“There is a movement afoot using improvisational theatre to help people and improve lives in a wide variety of contexts. Therapists with a background in improvisational theatre have begun to incorporate it into their work, and they’re seeing positive results, particularly in the treatment of anxiety.
Improvisation is also correlated with improved academic performance in the classroom, and for decades improvisers have worked with patients with serious mental illness. Preliminary studies have shown enhanced daily functioning in patients with Parkinson’s disease who practice improvisational techniques. Improvisation has also been shown to increase well-being in patients with dementia.”