Joleen Ballendine

Joleen Ballendine is a mixed-blood Métis writer, actor, improviser, and educator, based in Treaty 6 Territories. Joleen has been an integral part of Canada’s third oldest improv company, Rapid Fire Theatre since 2009, currently holding the role of Director of Outreach and Welcome. She spearheaded the Outreach program in 2011 and since then has continued to grow the company's reach in the community. She works closely with Indigenous youth using improv and comedy to tell their stories.

Comedy has allowed Joleen to travel across North America and on six European tours, entertaining audiences, and leading workshops. Her work extends to various television and web series, including being a finalist for the National Screen Institute's Totally Television program in 2020. Noteworthy collaborations include partnerships with CBC and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and Mosaic Entertainment. Recently, she proudly joined the Historical Canada family by writing her first Canadian Heritage Minute on Mary Bonnie Baker, currently airing.

Joleen is passionate about sharing stories, laughter, and the magic of theatre with audiences across Canada. Following the birth of her child in 2021, she has embarked on projects aimed at younger audiences, such as her latest project Kohkom’s Babushka, a children’s book adaptation into a play in collaboration with her real-life best friend Lianna Makuch, supported by Punctuate! Theatre, Pemmican Collective, and Banff Centre for the Arts.