Media Coverage

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.

A recent MPR New article about Tane Danger discussed how Mayo doctors use improv to improve empathy, listening, and teamwork in patient care.

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.

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.

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.

Can laughter bring people together? Sketches of Minnesota proves it can. This unique theatrical performance is based on real conversations collected from 10 towns across Minnesota, transforming local stories into improv-inspired comedy sketches. Tane Danger (Danger Boat Productions) and Trygve Throntveit (Minnesota Humanities Center) recently joined Minnesota Live to share how comedy fosters connection, highlights community voices, and helps people see each other in new ways. Now, those stories come to life in a live scripted show, with performances in St. Cloud on Feb. 11 and Minneapolis on Feb. 25. Don’t miss your chance to experience the humor, heart, and community spirit of Sketches of Minnesota!

Can laughter bring people closer? Sketches of Minnesota, a one-of-a-kind theatrical event, proves that comedy has the power to connect us. After traveling to 10 cities and gathering real stories from Minnesotans, this scripted show brings those experiences to life on stage. Join us for a live performance in St. Cloud on Feb. 11 and Minneapolis on Feb. 25!

What happens when you take real stories from Minnesota communities and turn them into comedy? You get Sketches of Minnesota! This unique production traveled across the state, gathering local voices and transforming them into a scripted comedy show filled with laughter, music, and insight. Now, these stories are coming to the stage in two free performances—one in St. Cloud on Feb. 11 and another in Minneapolis on Feb. 25. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of humor and connection. Reserve your free tickets now! 🚀 https://www.dangerboat.net/events

We’re proud to celebrate Tane Danger’s recognition as a 2025 40 Under 40 honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal! This honor highlights young leaders driving positive change in their industries and communities. Tane’s dedication to the arts makes him a standout among this year’s exceptional class of honorees. Congratulations, Tane! 🎉

The New York Times recently highlighted how improvisation is transforming workplaces, showing that the skills traditionally used on stage—like collaboration, adaptability, and creative problem-solving—are becoming essential tools for businesses. At Danger Boat Productions, we bring these powerful principles to your team, helping you foster a "yes, and" mindset that drives innovation and connection.

Tane Danger, founder of the Theater of Public Policy, shares how improv techniques are helping Americans engage in meaningful conversations about challenging topics like reproductive rights, gun control, and income inequality. Discover how his innovative approach is reshaping public discourse and fostering better understanding across divides.

Danger Boat Productions is proud to announce our selection as a grant recipient for Twin Cities PBS's "The 250th Project: Sharing Minnesota’s Stories." This initiative celebrates Minnesota's rich diversity and cultural history through unique storytelling. Our contribution? Using improv comedy to spark meaningful community conversations. Learn more about this exciting journey and our vision for this special project.

A unique method of bridging differences made a stop in Austin Monday night, using laughter as a catalyst for unity.

An article from the Austin Daily Herald.

Recently, a photo from one of our past shows was used to score political points. Co-Founder Tane Danger wrote about how he felt about that for the Star Tribune.

Lavender Magazine profiles The Theater of Public Policy and Mill City Museum’s upcoming show on LGBTQ Twin Cities history in conjunction with the the Going Out, Coming In exhibit.

Join the Theater of Public Policy and Mill City Museum in celebrating the Going Out, Coming In exhibit with an evening of interviews, reflection, and improvisation!

The Minnesota Humanities Center is partnering with a local improv production company to host a civic-improv comedy tour.

In each city or town, Danger Boat Productions will produce a unique event that brings residents together for meaningful conversation about their hometown.

At a time when the nation’s political discourse often becomes vitriolic, Tane Danger focuses on bringing Minnesotans together to listen to speakers with diverse perspectives and talk about pressing issues in a civil manner.

After the killing of George Floyd, my small theater company began hosting conversation meet-ups to get people talking about race and how to be anti-racist. We call the sessions “Let’s Get Uncomfortable.”

Nonprofits are as central to life in Minnesota as warm winter hats and goodbyes that take 20 minutes or more. And they (like basically all of society) are facing a tough time.

There is increased demand for the essential services nonprofits provide as COVID-19 tears at our safety nets.

The swingingest mayoral debate in the history of Minneapolis went down last October at the Bryant-Lake Bowl.

Perched on stools on the tiny stage, six of the leading candidates took questions from a bow-tied young moderator whose earnest demeanor couldn't hide his whip-smart political savvy.

Like many Millennials, Tane Danger and Brandon Boat think politics are a joke, except this twosome mean that literally. They're the brains behind The Theater of Public Policy, a Minneapolis-based improv troupe that focuses on lampooning political issues both local and national.