Acting & Improv in Saskatoon: Frequently Asked Questions

About Blackbox Academy

Overview

What is Blackbox Academy?
What is Improv?
How does improvisation help with personal growth?
Questions about Acting.
Where can I take classes in Saskatoon?

What is Blackbox Academy?

We’re a performance school based out of Saskatoon, SK. Founded on over 30 years of combined performance experience, with a mission to to bring high quality Film, Television and Theatre training to Saskatoon.

What makes the training at Blackbox Academy unique?

Both Kristin and Graham spent their formal education years in the larger centres of Vancouver, and Calgary. Training and performing with some major players in the Film, Television, and Theatre space. Saskatoon is unique in the sense that the centre is only starting to become large enough to support a

What age ranges are classes for?

We offer classes for all ages, from as young as 4 years old, all the way up to seniors. As it turns out improvisation and performance in general is very healthy for all ages! We split children into their natural developmental age groups, and we align adults based on current skill level

Improvisation – FAQ

Can anyone do Improvisation?

Of course! We all improvise each and everyday anyway! Improvisation class is a great way to let loose and release excess energy. Its not only fun, but completely therapeutic. People who practice improv often report experiencing more joy and play in the rest of their lives, better connections with their friends and family, and difficult things becoming easier to navigate.

How does improvisation benefit personal growth and creativity?

Improvisation fosters personal growth by pushing individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace uncertainty. It builds resilience, as improvisers learn to handle mistakes and turn them into opportunities. Improvisation also enhances creative thinking by encouraging a flexible mindset, open to new ideas and solutions. In personal development, it helps build confidence, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability—skills that transfer to many areas of life, both professional and personal.

How can improvisation be applied outside of the arts?

Improvisation has broad applications beyond the arts, especially in fields requiring quick thinking and problem-solving. For example:

• Business: Improvisation is useful in meetings, negotiations, and brainstorming sessions, where flexibility and adaptability are essential.
• Education: Teachers often need to improvise to meet student needs and adapt lessons in real-time.
• Communication: In everyday conversations or conflict resolution, improvisation helps people think on their feet and respond to unexpected situations.
• Leadership: Leaders use improvisation to navigate challenges, make decisions with limited information, and motivate teams in dynamic environments.

In these contexts, the core principles of improvisation—adaptability, collaboration, and creativity—enhance productivity and innovation.

What are the basic principles of improvisation?

A few of the basic principals are;

Spontaneity:

Reacting and creating in the moment without pre-planning.

Listening:

Paying attention to what others are doing, whether it’s in music or conversation, and responding accordingly.

Acceptance:

In improv, a key rule is “Yes, and…”—agreeing with and building upon what others introduce, rather than negating it.

Adaptability:

Being flexible and open to unexpected changes, whether they come from the environment or from collaborators.

Creativity:

Thinking outside the box and generating novel ideas on the fly.

Can you explain the “Yes, and…” rule in improv and why it’s important?

The “Yes, and…” rule is a fundamental concept in improv comedy and other forms of improvisation. It means accepting whatever your scene partner or collaborator introduces (“Yes”) and then adding your own contribution to it (“and…”). This rule encourages collaboration, prevents blocking ideas, and creates a supportive environment for everyone involved. By saying “Yes,” you validate your partner’s idea, and by adding to it, you push the creative process forward, helping the scene evolve naturally.

Improv for Personal Development – FAQ

How does improvisation improve creativity?

Improvisation directly stimulates creativity by forcing individuals to think on their feet and generate ideas in real time. Because improvisation requires you to create something from scratch in the moment, it pushes you to explore new concepts, connections, and approaches that you might not otherwise have considered. It encourages thinking outside the box, often leading to unexpected and innovative solutions.

Can improvisation help reduce stress and anxiety?

Yes, improvisation can help reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of control, improvisation encourages mindfulness. When improvising, individuals are encouraged to embrace mistakes and unpredictability, which can create a sense of freedom and release. The playful, spontaneous nature of improv can be a great way to relieve tension, shift focus from worries, and boost emotional well-being.

How does improvisation foster better communication skills?

Improvisation enhances communication by promoting active listening and quick, effective response. In improv, you must listen carefully to what others are saying (and doing) in order to respond appropriately. This heightens your ability to understand, adapt to, and build on others’ ideas, improving both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. As a result, improv participants become better at reading social cues, offering constructive feedback, and collaborating.

In what ways does improvisation enhance problem-solving abilities?

Improvisation sharpens problem-solving skills by requiring individuals to think quickly and find creative solutions under pressure. When improvising, there’s no time to overanalyze or plan extensively, so participants must rely on their instincts, adapt to changing situations, and trust their ability to find a way forward. This practice strengthens critical thinking, adaptability, and resourcefulness, all key components of effective problem-solving.

Does improvisation build confidence?

Yes, improvisation builds confidence by teaching individuals how to embrace uncertainty and handle failure. Since improv encourages taking risks and making mistakes without fear of judgment, it helps participants become more comfortable in situations that feel unpredictable. As people practice improvisation, they become more self-assured in their ability to react spontaneously, trust their instincts, and tackle challenges head-on, both in performance and in life.

