Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Dealing with anxiety can be challenging, and individuals may find it difficult to find solutions that work for them. While there are many treatments available, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that theatre can have a positive impact on reducing anxiety levels.
Theatre is a form of art that involves storytelling through live performances. It allows individuals to express themselves in different ways, allowing them to explore their emotions and creativity. When individuals participate in theatre, they are encouraged to engage with their surroundings and to communicate their emotions, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety levels.
One way that theatre helps with anxiety is by providing an opportunity for individuals to be more present in the moment. When anxiety strikes, individuals may experience overwhelming feelings of dread or nervousness. Participating in theatre can help to redirect those feelings by providing an immersive experience that requires focus and attention. As a person engages with the performance, they become absorbed in the moment and immersed in the story, which can be a powerful way to distract from overwhelming feelings of anxiety.
Theatre can also help to build confidence and improve self-esteem. When individuals are involved in theatre, they are given the opportunity to express themselves in a creative manner, which can be a confidence boost. Additionally, by performing in front of others, individuals learn to embrace vulnerability and become more comfortable taking risks and exposing their emotions. This can be a valuable tool for dealing with anxiety, as it can help individuals learn to build resilience.
A study conducted by the University of Sheffield found that individuals who took part in theatrical activities reported lower levels of anxiety and increased levels of well-being. The study compared two groups of individuals, one who participated in theatre workshops and another who did not. The group that participated in theatre workshops reported a significant decrease in anxiety levels and an increase in well-being compared to the control group.
Another study conducted by the University of London found that theatre can help individuals improve their emotional regulation skills. Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and control one's emotions effectively, which is important in managing anxiety. The study found that individuals who were involved in theatre activities reported increased emotional regulation skills, which subsequently led to a reduction in anxiety levels.
The use of theatre as a therapeutic tool has also been supported by research. A study conducted by the University of South Carolina found that theatre therapy was effective in reducing anxiety levels in individuals with a history of trauma. The results of the study showed significant improvements in anxiety levels among participants who underwent theatre therapy compared to those who did not undergo such therapy.
Furthermore, the use of theatre performance as a way of communicating mental health issues has also been found to have positive impacts on reducing anxiety. A study conducted by the University of Western Ontario found that theatre performance is effective in reducing anxiety, particularly in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
Theatre can help to reduce anxiety levels, improve emotional regulation skills, and support individuals dealing with mental health issues. These findings suggest that theatre could be a useful tool for individuals who are struggling with anxiety and looking for ways to manage their symptoms. With further research, theatre could potentially become an established therapeutic tool in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
In conclusion, while theatre may not be a cure for anxiety, it can still be a valuable tool for coping with anxiety symptoms. The benefits of theatre include an improved sense of presence and confidence, as well as the opportunity to express emotions and engage with creativity. If you struggle with anxiety, consider trying theatre as a way to manage your symptoms and find a new, expressive outlet.
Elements of theatre that are helpful for anxiety include:
1. Improvisation: Improvisation exercises can help individuals with anxiety learn to think on their feet and be more comfortable with uncertainty. Improvisation allows individuals to practice being present in the moment, letting go of judgment and expectations, and building confidence in their ability to handle unexpected situations.
2. Role-playing: Role-playing exercises can help individuals with anxiety practice social interactions in a safe and supportive environment. Role-playing exercises can be particularly effective for individuals with social anxiety who struggle with initiating and maintaining conversations with others.
3. Body movement: Theatre exercises that involve body movement and physical expression, like dance and movement-based theatre, can help individuals with anxiety connect with their bodies and release tension. Physical expression can help individuals release anxious energy, reduce muscle tension, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation.
4. Script analysis: Analyzing scripts can help individuals with anxiety learn to identify and articulate their emotions more effectively. Script analysis allows individuals to explore and understand the motivations and emotions of characters, giving them a framework for understanding and communicating their own emotions.
5. Ensemble work: Collaborating with others in a theatrical ensemble can help individuals with anxiety feel more connected to a supportive community. Ensemble work provides individuals with the opportunity to build trust, work collaboratively, and support one another, all of which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation.
