We launched our Yes And Fund in March 2026 because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to access the life-changing power of improv.
Already it has allowed us to offer free places on Discovering Improv this summer to people who due to financial barriers, would not otherwise be able to discover the joy of improv.
What the recipients expected
As part of the simple self-referral form, we ask applicants about why they wanted to take part in Discovering Improv. Here’s what our first recipients said:
“I think it would be a great way to learn to come out of my shell and become less afraid of how I might come across. I want to build trust in myself and learn to feel safe when I express myself.”
‘I’m hoping to improve my self-confidence, become more comfortable with expressing myself in front of people, and meet new people’
They recognise they can use improv to help with self-expression, resilience and importantly for fun and social connections. They use phrases like ‘step out of my shell’, ‘be able to reconnect with myself’, ‘build trust in myself’, ‘feel safe with self-expression’. Most importantly, they recognise that the chance to have a weekly opportunity to play during an improv session will help with being present physically and mentally in everyday life.
Improv and wellbeing
Our bursary applicants are looking for ways to build their self-confidence and resilience, sometimes following a difficult life experience or because of mental health challenges.
Applicants are looking for opportunities to build safe human connections as well as re-discover the joy of being themselves, and to take what they learn in improv into their daily relationships at work or at home.
‘Improve self esteem and make friends that will also ultimately mean I’m stepping outside my comfort zone’
‘Challenging my anxieties in a supportive environment.’
‘Doing something fun where I’m able to take a break from my thinking mind is going to improve overall wellbeing automatically.’
‘Creating joy and working collaboratively with others that I wouldn’t normally encounter’.
Feedback after Discovering Improv
The feedback from our bursary recipients this summer speaks for itself. After a six-week
course they talk about the freeing experience of having fun and disconnecting with the real world; as well as developing greater self-awareness and a renewed understanding of interactions with people in new situations.
Improved self-confidence is the biggest take away for everyone as they learn to fail joyfully, and engage confidently with their instructors and fellow students. One Yes And bursary recipient reported their self esteem and confidence doubling from 12 to 23 after taking part in the course.
‘The course was such a positive experience. The instructors were kind, supportive, encouraging and (unsurprisingly) very funny! One of the most valuable things I learned was to let go of the fear of getting things wrong. We were constantly reminded to shake off mistakes and even celebrate when things went wrong – because, ultimately, it doesn’t matter. That is a lesson I think I’ll carry with me far beyond improv.
Through the course, I have gained confidence, met and worked collaboratively with people I might never otherwise have encountered and had an enormous amount of fun along the way.’ ELLIE
‘The course has been great for laying the foundations and having a better understanding of how practicing improv would help with my insecurities and self-confidence. It would take more lessons and time for me to feel more confident and comfortable in the real world, but it is a strong place to start. On top of learning through practicing, I’ve also learned about concepts that help me reframe my perception of interactions with others and my contribution to the conversation. Concepts like sharing can be seen as giving (as opposed to taking space), and can be seen as an offer that people can choose to receive.
When it comes to having fun and disconnecting from the outside world for a few hours, I have not been disappointed. After the second or third lesson, I didn’t worry any more about going to the class, I was just feeling happy to go and play.’ ELSA
Yes And Fund
Can you support our Yes And Fund with donations to help us offer life changing moments for more people? Find out how you can help.
Or do you know someone who could benefit from the Yes And bursary? Please spread the word that applications are on a self-referral basis, via a simple form and are open year round. Anyone who feels they could benefit can apply for a bursary.
