Drama and improvisation classes to manage anxiety and depression in youth

This study is testing whether improvisation exercises—games and activities where you perform spontaneously—can help children and teenagers reduce anxiety and depression. Some participants will take improvisation classes combined with wellness techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy (a talk-based approach to managing emotions), while others will take improvisation alone, and a comparison group will do craft projects together.

Many young people struggle with anxiety and depression, and researchers want to find accessible, supportive ways to help them manage these feelings outside of traditional therapy. This program is designed as a preventative approach that could work alongside other treatments.