S2E3: 

Embodied improv: Embracing vulnerability with Sarah Edwards Waldrop and Sofia Apuzzo

Host: Mike Garvin

Guests: Sarah Edwards Waldrop and Sofia Apuzzo

This episode is part of a series of episodes interviewing leaders of identity-affirming improv workshops as a part of an Unscripted initiative called Changing the Face of Improv Leadership, funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission.

In this special Changing the Face of Improv Leadership series episode, Sofia shares her journey developing and leading a movement-centered improv workshop rooted in embodiment and play. Alongside mentor Sarah Edwards Waldrop, she explores slowing down, creating safer spaces, and stepping beyond perfectionism to embrace vulnerability. The conversation dives into the power of movement as a pathway to authenticity, the courage of doing what scares us, and how improv can reconnect us to freedom in our bodies and our stories.

About the Guests:

Sarah Edwards, Director of Advocacy Through the Arts at Friends Life Community, has created opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to be the face of social change they want to see in the world through the arts. Leveraging the tactics of drama therapy, Sarah and her team facilitate programs that help individuals find their voice, tell their stories, and connect with others through shared experiences. As a registered drama therapist, she empowers each participant to create original work so that they build confidence, learn to self-advocate, and become more empowered in all aspects of their life. Enthusiastic and versatile, Sarah is attuned and responsive to the strengths, needs, and possibilities of an individual at any age and cognitive functioning. By using person-centered approaches that are clinically based, yet creatively implemented, clients create their own healing through original work, process, and performance reaching an overall deeper understanding of self and others.

Sofia Apuzzo is a Nashville-based movement artist and improviser with a background in dance. Through Unscripted’s leadership program, she designed and facilitated a movement-centered improv workshop focused on embodiment, play, and self-trust. Passionate about creating spaces where people can reconnect with their bodies and explore beyond perfectionism, Sofia brings physicality, vulnerability, and deep curiosity to her artistic work.

Improvised Ad by Sebastian Posey and Owen Sullivan.

Executive Producers: Christina Ashworth + Emma Supica

Editing: Cammie York

Mixing: Dave Strumfeld

Graphic Design: Cammie York

A project of Unscripted, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Nashville, TN. We heal, empower, and connect our community through equitable and accessible improv programs.