program note
THEN
MICHAEL VENSKE is an expert mistake-maker.
Like that time in May 2002 when he stole a church van, thousands of dollars from his grandparents and headed west. It was weeks later when he was finally pulled over at gunpoint in the Trinity Mountains in the Trinity Lutheran Church van. In the summer of 2012, Michael performed "Thumbs Up," a one-person show loosely based on the events above at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C. The DC Theatre Scene reviewed the show and wrote, "Venske is at his best."
Michael's life experiences cause him to believe mistakes shape us, helping us grow into the people we need to be. Using his unique perspective of the world and a passion for writing/teaching/performing, Michael Venske is on a mission to help make the world a better place through creative expression.
In the fall of 2011/winter of 2012 Michael toured America using theatre to teach roughly 60,000 children about sustainability. In April 2012 Michael was awarded CTV's "Hot Mic" honor for his work in public television. In August 2012 he performed "Thumbs Up" at the Minnesota Fringe Festival and taught improvisation at a summer camp.
NOW
Currently, Michael is teaching kindness, compassion, and the fine art of physical comedy to 600 middle schoolers in Zibo, China. When Michael isn't gallivanting abroad, he works with kids playing pretend as an actor/educator at Harmony Theatre Company. Since 2010 he's been putting all his mistakes to good use for medical/law enforcement personnel during roleplaying scenarios as a member of the crisis intervention training team at the Barbara Schneider Foundation.
For his next performance endeavor he's writing three solo-performance pieces: a comedy about his adventures in China, a monologue based on a children's picture bible, and a "fundraiser" for his 2020 Presidential bid. To contact Michael click here or below on the social media platform of your choosing. During his free time you'll find Michael growing a beard, finger painting, and making mistakes.
Fun Fact: Mr. Rogers is Michael's personal hero.
Fun Fact: Michael owes his love of theater and garage sales to Grandma Venske.
Fun Fact: Michael prefers real mayo.
Fun Fact: Michael is an ordained minister and has officiated three weddings.
Fun Fact: Michael went skydiving on his 23rd birthday.
Fun Fact: Michael is the co-founder of the International Breakfast Eaters' Club.
Fun Fact: Michael's favorite breakfast spot is Mickey's Diner.
Fun Fact: Michael has a younger brother.
Fun Fact: Michael can pop a wheelie on his scooter.
Fun Fact: Michael's favorite (former) NPR reporter was Carl Kasell.
Fun Fact: Michael's former car had over 257,576 miles on it.
Fun Fact: Michael is a coupon cutter. On average, he saves money.
Fun Fact: Michael was "Capt. Fantastic," a superhero, at Galactic Pizza.
Fun Fact: In 2007, Michael drove a scooter across America.
Fun Fact: Michael was president of his 4H club.
Fun Fact: Michael is a Boy Scout.
Fun Fact: You can listen to Michael's VO demo here.
Fun Fact: The first school musical Michael was cast in was "Guys & Dolls."
Fun Fact: Michael loves playing disc golf!
Fun Fact: Michael won't trust anyone that refers to the game as "Frisbee golf."
Fun Fact: Michael was grand champion in public speaking @ the MN State Fair.
Fun Fact: Michael used to do play-by-play for HS boys' basketball.
Fun Fact: Michael did the MS Walk without shoes or socks 3 years in a row.
Fun Fact: In 2006 Michael was the Tech Director at Brave New Workshop.
Fun Fact: …favorite movies: "About Schmidt," "The Weatherman," and "Harold & Maude."
Fun Fact: Michael's scooter's name is "Shirley."
Fun Fact: Michael rode Shirley to New York and back in the summer of 2008.
Fun Fact: In one 18-hour day of riding, Michael put on 617 miles driving thru 4 states.
Fun Fact: Michael's first car was a 1984 Chrysler New Yorker, "E" class.
Fun Fact: Michael prefers "Michael."
Fun Fact: Michael was president of the student council.
Fun Fact: Michael digs small space design.
Fun Fact: Michael is addicted to Mini-Babybel cheeses.
Fun Fact: Michael was born in Minnesota on June 27, 1985.
Fun Fact: Michael is a Cancer and believes in astrology.
Fun Fact: Michael's blood type is O-positive.
Fun Fact: Michael's favorite ice cream is Haagen Dazs Vanilla.
Fun Fact: Michael prefers Mac to PC.
Fun Fact: Michael is a registered organ donor.
Fun Fact: Michael collects found guitar picks.
Fun Fact: Michael can grow a full beard in a week!
Fun Fact: Michael can play the saxophone.
Fun Fact: Michael only drinks and serves French-pressed coffee at home.
Fun Fact: Michael recycles. You should too.
Fun Fact: Michael is a whiskey man.
Fun Fact: Michael finds honesty refreshing as Squirt soda!
Fun Fact: Michael owns a vintage typewriter and uses it often.
Fun Fact: Even if Michael doesn't know the words, he really tries to sing along.
Fun Fact: Michael always wears his seatbelt.
Fun Fact: Love him or hate him, you're going to remember Michael Venske.
Fun Fact: Michael drinks his coffee black.
Fun Fact: Michael prefers Pepsi to Coke, but Diet Coke to Diet Pepsi.
Fun Fact: Michael's favorite soda is Squirt!
Fun Fact: Michael is a night owl.
Fun Fact: If you check his fridge, you'll learn that Michael prefers 1% milk.