How does improvisation promote collaboration and teamwork?

Improvisation is inherently collaborative. Success in improv depends on the group’s ability to work together, build on each other’s ideas, and support one another. The “Yes, and…” rule, which encourages accepting and adding to a partner’s contributions, fosters a team-oriented mindset. This strengthens trust and communication among team members, making them more comfortable sharing ideas and working toward a common goal.

Can improvisation improve adaptability in everyday life?

Absolutely! Improvisation trains individuals to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. In an improv setting, things rarely go according to plan, and participants must adjust on the fly. This builds flexibility, allowing individuals to stay calm and resourceful when faced with unexpected situations in everyday life, whether it’s navigating a surprise challenge at work or responding to an unforeseen change in plans.

How can improvisation enhance leadership skills?

Improvisation helps develop leadership skills by teaching leaders to think quickly, make decisions with limited information, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. Leaders who practice improv learn to stay present and focused, make confident decisions in the moment, and inspire others to contribute their ideas. Additionally, improv fosters empathy and understanding—important qualities in leadership, as it encourages active listening and collaboration.

Can improvisation help improve emotional intelligence?

Yes, improvisation enhances emotional intelligence by encouraging greater self-awareness, empathy, and social awareness. In an improv setting, individuals must be tuned into their own emotions and reactions, as well as those of their partners. This helps develop better emotional regulation and the ability to navigate social dynamics, both of which are key components of emotional intelligence. Improv also promotes resilience, as participants learn to cope with failure and disappointment in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

What role does improvisation play in fostering innovation?

Improvisation plays a key role in fostering innovation by creating a space where unconventional ideas can emerge without the pressure of perfection. In a work or creative environment, improvisation encourages out-of-the-box thinking and the freedom to explore new possibilities. When improvising, people are more likely to experiment, take risks, and come up with unique solutions or approaches—important ingredients for innovation. The unstructured nature of improv can spark breakthroughs by allowing individuals to think more freely and explore ideas that may have been overlooked in more rigid settings.

Acting – FAQ

How can I learn to Act?

Like any skill, acting takes time to develop. Some people are more natural, others require time become more grounded in a performance. Much of this has to do with how capable the person is of letting go. A majority of acting training, is un-training and grounding. A discovery of how to take action without demonstrating, or projecting emotions. By simply being

Step by step, the actor/actress trains their craft until the performance finds absolute truth.

Do I need to be extroverted to perform?

No! Many of the worlds most famous performers are introverts. You’d be shocked to see how quiet in conversation a performer could be that had only just commanded the stage with absolute perfection and boisterousness.

This is the craft of performance a mastery of body language and psychology.

Do I need an Agent to have a acting career?

Contrary to popular belief this is no longer the case. These days self-representation has become quite easy, granted you need to be appropriately trained so you don’t make a bad impression with casting directors. However, websites like Casting Workbook, or Actors Access are starting to give the power back to the performers. Self-tapings are recorded directly onto your phone using its camera and audio, and submitted to casting through their App. If your motivated and skilled, you can certainly create a career for yourself.

How do I get an agent?

Develop yourself as a performer first. If this is the route you wish to go, then your first job is to become as skilled as you possibly can. You need to be so natural in performance that an agent gets excited about the idea of representing you. Once you’ve reached a certain skill level then you can begin the process of submitting a Headshot, a Resume and a Cover letter to your agent(s) of choice. Do your research, be specific.

Which is more important, Talent, or Training?

A healthy mix of both is great! But, if your asking I would argue Training is definitely top of the list. Talent will only get you so far, those who love what they do, and commit to their training will no doubt surpass the person with just talent.

Can I be a professional Actor/Actress in Saskatoon?

Of course! As you would expect, based on the population density there are less opportunities here then the larger centres. Based on the 2021 Census Data Saskatoon (260k), Calgary (1.3m), Vancouver (2.4m), Toronto (5.6m).

The good news is not all auditions are not limited to your location. With the shift to self-tapes is a push to audition digitally, giving those living in smaller centres an opportunity they never had before.

To top it off, with the increased demand for content of all varieties theres a continued need for new, fresh, skilled performers and creators to tell the stories of the future.

How much do Film Actors make?

Base Union rates typically start around $1000/day, with non-union varying anywhere from volunteer to those same rates.

Once you have a following, a reputation, or are in demand in some way, those rates can drastically increase.

Do I need a degree?

No. A degree is helpful to get teaching jobs and perhaps connect with a fellow alumna currently in the industry who can help you, but otherwise it is of very little value in a casting call. They want to see your work not your certification.

Where in Saskatoon – FAQ

Where can I take acting classes in Saskatoon?

There are a few places to take acting classes in Saskatoon. 1. Persephone Theatre 2. The University of Saskatchewan 3. Blackbox Academy

Where can I take improv classes in Saskatoon?

There are occasional improvisation workshops run by the Saskatoon Soaps, Ladybits Improv or the USask group. Blackbox Academy offers weekly classes for improvisation ranging from kids, to adults and beginner to advanced.

Explore our kids acting and improv classes in Saskatoon

Learn about adult theatre training at Blackbox Academy

Discover our approach to performing arts in Saskatoon