Improv for Coping with Stress and Anxiety Workshop
Monday, January 12, 6–9 pm
Off Cabot Comedy & Events, 9 Wallis St, Beverly
Feeling stressed or anxious? This workshop offers practical tools for managing stress and anxiety through the playful framework of improvisational exercises. Participants will learn how the nervous system responds to stress and walk away with self-regulation strategies that promote calm and balance.
We’ll also explore how these tools can be applied to everyday situations—navigating work meetings, handling challenging interactions, or, for improvisers, bringing more groundedness and authenticity to the stage.
No improv experience is required—just curiosity, openness, and a willingness to laugh and experiment. The space we create together will be supportive, playful, and focused on building resilience from the inside out.
Please note: This workshop is for educational and personal growth purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace mental health care.
About the Instructor
Rita Thompson, NBC-HWC
Rita is a National Board and Mayo Clinic–Certified Wellness Coach who helps individuals navigate life transitions, manage chronic stress, and build a greater sense of well-being. She has coached in clinical settings as well as through her private practice in Wenham, using a compassionate, evidence-based approach grounded in Positive Psychology and Motivational Interviewing.
Outside of coaching, Rita has been an improviser for over ten years, training at the Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC, Improv Asylum, and now performing with her team Unraveling. She blends curiosity, creativity, and presence from improv into both her workshops and her coaching practice.
This workshop is sold out, join the waitlist below!
Essex Improv Code of Conduct
Essex Improv is a safe and inclusive space. We uphold our community standards for the safety and security of our students and teacher. We have the right to terminate a member based on any breach of our code of conduct. Code of Conduct Essex Improv Does Not Tolerate Discrimination, Harassment or Sexual Harassment. Essex Improv prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation,gender, gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran or military status.