About the Program

Improv for Adults Who Stutter brings together the dynamic energy of improvisational theater with evidence-based communication and fluency techniques to empower adults who stutter. Facilitated by a speech-language pathologist with a background in improv performance and coaching, you’ll engage in improv warm-ups, games, and activities designed to boost confidence and group cohesion. As a group, we’ll foster trust and delve into the fundamentals of improv, discovering the joy of spontaneous co-creation while learning effective communication and fluency-enhancing techniques.

Approach

Building Confidence

This program focuses on building confidence in communication through playful improvisation. Participants learn to trust their instincts, embrace spontaneity, step out of their comfort zones, and STUTTER WITH CONFIDENCE!

Radical Acceptance

Learning improv is an exercise in radical acceptance. It trains you to accept yourself, accept others, and accept the reality of the moment without judgement. The fundamental improv tenet of “yes, and…” represents agreement with whatever choice you or your scene partner has made, followed by a response that builds on that choice. Practiced over time, improv trains your brain to be okay with feeling uncomfortable moment-to-moment. It leads to increased tolerance for risk-taking, the unknown, and the awkward or weird. By doing improv, you become more able to engage authentically and confidently in the moment rather than being distracted by feelings of inadequacy or judgment.

Embracing Mistakes

Mistakes are a natural part of communication. Rather than fearing them, we celebrate them! We create a safe space where mistakes are seen as unexpected opportunities for creativity, support, and “following the fun”. Mistakes are met with laughter and encouragement, fostering a positive mindset.

Stuttering Proudly

Stuttering is not a flaw; it’s a unique aspect of who you are. Our program encourages participants to stutter proudly. We explore techniques to embrace moments of disfluency, transforming them into powerful expressions of authenticity.

Building Community

The group-oriented nature of improv offers a supportive environment where participants connect with others who share similar experiences. Through group activities, discussions, and shared laughter, we build trust and connection.

Integrating Fluency Enhancing Techniques

While we celebrate stuttering, we also recognize that it can be helpful to have a few tools in your pocket to use during moments of stuttering. This is why this program integrates evidence-based fluency-enhancing techniques into improv activities. Participants learn practical tools to enhance fluency while maintaining their unique voice.

Tailored to You

Each session is tailored to the individual goals and interests of the members of our group. It is guided by the group’s discoveries, observations, and experiences during improv activities and discussions.

Join Us!

Join us for the Improv for Stuttering group! Discover the joy of self-expression and have fun connecting with other people.

Participants

Any adult who stutters.

Dates: 6-Week Session Summer 2024 (details TBD)

Time: TBD

Location: Portland, Maine metropolitan area (TBD)

Cost: $180

Sign Up!

Interested in signing up for this program? Want to stay in the loop about updates to scheduling and future Improv for Adults Who Stutter groups? Complete the form below!