Social dramatics is a therapeutic and educational program that can act as a mirror to reflect images of the self in action with others. It is the modality for experiential learning to correct social dysfunction by providing models for imitation, opportunities to practice and develop individual forms from that model, and risk free environments for a trial and error learning system as well as instructional guidance. As such it should be distinguished from psychodrama. Social dramatics is the role playing of human relations, with the avoidance of psychological areas, whereby each individual becomes aware of, and responsible for, his or her own social interactions. It is social interaction, social training--not psychotherapy. The absence of catharsis in a social dramatics interaction further separates it from psychodrama. In psychodrama the emotional catharsis is the purgating element that brings about insight. In social dramatics, no such emotional catharsis is ever approached, ever allowed to begin, because it is the intellectual understanding of the social ill that is paramount, and any emotional interruption will decrease the amount of learning taking place. Improvisation requires clear thinking, and the flow to catharsis must always be interrupted. Consequently, the director must always be on guard to interrupt the cathartic flow. Social dramatics is not entertainment. It can be dangerous, and the strength and control of the director is its only safety valve. (HOD)