How Does Curtain Anxiety Help with Social Anxiety?

Going beyond traditional social anxiety therapy, which often focuses on internal thought patterns and triggers, Curtain Up Anxiety Down takes a performance-based, improvisational interactive approach. Some describe it as a playful exposure therapy to help with anxiety. Through improv exercises, role-playing, and guided social interactions, participants learn how to:

• Manage and embrace social anxiety, fear of failure, and nervousness in real-world situations
• Build confidence in conversations and group interactions
• Manage fears of judgement in social interactions
• Express emotions and thoughts freely without fear of judgment
• Improve public speaking skills and presentation abilities
• Develop better social and communication skills

By practicing in a playful, low-pressure setting, participants gradually rewire their response to social situations, making real-life interactions feel easier and more natural.

Why Improv Group Therapy Works

Improv-based therapy has been shown to be highly effective for anxiety treatment. It encourages participants to:

• Stay present in the moment, reducing overthinking and self-doubt
• Learn how to embrace offers and unexpected conversations as a gift.
• Practice spontaneity and adaptability, making social interactions feel less intimidating
• Engage with others in a supportive group, shifting focus from self-consciousness to connection
• Experiment with new social behaviors in a fun, pressure-free space

This unique group therapy approach in Atlanta helps people break free from social fears and develop emotional resilience while having fun in the process.

Meet the Program Creators: Lesly Fredman & Murray Dabby

The Curtain Up Anxiety Down program was founded by Lesly Fredman, an experienced theater professional and creativity coach, and Murray Dabby, a seasoned therapist specializing in social therapy. Together, they bring a blend of creative performance and social-psychological insight to help individuals overcome social anxiety and unlock their full potential.

Join the Curtain Anxiety Program in Atlanta

If you’re ready to reduce social anxiety, build confidence, and improve your communication skills, we invite you to join Curtain Up Anxiety Down at the Atlanta Center for Social Therapy.

• Location: 1758-B Century Blvd. Atlanta, GA
• Who It’s For: Adults struggling with social anxiety, stage fright, public speaking fears, or social discomfort
• Format: Group-based improv therapy sessions
• We are available to bring our workshop to your facility, workplace or group.

Don’t let anxiety hold you back. Step into the spotlight and take control of your confidence today.

Curtain up anxiety down:

Overcome Social Anxiety with Improv Group Therapy

Do you struggle with social anxiety, stage fright, or fear of public speaking? Do you find yourself avoiding social situations, feeling stuck in conversations, or struggling with confidence? If so, Curtain Up Anxiety Down—an innovative improv-based therapy program in Atlanta—can help.

Developed by Lesly Fredman and Murray Dabby, this unique program uses improvisational theater techniques along with therapeutic support to help participants step out of their comfort zones, reduce anxiety, and build confidence in social settings. Whether you’re dealing with social phobias, shyness, or general anxiety in group situations, depression or struggle with perfectionism, Curtain Up Anxiety Down provides a safe and supportive environment for growth.

Participant will be able to identify the theoretical principles of a creative performance based approach to clients’ growth and dealing with social anxiety.

Participant will explore the utilization of performance with multi where human development is involved.

Participant will define initial tools for utilizing creativity-based approaches in their therapeutic and work environments