Michael Venske

On day one of the tour driving between schools I asked my tour partner John some questions to help pass the time and get to know him better. It’s time you meet my tour partner!

Name: John Potter

Age: 23

Birthday: July 6

Political Affiliation: According to this quiz: Libertarian.

Religious Upbringing: Catholic

Relationship status: Single & ready to mingle

Drink of choice: Whiskey & 7UP or whiskey sour, Amaretto (on the holidays), tequila

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts & Journalism, University of Minnesota

Favorite Movie: The Apartment

Family: 2nd oldest of 4 brothers

Fun Fact: Parents are named Barbie & Ken

Heroes: His mom, Jack Lemmon, and Rita Moreno

Favorite foods: Mac & Cheese and his mom’s chicken & rice and her chilli as well.

Afraid of: Failure and not accomplishing his goals, people in his immediate family or friends dying.

Inspirations: Bob Fosse, movies, dances, recitals, performances

Hates: Rodents, people that are unkind for no reason, ignorance, when people try to shove their beliefs down their throats, and people that say they don’t like something before they’ve even tried it.

Goals: become a professional “distinguished” working actor without side jobs, to have a family, not to live paycheck to paycheck, to be able to take care of his parents when they’re older, to be an inspiration to other young actors, and to generally make the world a better place.

Anything you don’t want people to know? Yes. There are 4 things.

Greatest accomplishment: Graduating from the U of M with distinguished high honors and that he’s not “totally fucked up.” He was raised to be a smart practical kind caring human being with a good head on his shoulders and not a lazy bum sifting thru life. According to John, “Really, it’s more an accomplishment to my parents. They’re good people.”

What he does for fun: perform, sing, dance, gamble, board games, memorize Academy Awards trivia.

First thing people notice: His last name, “Potter,” bright blue eyes, and his youthful 16-year-old appearance.

Favorite part of “The Energized Guyz:” The beginning of the show when the character U. R. Fired and Nikki Neutron have their first interaction before the show gets bogged down with a bunch of info. The beginning of the show has the most jokes and the most room to play.

Favorite part of the tour: National Civil Rights Museum.

Favorite part of rehearsal: Seeing a show at the BNW and walking around Lake of the Isles.

Least favorite part of the tour: Knights Inn Hotel, Paris, Tennessee

What does John like least about Michael? Occasionally Michael’s expectations aren’t met and when that happens it can really ruin his mood.

What does John like most about Michael? His adventurous spirit!

It’s my pleasure to tour with such a fun and talented performer! Please welcome John and send him as much positive energy as possible — he’s gonna need it!

Welcome John!

Michael