Sketches of Minnesota

Partnering with Danger Boat Productions, we conceived the idea of hosting a humanities comedy tour in response to news of people in Minnesota feeling disconnected and unwilling to talk to their neighbors. As the disciplines of the humanities help us better understand ourselves, our neighbors, and our communities, what better way to combat polarization and facilitate dialog than through comedy and conversation.

When we sought community organizations and leaders to partner with in collaborating to host a night of comedy, I was not sure what kind of response we would receive in response to our idea. I was surprised by the outpouring of support and interest from local community partners all throughout Minnesota.

Each community partner was responsible for helping us to secure a location, a catered meal and inviting people from different parts of the community in each town to attend. Locations also made adult beverages available for purchase.

After people had an opportunity to break bread, cast members of Danger Boat and MHC staff would then ask them to talk in small groups about their community. The questions in each community were the same: What makes their town great? What do people get wrong about it? What challenges do you see? What divisions do you perceive? What do you hope for in the future?

The Danger Boat cast would then meet to compare notes and discuss what they heard. The ensemble of Danger Boat would then take to the stage, doing an improv show inspired entirely by the reflections of people in the community.

The improv shows were very funny, producing many smiles, giggles and loud laughs while simultaneously addressing some of the issues the community found concerning. As an interested observer, I really found it revealing when the sketch artists touched on a community truth, and I could see audience members nodding their heads during the wind-up just before laughing out loud when the punch line was delivered.

“I’ve always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, “Ain’t that the truth.” –

Quincy Jones

After each show, leaders from MHC and Danger Boat would then facilitate an audience “talk back” in which community members had an opportunity to discuss issues raised and what they saw in the show. The care local community organizations took in curating their audiences was evident in the candid observations and remarks, I sometimes forgot that I was in Minnesota.

In 2024, nearly two dozen communities applied to be part of the inaugural Sketches of Minnesota tour. Ultimately 10 cities across the state – Austin, Duluth, Emily, Glencoe, International Falls, Little Falls, Morris, Waite Park, West St. Paul, and Winona – were selected. Because we received such positive coverage during the summer, we even had a special Sketches of Minnesota show at the Minnesota State Fair.

Appreciating the overwhelmingly positive feedback with participants praising the program’s ability to break down barriers and highlight the unique identities of their towns while polarization continues to be a challenge, we have begun making plans for a 2025 Sketches of Minnesota tour. Several communities that we could not find a date to make part of our 2024 have already contacted us about coming to their town this summer or fall. Look for a formal 2025 Sketches of Minnesota notice from us soon.

We will premiere an incredibly special comedy show next month. “Sketches of Minnesota: A Comedic Tour of America’s Superest State” premieres on February 11, 2025, at Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud, and then visits the Twin Cities on February 25 at Dudley Riggs Theater in Minneapolis! This FREE one–hour scripted show will be based on the many wonderful stories we heard during the 2024 Sketches of Minnesota tour. Check back on our website Events Calendar for registration information coming very soon.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!