The Humor Bridge

A Bridge to a Better You

A middle schooler stands at one end of a footbridge while a group of friends waves him over from the far side

Every young person is capable of growth. Sometimes they just need a bridge.

The Humor Bridge runs six-week improv workshops that carry young people from isolation to connection — in schools and youth organizations across Los Angeles, with options statewide. Founded by a licensed psychotherapist and 20-year improv performer.

Bring The Humor Bridge to Your CommunitySee how it works
  • Built on doctoral research at USC
  • Founded by a licensed psychotherapist
  • Informed by principles of evidence-based practices
  • Serving LA, with options statewide

Why we exist

Young people today carry more isolation and anxiety than any generation before them. The Humor Bridge is the path across — a safe, structured place to laugh, take healthy risks, and find your footing.

Middle schoolers standing in a circle during an improv game, laughing as one of them acts out a scene

What a session looks like.

  1. Connect
  2. Play
  3. Reflect
  4. Grow
  5. Belong

Improv games, group collaboration, guided reflection — skills that walk out the door with them.

The six weeks, mapped.

Every group travels the same route — week by week, game by game.

1

Warming Up

Names, games, ground rules. Safety first, always.

Courage

2

Yes, And…

The golden rule of improv: accept, then build.

Curiosity

3

Big Choices

Bold moves in a room that cheers for you.

Confidence

4

Staying Steady

When a scene wobbles, we breathe and keep going.

Composure

5

Team Scenes

Making your partner look good is the whole game.

Compassion + Communication

6

The Ensemble

A closing showcase for the only audience that matters: each other.

Community

What changes.

  • increased confidence
  • reduced isolation
  • stronger communication and listening
  • willingness to take healthy social risks
  • stronger peer relationships

Every cycle includes before-and-after participant surveys, so your school or organization sees the change — not just feels it.

For schools & program directors.

Who runs the workshops?

Founder Dr. Anthony Owliaie — licensed psychotherapist, improv performer since 2007, teacher since 2008 — leads facilitation.

Where do they run?

Schools, after-school programs, camps, libraries, and youth organizations across Los Angeles, with options statewide.

What ages?

For elementary, middle-school, and high-school aged youth — every format meets the group where they are.

What does it cost?

Programs are tailored to your group — reach out and we'll shape one together.

The boy from the bridge smiles back with his arm around a friend as their group stands on park ground beyond the bridge landing

He made it across. Anyone else can too.

Bring The Humor Bridge to your community.

Bring it to your communityContact us