Finding your place in the arts at USask

Getting involved in the arts at the University of Saskatchewan isn’t just for fine arts majors or people who have been art kids their whole lives. While it’s not exactly the stuff of movies, campus arts culture here at USask is unique and thriving, if you know where to look. People across the student body, from all academic backgrounds, come together to make something beautiful that is built on curiosity, experimentation and the willingness to try something new. 

Whether you’ve never touched a paintbrush in your life or you’ve been performing since you knew how to talk, there are more entry points than you might expect — both on campus and across Saskatoon. So if you’ve been looking for a sign to get involved, this is it.

One of the most straightforward ways to engage with the arts at USask is through your classes. The College of Arts and Science offers a wide range of fine arts courses — everything from studio art and art history to drama and music. 

But beyond degree programs, there are also flexible non-credit options designed specifically for students who just want to explore. Through community arts programming, you can take classes in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, textiles and more, regardless of your experience level. These courses are often low-pressure, skill-building environments where the goal is less about perfection and more about the process behind creation.

And that’s really the key to getting started — you don’t need to be good. You just have to want it.

If visual art isn’t your thing — or even if it is — performance-based opportunities are everywhere. Drama classes at USask often double as creative outlets, where students collaborate on productions, experiment with acting techniques or work behind the scenes. Theatre on campus isn’t limited to actors either; there’s always a need for stage managers, set designers, lighting technicians and writers. If you’re even slightly curious about theatre, taking a drama class can open the door to an entire creative network. If you know you won’t be hitting the silver screen anytime soon, it’s still a blast taking drama classes for electives — you get to stretch muscles you never knew existed. 

Music is another major entry point. There is a range of ensembles open to students across disciplines. Some require auditions, but many are designed to be inclusive and accessible. The University Chorus, for example, is a non-auditioned choir that rehearses weekly and performs regularly, often alongside larger groups in the city. Other ensembles — like jazz bands, orchestras and chamber groups — offer more structured musical experiences while still welcoming non-music majors who want to participate. Whether you sang in high school or just like the idea of being part of something collaborative, these groups are one of the easiest ways to meet people while making art.

Outside of formal classes, student clubs are where campus arts culture really comes alive. With over 150 student groups at USask, there’s a strong chance you’ll find something that fits your interests — or at least something close enough to try. Art clubs, creative writing groups, theatre collectives and music-based organizations are often open to participants on a drop-in basis.You don’t need to commit long-term right away; you can attend a meeting, get a feel for the vibe and decide from there.

Improv, in particular, has been gaining traction as a low-stakes, high-reward way to get involved. Workshops and student-led sessions introduce participants to improv through games, short scenes and collaborative exercises, emphasizing confidence, spontaneity and connection. It’s less about being funny and more about learning to think on your feet and engage with others — skills that carry far beyond the stage.

But the arts experience at USask doesn’t stop at campus borders. One of the university’s biggest advantages is its location in Saskatoon, a city with a surprisingly active and accessible arts scene. From festivals to independent workshops, there are countless ways to get involved off-campus.

Events like the Fringe Festival, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and the SaskTel Jazz Festival bring together performers, volunteers and audiences every year, offering opportunities to participate in everything from acting to event production. These spaces are often more informal than academic settings, making them ideal for students who want to explore creativity without the structure of a class.

Workshops are another great entry point. Saskatoon regularly hosts community-based art and music sessions, ranging from beginner-friendly classes to more intensive skill-building experiences. There’s a long-standing culture of artistic collaboration in the region, and that energy carries into the present. Whether it’s a weekend pottery class, a figure drawing session or a local open mic night, there’s always something happening if you know where to look.

If you’re feeling hesitant, that’s normal. A lot of people assume that arts spaces are intimidating or exclusive, but in reality, they’re often the opposite. Most clubs, ensembles and workshops are actively looking for new members, especially beginners. The hardest part is usually just walking into the room for the first time.

So where do you start?

You don’t need to dive headfirst into the deep end. Start small. Sign up for a one-off workshop. Attend a club meeting with a friend. Sit in on a rehearsal or audition for something low-commitment. Try a non-credit class for a few weeks. You don’t need to overhaul your schedule or declare a new identity as an “art person.” You just need to give yourself permission to explore.

Because getting involved in the arts isn’t really about becoming an artist. It’s about finding new ways to think, connect and express yourself in a university environment that can sometimes feel rigid or overwhelming. It’s about making something — anything — that didn’t exist before you tried.

And in a place like USask, where opportunities range from casual workshops to full-scale performances, there’s no shortage of ways to begin.