Our mission is to engage, educate and entertain audiences about complex topics and issues, while also building more connected and creative communities and individuals.
We value compassion, professionalism, fun and the use of humor as a tool to illuminate ideas and lift people up.
Who We Are
Co-Founders Danger and Boat
For more than a decade, co-founders Tane Danger and Brandon Boat have used humor to break down barriers and energize audiences. With backgrounds in public policy and social work, they envisioned how improv could make difficult topics accessible.
Since then, they have built a team that has brought that magic to hundreds of stages, from small retreats to large-scale conferences.
Introducing Our Team
Behind the scenes, the Danger Boat crew ensures seamless delivery of top-notch experiences.
Production Manager Casey Baker (he/him) is a lifelong theater and audio enthusiast who hails from Mundelein, a small suburb north of Chicago. He met the Danger Boat crew serving as the audio tech for their Sketches of Minnesota tour, and has previously worked as a stage manager in venues like the Goodman Theater and Cleveland Playhouse; as a producer with WGN Radio, Chicago Tribune, and The Second City; and most recently in audio creative for SiriusXM / Pandora. In 2025, Casey relocated from Los Angeles to Minneapolis with his partner and two very small cats, and they immediately regret that their car does not have four wheel drive.
Production Manager Brian Gioielli (he/him) is a professional problem-solver, relationship-builder, and all-around get-it-done guy. With a career spanning philanthropy, event management, and operations, he knows how to keep things running smoothly while making sure everyone is having a great time. As our Production Manager, Brian brings a sharp eye for detail, a knack for creative problem-solving, and an unwavering belief that a well-timed joke can save the day. When he's not wrangling logistics, you might find him tending to his garden, exploring new creative projects, or reminiscing about his days as a gelato entrepreneur.
Marketing Manager Clay Smith (they/them) uses their skills in creativity, communication, and collaboration to build community and unpack big ideas. Since earning their Bachelor’s degree in Culture & Politics from Georgetown University, they have worked in marketing and community engagement at several mission-driven organizations. Their keen eye for design and love of the finer details adds a professional touch to the Danger Boat marketing machine. In-between whipping up Canva projects and writing snappy copy, Clay can be found baking, cross-stitching, woodcarving, and taking portrait mode photos of their one-eyed cat, Plum.
Jessica Winingham (she/her) is thrilled to be joining Danger Boat Productions as the Administrative Assistant to co-founder Tane Danger! She and her family recently moved to Minneapolis from St. Louis, Missouri. Previously, Jessica was a full-time director and theatre teacher in educational theatre for 16 years. She holds a BFA in theatre from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a master's degree in Theatre Studies in Production and Design from Southern Oregon University. She enjoys knitting, anything nerdy, and reading fantasy novels. She was recently cast in a play with Theatre ProRata that opens in May!
Introducing Our Cast
Audiences love our improvisers, musicians, and emcees/hosts. We draw on artists with a minimum of 10+ years of performance experience. See Cast Bios to learn more about our amazing team.
-
![Actor Denzel Belin sitting in a pink room holding a basket of pink flowers]()
Denzel Belin
-
![Headshot of musician Dennis Curley]()
Dennis Curley
-
![Headshot of actor Heather Meyer]()
Heather Meyer
-
![Headshot of actor Carmen O'Halloran]()
Carmen O'Halloran
-
![Headshot of actor Jim Robinson]()
Jim Robinson
-
![Headshot of actor Chris Rodriguez]()
Chris Rodriguez
-
![Headshot of actor Duck Washington]()
Duck Washington
What We Do
Live Shows
With shows like The Theater of Public Policy (T2P2), we bring big ideas to life through improvised performances, making complex topics entertaining and easy to engage in.
Workshops
We help teams boost communication, collaboration, and creativity using improv techniques. Our low-pressure, high-fun approach is appreciated by enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
Interviews + Moderation
We lead insightful, engaging conversations that keep audiences listening and learning. Whether one-on-one fireside chats or panels, we bring out the best.
Keynotes + Hosting
Our high-energy hosts and speakers keep audiences attuned and entertained. Experts in adaptability, our professionals keep events running smoothly.
Custom Experiences
Have a unique idea? Or want help brainstorming? We’ll work with you to design a one-of-a-kind event that captivates your audience.
What Our Clients Say
“Our team had so much fun! What is normally a lengthy strategy day became a fun team-building experience. Danger Boat’s fun demeanor and skill brought out a silly, engaging aspect of our team which is often missing from meetings. We have wonderful memories from our improv experience.”
— Anne O’Connor, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Carondelet Village
“It was amazing to see how quickly and funny Danger Boat made the conversations. Especially in this political climate it is hard to reach out and talk to people who disagree with you. By making difficult issues fun, it was easy to digest and opened up a space for discussion.”
— Undergraduate Student, Carleton College
FAQs
-
Our workshops work well for groups of nearly any size. Most often, we work in groups of 10 to 30 participants per instructor. We tailor the format and facilitation style to match your group size and goals, so reach out! We’re happy to get creative.
-
All of our keynotes are customized, humor-forward, and have proven client impact. Our most popular keynote topics include:
Yes, And: The Power of Humor and Collaboration
Making Complexity Simple: Using Humor to Tackle Big Ideas
Laughing Through Change: Navigating Uncertainty with Creativity
We’re happy to customize a keynote to your audience and theme.
-
Yes. Danger Boat Productions is the company. The Theater of Public Policy (T2P2) is our flagship show, where we interview policy experts and bring their ideas to life through improv comedy. We offer this same type of show for hire. So if you’d like to bring a T2P2 style of show to your event, get in touch!
-
We cast experienced improvisers who are smart, curious, and great at listening. Many of our cast members have backgrounds in education, public policy, or writing. They’re not just funny – they’re thoughtful, quick-thinking, and committed to making your event a success.
-
Absolutely. Our humor isn’t about making fun of people; it’s about lifting people up. Our performers are professionals who know how to read a room. We keep the humor sharp, inclusive, and on-brand for your organization. We can be as bold or buttoned-up as your audience requires.
Even serious topics benefit from a little laughter. Whatever the topic or occasion, we are empathetic, positive and respectful.
-
Not at all. In our shows, the performers are the ones on stage. In our workshops, participation is encouraged but never forced. We create a supportive, low-pressure environment where people can engage at their comfort level.
-
Pricing depends on the format, duration, and level of customization. We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote based on your goals and needs. No surprises – just great work.
-
No need to wait! We’re happy to talk early in your planning process. We can offer ideas, explore options, or even hold a date while you finalize the details.
Contact us!
Let’s build an event that your audience will love.
Book us now or contact us for a free consultation to explore your options. We respond via email to inquiries within 1-3 business days. For the fastest response, reach out to Brian Gioielli at brian@dangerboat.net.
Email
info@dangerboat.net
Phone
(612) 843-4443
Let’s stay in touch
Not ready to book, but want to stay in touch? We’d love that! Subscribe to Danger Boat Productions’ newsletter –It’s infrequent, informative, and respectful of your privacy. (We won’t sell your information or spam you.)