Comedy. Social Justice. Arts Access.

Founded in 2015, Blackout is the Twin Cities first all-black improv troupe and we have redefined the improv scene in Minnesota. We seek to put more Black performers on more stages, to create comedic dialogue around serious truths, and to provide improv access for Black students. We create a dialogue with the audience with our flagship format, Swag Hat, and invite all experiences to the theater so that we can have an honest, inclusive conversation. 

Our troupe consists of seasoned improvisers, teachers, visual artists, actors, dancers, comedians, writers, and creatives dedicated to building experiences that bring people together. You may spot our members on stages across town, on screen, or producing their own works across the creative industry.

With over 10,000 hours of training, teaching, and individual experience under our belts, we have sold out shows, created partnerships, taught internationally, and mounted our own festival, the Black and Funny Improv Festival.

Blackout's founders are Alsa Bruno, Joy Dolo Anfinson, Andy Hilbrands,
John Gebretatose, and Kory LaQuess Pullam.

Active Members (Winter/Fall 2025): Dorian Beal, AlysshaRose Jordan-Bird, Alexis Camille, Destiny Davison, Jada Pullley, Lukas Ramsey, Karyn Wilson, Aron Woldeslassie, and Khary Jackson.

More Blackout Members: Denzel Belin, Alsa Bruno (co-founder) Vann Daley, Gregory Parks, Mahmoud Hakima, John Gebretatose (co-founder)