Warning: May cause confidence


In this issue:

  • Summer enrollment opens
  • Improv camp for kids
  • Community News
  • Improv research reveals WHAT?!
  • David's micro-lesson

Friends,

We are FINALLY entering into longer days, sun rays and plenty of warmth. Yes, Summer is upon us! (Unless you're like me, entering into Winter after an absolutely scorching Summer in Cape Town, South Africa).

If you're craving some fun, growth and connection this summer, our early summer class lineup is now LIVE, bringing you improv classes in every flavor!

Our new class, Improv for Personal Development, launched in our previous cycle, has been a real success! We've been exploring the applied improv approaches of Augusto Boal and Paulo Freire to help explore and unlock breakthrough in our students. Join us! This series aims to bring improv tools into daily life in order to help reduce social anxiety, confront seen/unseen fears, and build inner confidence.

Summer Camp!

This July, we're offering a one-week improv camp for middle schoolers and another for high-schoolers. Click below to learn more. Classes will be taught by Lisa Merlo-Weldon and David Koff

NEW Early Bird Pricing!

The first four or five people who sign up for classes will get a discount. Once those slots are filled, registrations will go to the normal cost, so take advantage while stocks last! Below are linkable images to our entire class lineup. Click to learn more.​


📰 Community Updates...

Congrats to Matt Keeslar and his duo "Dadvice"

Matt and his partner Ryan Gantz, fresh off the stage from their performances at the Edinburgh Improv festival — you read that right: SCOTLAND!! — performed this past weekend at Curious Comedy in their Sunday School show.

Congrats on both accomplishments, friends!

📣 News from the World of Improv Science

Improv Reduces Social Anxiety

Fun fact: Improvisation is especially powerful for people experiencing Social Anxiety Disorder and general social discomfort. This is because improv gently and repeatedly exposes you to uncertainty in a safe, supportive, and playful environment. In short, it normalizes "not knowingness".

As a result, longtime improvisers are able to more easily embrace and even enjoy situations where they might “get it wrong”. In improv, we practice speaking without a script, responding in real time, and get seen and supported by others who are rooting for you.

Research in psychology shows that this kind of exposure, when done safely, helps reduce anxiety over time. It builds tolerance for uncertainty and rewires the fear response associated with social risk. Even more importantly, improv shifts the goal. It’s no longer about being perfect. It’s about being present.

Over time, participants often notice that:

  • The fear of judgment starts to fade
  • Mistakes feel less threatening
  • Social interactions become more fluid and natural
  • Confidence grows through repeated, positive experiences

The more you practice “not knowing” and realize you’re still okay, the less power anxiety has over you, both on stage and in everyday life.


🧑🏼‍🎓 David's Micro-Lesson

The difference between a planning mindset and a discovery mindset can make ALL the difference in the world. Click play to learn more.

video preview​

We're looking forward to kicking off the sunny season with you, friends!

Warmly,
Brittney van Eck
Studio Manager, Change Through Play

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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Change Through Play Improvisation & Training Studio

Change Through Play is an improv studio and training center based in Portland, Oregon. We bring core teachings from the worlds of theater, improvisation, and psychology to help our clients become better communicators, collaborators, and leaders. We work with individuals as well as with some of the worlds most recognizable brands and companies.

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