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These theatre activities are just a few examples of the many ways in which theatre can help individuals with anxiety. By providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their emotions and build social connections, theatre can help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
There are MANY theatre games and activities that can be helpful for kids with anxiety but here are a few of our favorites:
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1. "Mirror, Mirror" - In this game, two people stand facing each other. One person makes small, slow movements, and the goal of the other person is to mirror those movements exactly. This game can help kids with anxiety practice mindfulness and become more present in the moment.
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2. "Yes, And" - In this classic improv game, one person makes a statement, and the other person must respond with "yes, and…" and then add to that statement. This game can help kids with anxiety practice being more open and accepting of new ideas and situations.
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3. "Statues" - In this game, one person is the "sculptor" and the other person is the "clay." The sculptor directs the clay into various positions, and the goal of the clay is to hold that position as still as possible. This game can help kids with anxiety practice focusing and staying still, which can be helpful for managing anxiety symptoms.
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4. "Charades" - In this game, one person silently acts out a phrase, book, movie, or other concept, and the rest of the group tries to guess what it is. This game can help kids with anxiety practice being expressive and communicating non-verbally.
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5. "Storytelling Circle" - In this activity, each person takes a turn adding a sentence to a story. This game can help kids with anxiety practice their storytelling skills and build confidence in their ability to contribute to a group.
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These games and activities are just a few examples of the many theatre-based exercises that can be beneficial for kids with anxiety. By providing opportunities for kids to build social connections, practice mindfulness, and express themselves creatively in a supportive environment, theatre can be an effective tool for helping kids manage their anxiety symptoms.
"I have struggled with anxiety for years, but participating in theatre has been a game changer for me. It has given me the opportunity to channel my emotions and express myself creatively in a way that I never thought was possible. Theatre has enabled me to push my boundaries and build my confidence, which has helped me better manage my anxiety symptoms." - Alice, 24
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"Theatre has played a huge role in helping me overcome my anxiety. Before I started performing, I struggled with social anxiety and felt like I couldn't connect with others. Being on stage has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace vulnerability, which has helped me build meaningful connections with others. Through theatre, I have also learned to be more present in the moment, which has been a valuable tool in managing my anxiety." - Tom, 29
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"Theatre has given me an outlet to express my emotions in a healthy way. I used to feel so trapped in my own head, but when I'm performing on stage, I feel like I can let it all out." - Michael, 16
"When I'm acting, I feel like I can be someone else for a little while, and that can be really comforting when I'm feeling anxious. It's like I get a break from my own thoughts for a little while." - Amanda, 13
"I used to be really shy and anxious around new people, but being in theatre has helped me build confidence and become more outgoing. I'm not as scared to put myself out there anymore." - Ethan, 14
"In theatre, we learn to work together as a team, and that's been a really positive experience for me. I used to feel so isolated and anxious, but being part of a group has made me feel like I have people who support me." - Mia, 11
"When I'm on stage, I feel like I can be someone totally different, and that can be really liberating. It helps me forget about my own worries for a while and just focus on the moment." - Jesse, 15
These testimonials illustrate the many ways in which theatre can positively impact individuals with anxiety and provide them with the tools to better manage their symptoms.
Educate Theatre Camp's "Anxiety Busters" workshop in collaboration with Therapeutic Arts Science and Growth Mindset!
As everyone is getting ready for back to school, we know that it is typical for kids to have the ‘back to school’ jitters. Therapeutic Arts Science and Growth Mindset (TASGM) and Educate Theatre Camp (ETC) are teaming up to bring you a collaborative THERAPEUTIC THEATRE ART WORKSHOP!
Our experienced and highly trained staff is excited to share tools in the arts that are fun and educational! Join us for a 3 hour immersive workshop to boost confidence and bust anxiety!
During this workshop, the students will not only have fun; but they will learn very important tools to help alleviate anxiety and stress. With this unique collaboration and combination of ETC & TASGM curriculum, students will go home with twice the confidence, curiosity and creativity.
In addition, here is what to expect from the workshop:
Guided meditation and breathing exercises
Use of social scripts
Learning problem solving through improvisation
Scenario Role playing
Learning stress relief with water color
Mindful self-reflection
Enhancing connections with peers
….and more!
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