Brandon Boat, Co-founder

As co-founder of Danger Boat Productions, Brandon has produced and/or performed in more than 700+ shows that have delighted and surprised audiences throughout the US. He’s equally proud that for an art form (improv) that is usually seen as scrappy, Danger Boat has managed to pay working artists more than $500k.

In addition to performing, Brandon oversees the logistics of all Danger Boat’s productions and the company’s daily operations and finances as well as cast coordination, client collaboration and so much more. Brandon can quickly process complex subject matter and transform it into something fun and accessible. Only part of that is due to thriving as an improviser for more than 20 years. The other part can be attributed to a highly curious nature and his background in public policy and social work.

Brandon loves attending conferences and events to learn new things. In fact, he finds it astounding that from a few conference sessions and table conversations, he and the DBP talented cast can create a completely original comedy show that's deeply personal to the audience. “It's like a magic trick, even though I know how it's done.”

When not performing or working, Brandon spends time with his wife Ashley, his two sons Arie and Malcolm, and his French bulldog Kimchi. He also enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, watching films and researching his family’s genealogy and history.

“It's always a delight when we're able to create a comedic performance out of material that's incredibly boring or incredibly serious. To do a show for accountants about IRS Form 990 vs IRS Form 990PF and make it hilarious is like doing a backflip through hoop that's on fire and no one expects you to stick the landing, but we do.”

I don’t own a marina, but I hope to.

Pronouns: He/Him

  • 25 years of improv experience

  • Co-founder, The Theater of Public Policy

  • Winner, Knight Arts Challenge

  • Manager of Program and Events, LeadMN

  • Artist in Residence, Minneapolis Institute of Arts

  • Board Member Young Nonprofit Professionals Network

  • Board Member, MPR's Generation Listen

  • Board member, AmeriCorps Twin Cities Alums

“Danger Boat is an incredible addition to any conference or event. The way that the cast is able to turn important political topics into a hilarious performance is nothing short of amazing. The entire audience was laughing out loud and they could not stop talking about how much they enjoyed it. Thank you!"

— Erica Lester, MPH, Workforce Development Manager, Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers (MNACHC)