Enrolling in a Drama/Theatre class?

[kuhtreen]

I've heard people say that they got over shyness by joining a drama group. I kind of want to do this, but wanted to get your opinions on it first.
I'm afraid that it will only cause more damage than good, you know? Because I just know that I will be so hard on myself and dwell on the multiple times that I embarrassed myself. I don't want to leave the class being worse off than I was at the beginning. But then again, it just might help me like it has helped other people.
What do you think? Should I go for it...or is it too much to jump into? Should I start off with something smaller and not as extreme?

 

[Len]

I think it would be ok if the drama group was mostly composed of like-minded people i.e. those wanting to improve confidence. If the group were amateur actors then I think it might be a bit intimidating.

Perhaps you can start your own drama group for people with social phobia.

On the whole though, I think it would be a great idea to boost your confidence - kind of like exposure therapy.

 

[sabbath92002]

Go for it! It's a brilliant way to channel your emotions into something you believe in. Of course you'll be anxious at times, but you'll see how easily you can trick yourself and others to believe otherwise. Acting is about showing the stupidity and bravery of the human condition.

 

[Helyna]

I've heard that all performers are shy inside. I don't believe all are, but drama is supposed to be an escape from yourself. You should try it. Make sure it's strictly a beginner's class. You'll get more nervous people that way. Give yourself time to get into it. Good luck!

 

[kuhtreen]

Thanks for all your input guys!

 

[shield]

You can't leave worse. You will learn ways to cope with negative things if you confront them. Drama class is a great idea and probably the best thing you can do to get over shyness. Warning- it is also the hardest.

 

[Jagged]

I took a drama class to try to combat my SA and failed it.
To me it's been one of the worst classes I had in college.
I had to be in front of the whole group of people critiquing me and that was enough for me. I hated it.

But if you'd like it then go ahead.

 

[kuhtreen]

I took a drama class to try to combat my SA and failed it.
To me it's been one of the worst classes I had in college.
I had to be in front of the whole group of people critiquing me and that was enough for me. I hated it.

But if you'd like it then go ahead.

I definitely don't think I'd like it. I just thought it might force me to be more outgoing and confident. Thanks for sharing your experience...I think the outcome would probably be the same for me.

 

[autumn_82]

I took a drama class to try to combat my SA and failed it.
To me it's been one of the worst classes I had in college.
I had to be in front of the whole group of people critiquing me and that was enough for me. I hated it.

But if you'd like it then go ahead.

I took a Theater class during summer session. I got a good grade, but it was a really difficult class to get through for me, for the same reasons: the group of people critiquing me--the terror of speaking in front of people and being scrutinized. At the time I was just too painfully shy to benefit much from it. All i can say is that I give myself credit for getting through it. I guess it just wasn't the right way to challenge my SA. Challenging myself to make small talk with people works better.