Have social anxiety? This workshop could be your ‘lightbulb’ moment

Posted on 26 September, 2022

It may have a reputation as being popular with “drama geeks”, but an improv class can be the best medicine for tackling social anxiety in a playful and safe space.

Whether it’s a Zoom meeting, job interview or even an unexpected phone call, being put on the spot has become an intimidating prospect.

We’ve become so used to receiving text messages and emails that can be responded to in our own time, that it’s easy to forget how to live in the moment.

A new improv workshop run by Lightbulb Improv could be the ultimate antidote to this, encouraging Canberrans to come out of their shell, build confidence and embrace creativity.

Improvisation, or improv, is a form of live theatre where the plot, characters and dialogue of a scene or story are made up in the moment.

Lightbulb will launch a free two-hour trial improv workshop on 28 September for people to try out a class, with level one classes available from 26 October for those keen to continue.

Lightbulb will team up with Carlo Ritchie, known for his word play on SBS’s Celebrity Letters and Numbers, to guide the regular improvised theatre classes.

Founders of Lightbulb Improv, Amy Crawford and Lou Machonachie

Co-founder of Lightbulb Lou Machonachie says improv classes can build valuable social and business skills by encouraging participants to “fail without fear” and respond with confidence when something new is thrown at them.

“Improv lets you embrace the unknown,” Lou says.

“It’s not about getting it right. There’s too much pressure to always be right in our life.

“If you’ve never been on stage, that doesn’t matter. Improv is about connecting with others, helping you to think on your feet. It’s a supportive environment that embraces the idea of trusting yourself and failing joyfully.”

Along with helping to build social and business skills, Lightbulb co-founder Amy Crawford says improv classes nurture creativity in a supportive person-to-person surrounding; a welcome shift from the isolated or locked-down environments we have experienced in the last two years.

“Coming out of our COVID shells can be daunting, and this is a great way to interact, laugh and create again.”

Lightbulb are also offering a more advanced class with Carlo Ritchie, which will draw from his experience in building strong characters. Visit their website for more details.