Fear Experiment℠

To learn the when, where, & what of the next Fear Experiment℠, fill out the form at bottom of page.

If you’re interested in being an instructor, partner, or sponsor, head here.

 

Fear Experiment℠ (FE) is a unique way to create community, push oneself, learn something new, and have fun. Strangers come together to learn an art form, rehearse for two and a half months, and then are rock stars for a night, in front of hundreds. For people not looking to be the next Baryshnikov or Tina Fey but looking to challenge themselves, meet others, and have a consistent source of laughter and support.

Past art forms have included dance, improv, a capella, storytelling, stepping, and Broadway.

The criteria to participate?

  • You sign up solo*
  • Your inner-you should be saying “You want me to do what?!” AND/OR your inner-you should feel an excitement you haven’t felt in a while
  • You’re a nice human being

*Signing up solo ensures everyone’s the new kid and encourages you to leave behind the security blanket of familiar faces to counterintuitively make it easier to create new relationships.

FE is for complete newbies, for folks who’ve taken a class or two, for folks who majored in the art form in college—it doesn’t matter your experience level. What matters is your interest in being a part of an awesome community and that something about the experience instills a bit ‘o fear in you, and/or a giddiness that feels good cause adulthood is too gosh darn serious much of the time.

Through 14 iterations, almost 400 adults and 50 underserved youth have participated in the program, and over 7000 people have attended the show, including multiple theater sell-outs.

Have you ever experienced a 750-person standing ovation? For everyday people challenging themselves? It’s magical, both for those giving it and those receiving it.

FE is adult summer camp and an adult recital rolled into one unforgettable experience.

Participant Testimonials

"I’d probably rank my experience in FE as one of the top five best experiences of my life. It’s very rare to meet so many amazing, adventurous, open-minded, and accepting people when you’re an adult.”

“All of you wonderful, positive people came into my life at the most perfect time and I now can’t even imagine life without all of you.”

“My mother, after the show: ‘Did you take a pill? Are you on drugs?’ Me: ‘What? No! I mean, I took an Allegra earlier . . . ?’ Mother: ‘Well, I just have never seen you so happy. I figured you were on some magical upper.’ There you have it. FE has made me so happy my own mother thinks I’m dabbling in illegal drugs.”

“Participating in FE was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Saya has a gift for bringing diverse communities of people together and her talent for this was on display throughout the how FE process. Working with complete strangers toward a common goal—the big show—was the perfect starting place for personal growth and building deep personal relationships. I am a better person for having gone through FE.”

“One of the great things about FE was that, while scary to put on a show for such a large crowd, it was structured in such a way that it was impossible to fail. Going in we knew that we didn’t really know what we were doing, but everyone knew it, and was supportive, and that’s what made it so easy to put on a great show regardless.”

“The best thing about Fear Experiment is that it introduced me to an incredible group of strangers who quickly became friends. Our ages spanned nearly four decades and our occupations were all over the board, including an accountant, professor, zoologist, photographer, social worker and lawyer. It is not a stretch to say that most of us might never have crossed paths if not for Fear Experiment.”

View Cheese-It Testimonials →

Audience Testimonials

“Fear Experiment is my third favorite concert . . . behind Michael Jackson and Cher.”

“It was the best evening out I’ve had in a long time and I would recommend the show to anyone! I left feeling warm-hearted and inspired!”

“I have to admit that watching my daughter take part in the Fear Experiment was a real experience for me. I am so proud of her for taking on something so outside her comfort zone. Standing up on stage and doing improv would never have occurred to me when I was her age and I honestly wish I lived closer to the city so I could try it now.”

“It’s a pleasure to witness people living out loud.”

“I’ve never seen (my sister) so happy and confident.”

“I didn’t know what to expect from this show. I was excited to go, but did not expect to be blown away. I have a penchant for live shows, mostly of the musical nature. I try to take in as many as possible and FE, by far, exceeded a lot professional acts I have seen in regards to OVERALL entertainment.”

“Fear Experiment was such an incredible show that I was moved to tears at certain parts. I think part of why it’s such a cool thing is because every single person in that room has been or is afraid of something, and we could instantly relate to everyone on stage . . . and then were also instantly inspired by them because there they were, facing their fears, in front of a giant audience. It was such a well put-on show that I can’t wait to see (or maybe sign up for) the next one.”

View Cheese-It Testimonials →

Fill out below to learn when the next Fear Experiment℠ is announced so you can decide if you’d like to apply. It’s suggested that you also choose any of these other communication avenues to ensure you get the announcement.

First & Last
Make sure type this correctly and that you add Saya Hillman, SayaATmacncheeseproductionsDOTcom to your address book to ensure you get FE emails.
What art form are you most interested in?(Required)
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