Louise Robinson, Step Out!

Step Out! is Squamish's premier platform for Improvisational Theatre and Applied Improvisation, transforming our community's artistic landscape since 2022. We've created the region's only comprehensive improv programming, serving as both performance venue and educational hub that nurtures artistic expression across all ages and abilities. We use improv not as an end in itself, but as a tool for building confidence, connection, and joy.

Our mission extends beyond entertainment—we're cultivating a thriving arts ecosystem where creativity flourishes. We now run five weekly adult classes (beginner through performance troupe), plus our new retiree class, Keepin' It Fresh, which uses applied improv to help retirees stay playful, keep their minds active and positive. Altogether we've introduced hundreds of community members from ages 5-70+ (over 300 people) to improvisation and integrative arts, many discovering hidden talents and newfound confidence. Our regular comedy shows provide the Sea to Sky corridor's only consistent platform for improvisational performance, and our kids camps integrate improv, aerial silks and visual arts, often appealing to children with neurodivergence.

"I accept absolutely everybody" isn't just our motto—it's our practice. We welcome people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experience levels, creating adaptive programming that ensures meaningful participation and celebrates artistic risk-taking.

Strategic partnerships define our regional impact. We collaborate closely with Vancouver's Comedy Department—original improvisers and trailblazers of Vancouver's improv scene—on performances in both Squamish and Vancouver, plus joint workshops and retreats built on mutual promotion and shared knowledge, bringing urban expertise to our rural community and creating opportunities that didn't previously exist.

This year we also launched the Big Kids Improv Camp, a retreat for adults 19+ bringing people together from across Canada and the US for shared play, meditation, breathwork, and body alignment on a farm in the Squamish Valley amongst nature, mountains, and farm animals—including goat yoga.

Our performances have become community celebrations. Alongside our three annual student showcases, ‘The Squishy Squamedy Show', we now present ‘Off Route', performed three times a year by our Step Out! Improv Troupe—performers who trained with us over three to five years and have grown into paid professionals with their own creative voice.

What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainable arts business practices that prioritize community benefit alongside artistic excellence, serving everyone from children building confidence to retirees staying sharp and connected.

While I stepped down from the board of the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association this year, Step Out! continued to collaborate closely with them, co-producing Squamish Has Talent—a show I originated and can no longer produce alone—and their movie music show.

Step Out! deserves this award because we've filled a critical gap in our region's arts landscape while establishing new standards for inclusive artistic programming. Our success is measured in transformed lives—participants who've discovered artistic voices, built lasting friendships, and developed skills enhancing their personal and professional lives.