Jacob Frey and Elliott Payne on The Theater of Public Policy
Last night’s The Theater of Public Policy show featuring City Council President Elliott Payne and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey made headlines. Read about the evening of cordial debate and “unlikely,” “deranged” improv in the MinnPost and the Minnesota Star Tribune, and listen to a recap on the City Cast Twin Cities podcast.
Why is my doctor taking an improv class?
Danger Boat co-founder Tane Danger speaks with "Health Matters" podcast host Kristen Meinzer about his work as an inaugural artist-in-residence at Mayo Clinic, where he uses improv to teach healthcare professionals how to think on their feet, collaborate with team members, and really listen to their patients.
How the Danger Boat Productions and the Humphrey School are Teaching Students to Bridge Political Divides
In a time of rising polarization, the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs is piloting a unique approach to civic education: teaching graduate students the skills of constructive dialogue. Featured recently on PRX’s North Star Stories, the program creates space for students to practice respectful, curiosity-driven conversations across differences.
Connecting Communities Through Improv – Fox 9 Feature
Danger Boat Productions co-founder Tane Danger joined Fox 9’s Afternoon Shift to share how improv builds connection, teaches listening, and transforms tough conversations.
Sketches of Minnesota on the Side by Side Podcast
Danger Boat’s Tane Danger and the Tryg Throntveit, formerly of the Minnesota Humanities Center, sat down with the University of Minnesota’s Side by Side Podcast to talk about Sketches of Minnesota—how improv, history, and humor are bringing communities together to reimagine democracy across the state.
How Improv Is Helping Doctors at Mayo Clinic Communicate, Connect, and Care Better
A recent MPR New article about Tane Danger discussed how Mayo doctors use improv to improve empathy, listening, and teamwork in patient care.
Bridging Communities Through Laughter and Conversation
Danger Boat Productions is using improv comedy to turn civic discussions into engaging performances across Minnesota. As part of Twin Cities PBS’ (TPT) America 250 initiative, Sketches of Minnesota brings communities together through humor, conversation, and storytelling.
Throwback: Our 2012 Interview on We the People
What happens when you mix public policy with improv comedy? In 2012, The Theater of Public Policy set out to prove that big ideas don’t have to be boring. That summer, we had the chance to share our mission on We the People, a local TV program hosted by Joan Higginbotham and produced by the League of Women Voters. Now, more than a decade later, we’re revisiting that moment and why it still matters today.
Good, but not Great, Laws for only $0.50
Are you tired of political gridlock? Do you wish there were a faster, easier way to pass laws—without all the messy debates and partisan drama? Well, we at Danger Boat Productions have the answer: The Law Machine—a groundbreaking (and totally ridiculous) invention that automates the legislative process. We debuted this futuristic approach to lawmaking on Almanac (Twin Cities PBS), and the results were as absurd as they were insightful. Would you trust a vending machine with the power to create laws? Watch the full sketch and decide for yourself!
Bridging Divides Through Constructive Dialogue: Our Workshop Featured in The Minnesota Daily
In today’s world, navigating difficult conversations is more important than ever. Whether at work, in the classroom, or around the dinner table, the ability to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue can bridge divides and foster understanding. That’s why we’re excited to bring our Constructive Dialogue Workshop to the public for the first time in partnership with the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota. Recently featured in The Minnesota Daily, this interactive workshop will provide you with tools to engage in more open, thoughtful discussions—no matter the topic.