater for Psychological Health
• Improv as a Clinical Tool:
  Study: “Thera-prov: a pilot study of improv used to treat anxiety and depression”
  Authors: Kristin R. Krueger, Jonathan W. Murphy, and Andrea B. Bink
  Published in: Journal of Mental Health, 2019
  Abstract: This pilot study explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a therapeutic improvisation (thera-prov) intervention for individuals with anxiety and depression. Participants engaged in a four-week program combining improvisational theater exercises with group therapy sessions. Results indicated significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as improvements in self-esteem.
  Access: Thera-prov: a pilot study of improv used to treat anxiety and depression
• Improv Training and Uncertainty Tolerance:
  Study: “Improv experience promotes divergent thinking, uncertainty tolerance, and affective well-being”
  Authors: Peter Felsman, Sanuri Gunawardena, and Colleen M. Seifert
  Published in: Thinking Skills and Creativity, 2020
  Abstract: This research provides evidence that improvisational theater experience enhances divergent thinking, tolerance for uncertainty, and affective well-being. Participants who underwent improv training demonstrated significant improvements in these areas compared to control groups, suggesting that improv can be a valuable tool for psychological health and social skill development.
  Access: Improv experience promotes divergent thinking, uncertainty tolerance, and affective well-being

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While acting can be highly beneficial, individuals may face challenges such as initial fear of performing or discomfort in group settings. It’s essential to ensure a supportive environment and consider starting with smaller groups or one-on-one sessions.

Comparing Acting to Other Therapeutic Activities

Acting shares similarities with other therapeutic activities like public speaking courses or group therapy, all of which involve practicing social interactions in controlled environments. However, acting uniquely combines creativity with emotional exploration, offering a distinct avenue for personal growth.

Expert Opinions on Acting as a Treatment for Social Anxiety

Terry Knickerbocker, Director of Terry Knickerbocker Studio suggests “Being too self-involved often triggers social anxiety. Not that people who feel anxious in social situations are narcissists — but they tend to have their attention turned inward rather than outward. When your attention is on yourself, you get anxious. However, when your attention is focused on another person or an activity, your anxiety usually dissipates.

People with social anxiety are worried about the future rather than the now — “What should I say next? What if I say something that makes me look dumb/silly?” “What if they don’t like me?”

Learning to be present and a better listener is a big part of our actor training. Being in the moment and building an experience organically — be it a conversation or scene — is the quickest and simplest way to catapult yourselves out of an anxious headspace and into contact with another human being.” –Psychology Today article by Sean Grover,

Conclusion

Social anxiety boxes people into an invisible cage, limiting how they connect, express, and experience the world. Taking what is an already a complicated world and making it seem even more overwhelming. Acting has been shown to be an amazingly effective tool for overcoming stress and anxiety, providing an opportunity break free from the confines of a fearful mind.

Acting is a practice of facing fears, and staying present. There’s nothing like it in this world… A safe space, where a group of non-judgemental, growth oriented individuals create, play, share – vulnerably exploring the farthest reaches of the human experience.

A chance to reclaim the joy of being seen and heard. To take control back from the fears that have been holding you down, and to learn to express yourself from your truth without any shame what so ever.

I hope you take this as your cue to take a chance on an acting class, they’ve been a massive part in my journey of overcoming my anxieties and becoming a more engaged, happy and present person. I’m sure, with the right teacher and a good supportive group, they can do the same for you!

Make sure to let the teacher know your coming with the primary goal of challenging your social anxiety.

I know it’s not always easy, but remember it’s our challenges that define our character. There’s light on the other side of the tunnel.

You’re on the right path!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can acting classes replace traditional therapy for social anxiety?

While acting classes can be beneficial, they are generally considered a complementary approach and should not replace traditional therapy without consulting a mental health professional.

That being said, I went the traditional route with a psychologist for the first 2 years of the onset of my anxiety with almost no results, besides a lot of spending, and a lot more thinking. It wasn’t until I began treating my anxiety with alternate approaches like acting that I started to see real tangible results.

In hindsight, my reasoning for this is with the psychologist we spent all of our time talking about the problem and solution ultimately leaving me feeling less good at the end of most sessions, as my mind become anxious about the therapists ability to help me. Compared to acting classes where it was all active, we didn’t talk about the problems, we we’re on our feet testing the fears themselves. My mind said “I cant do it”, but my body did it anyway – and so I began to learn over time that the voice in my head was not telling me the truth. Slowly changing the strength of my minds grasp over my life.

2. Do I need prior acting experience to benefit from acting classes?

No prior experience is necessary. Many acting classes are designed for beginners and focus on building foundational skills in a supportive environment.

Just be sure to inform the instructor you’re coming for the goal of overcoming anxiety

3. How do I find acting classes suitable for individuals with social anxiety?

Look for classes that emphasize personal growth, confidence-building, and a supportive atmosphere. Reach out to the teacher, or organization and tell them what you are hoping to achieve. Its well known within the acting community to be an effective way to treat a lot of social challenges so you shouldn’t have any issues.

4. What if I feel too anxious to join an acting class?

It’s normal to feel apprehensive. Consider starting with observation, attending. We always offer the option to audit a class to see what it’s like before joining, most schools should offer this as well.

Ready to give it a shot? Or have some more questions?

Sign up for Classes, Private Training, or Find out More!

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