Can comedy help people learn about serious civic issues? Our audience surveys say yes.
For years, The Theater of Public Policy asked a slightly strange question: What if a serious civic conversation and an improv comedy show had a baby, and that baby cared deeply about zoning, taxes, public health, and democracy?
Between 2016 and 2019, we collected 422 audience surveys across 29 shows at the Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. We wanted to know if our “chocolate-covered broccoli” approach of mixing hard policy with unscripted humor actually worked.
The results were definitive.
12 Places Where You Can Take an Improv Class in the Twin Cities
When we finish an improv workshop, one of the most common questions from attendees is, “Where can I learn more?” While Danger Boat Productions offers workshops that focus on applying improv skills in the workplace and beyond, we don’t offer “Improv 101” classes geared towards performance. That’s why we’ve created this list to serve as a guide where you can learn more about what improv courses are available in Minnesota.
Our Values: How Danger Boat Uses Comedy to Build Connection, Creativity, and Trust
I’ll admit it: early in my career, I didn’t understand the importance of organizational values.
Drafting them took an entire day. An hour might be spent discussing whether you should use “and” vs “or”. Then, once they were finished, they’d go on the website and you’d never see them until the next strategic plan rolled around.
But I’ve come around.
Sketches of Minnesota 2025 Tour Stops
The Sketches of Minnesota 2025 Tour is upon us! Check out the summer and fall tour dates and see if we’ll be coming to y our community.
Applications Open -Sketches of Minnesota 2025
Want your community’s stories center stage? The 2025 Sketches of Minnesota tour is now accepting host applications! This one-of-a-kind civic comedy event blends heartfelt storytelling and quick-witted improv to bring your town’s personality to life. Learn how to apply.
Welcome to the Team: Brian Gioielli, Production Manager
We're excited to officially welcome Brian Gioielli as our new Production Manager at Danger Boat Productions!
Brian is a professional problem-solver, relationship-builder, and all-around get-it-done guy. With a background spanning philanthropy, event management, and operations, Brian knows how to keep things running smoothly while making sure everyone’s having a great time.
The Power of Improv: Making Complex Conversations Accessible and Engaging
In today’s fast-paced world, complex conversations—whether about policy, leadership, or social change—can feel overwhelming, inaccessible, or even dull. But what if learning about these important topics could be fun, engaging, and downright hilarious?
Hey! Where Does This Bus Go? – Celebrating the Anniversary of a Transit Adventure
A few years ago, a simple question—Where does this bus go?—led to an unexpected journey through the heart of the Twin Cities transit system. Hey! Where Does This Bus Go?, a web series created in partnership with Metro Transit, set out to highlight the quirks, joys, and everyday adventures of public transportation. From surprising hot dish debates to heartwarming commuter stories, the series showed that the bus is more than just a ride—it’s a window into the city’s vibrant community.
Revisiting "The History of Minnesota – Unscripted" at the 2014 Minnesota Fringe Festival
In 2014, The History of Minnesota – Unscripted! took the Minnesota Fringe Festival by storm, blending real historical stories with fast-paced improv comedy. Each night, a different expert historian shared a compelling tale from Minnesota’s past, which our improvisers then transformed into unpredictable, side-splitting scenes. Critics and audiences alike loved it—so much that it became one of the top-attended shows of the festival. Let’s take a look back at what made this show so special!
Sketches of Minnesota: A Civic Comedy Tour Photos
Thank you to everyone that came out to see Sketches of Minnesota: A Civic Comedy Tour.
The Danger Boat team collected stories in each of the ten communities they visited in the 2024 tour. Last night's show was a scripted (mostly) performance that reflects some of what we heard and learned across our state.