promoting the value of improvisation to promote wellness in a public mental health setting

[Renee Sabshin]

I am working on a proposal to create therapuetic improv workshops in public mental health centers to promote wellness and recovery. Any advice on how to win over an administration on this idea? Any witty examples or quotes? I am being asked to provide research on the benefits of improv. Given the lack of this, I am looking at humor research. But, I think I'd better with a powerful story.

What do you all think? And thanks!

[Ann Feehan]

Hi Renee,
I'm the Coordinator for the Laughing Stock program that has been going on for over 8 years. BATS Improv gives free improv classes to those facing life-threatening illnesses. A hospital in San Francisco gives us free use of a large lounge area with windows out to a beautiful view (it's called the Gazebo).

I don't have 1 great "story" but we've collected quotes from participants ( I think they are online at improv.org).

A "mini story": We did a very simple showcase at a cancer center. There was a show with performers from the classes and a demo afterwards where the audience members could try out some games. After the demo, one lady remarked that she actually felt less pain than when she came into the auditorium.

I've read that you can't actually feel stress when you are laughing... it's too much of a release. I think besides finding community, people want to change their focus from illness to wellness, to be recharged with energy, to find out that they have other inner resources they may not have ever drawn upon.

[Renee Sabshin]

That is great! We had a person in the community who participated in a show tell us she had never spoken in public before. We have seen really great outcomes from improv and so really want to reach more people.

I looked at your website - what fun! I like how you broke down specific skills improv teaches. We have done something similar but your website is helping us to state our goals as clearly. Thanks so much!

[Gary Schwartz]

Renee,
Check out my article in Paradigm magazine of Addiction and Recovery. "The Power of Play". it's at www.spolin.com in 'articles and links'.
I use two good stories to illustrate the power of Spolin Games.

[Renee Sabshin]

Thank you for your help! I am familiar with your articles and have incorporated them!