Velvet Squishmallow
banner
thevelvetduke.bsky.social
Velvet Squishmallow
@thevelvetduke.bsky.social
Velvet (they/them) Creative (creator, producer), Facilitator (disrupting Anti-Black racism, improv), and Chaos Muppet.

Shows: I Scream, You Scream... Justice. Amuse Bouche Variety, Heist Social Club, All Request Radio.

Member of Black Pledge Collective
All Request Radio student studio session (Montreal)

On Sunday, January 11, Velvet heads east to Montreal to share the joy of their All Request Radio format with a new class of students Details and sign up
All Request Radio student studio session (Montreal)
On Sunday, January 11, Velvet heads east to Montreal to share the joy of their All Request Radio format with a new class of students Details and sign up
thevelvetduke.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Why Heists and Improv?

Flashback I'd performed longform Star Trek with The Dandies for a decade, and I was ready for a new genre. In 2020, after binge watching Money Heist (Netflix), I asked whether anyone had contemplated putting together a live parody. Notably, lockdown had just started and I…
Why Heists and Improv?
Flashback I'd performed longform Star Trek with The Dandies for a decade, and I was ready for a new genre. In 2020, after binge watching Money Heist (Netflix), I asked whether anyone had contemplated putting together a live parody. Notably, lockdown had just started and I wasn't planning anything for on stage, but the virtual improv scene was emerging. Still, no one…
thevelvetduke.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:20 PM
How will we build 2026? Together

Not all bricks need to be the same size. And sometimes its the mortar that's needed most... because, brains and energies are diverse, and its okay to not worry whether you are pulling your weight or over delivering. Velvet Wells Take some of these Improv Metaphors…
How will we build 2026? Together
Not all bricks need to be the same size. And sometimes its the mortar that's needed most... because, brains and energies are diverse, and its okay to not worry whether you are pulling your weight or over delivering. Velvet Wells Take some of these Improv Metaphors that Chris Mead collected with you, and share yours with others as well However you build your scenes, community, and life in 2026, know that you're stronger by doing it with others than alone
thevelvetduke.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:39 AM
Why Heists?

My first caper was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Admittedly I saw it because my aunt liked Newman and Redford, but it remains a nostalgic favourite. It was fun, smart, funny, and it had a Scott Joplin filled score! Of the crime genres available on streaming platforms, I've…
Why Heists?
My first caper was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Admittedly I saw it because my aunt liked Newman and Redford, but it remains a nostalgic favourite. It was fun, smart, funny, and it had a Scott Joplin filled score! Of the crime genres available on streaming platforms, I've trained the algorithms to offer up heists of different flavours — thrillers, action, romance, revenge, and comedy…
thevelvetduke.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:07 PM
After years of planning, The Heist is on

During lockdown, I had an idea... putting together an ensemble of talented performers and score the impossible prize: stealing audience's hearts with laughter! Finding people who understood improvised heists however, was more rare than a giant pink diamond!…
After years of planning, The Heist is on
During lockdown, I had an idea... putting together an ensemble of talented performers and score the impossible prize: stealing audience's hearts with laughter! Finding people who understood improvised heists however, was more rare than a giant pink diamond! The most difficult part, I discovered, was convincing Canadian and Bangalore performers to be theatrically antagonistic! For a time, I led Mindful Menace workshops to great MuHaHas.
thevelvetduke.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Join Susan Messing and John Lehr this weekend

Alligator Improv & Self Expression (AISE) arranged for Chicago-style improvisational legends Susan Messing and John Lehr to visit Ottawa for the weekend Friday: Come watch Messing and Lehr headline with their duo set. Join the pre-show jam! Saturday:…
Join Susan Messing and John Lehr this weekend
Alligator Improv & Self Expression (AISE) arranged for Chicago-style improvisational legends Susan Messing and John Lehr to visit Ottawa for the weekend Friday: Come watch Messing and Lehr headline with their duo set. Join the pre-show jam! Saturday: three workshops are available. Choose your price point and I'll see you there All sign ups through AISE Improv legend Susan Messing (founding member of Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, seasoned performer at iO and Second City, and decorated educator and director), and actor, comedian, and improviser John Lehr (series creator and star of Quick Draw (hulu) and Ten Items or Less (TBS))
thevelvetduke.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:27 PM
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”

(Ottawa, ON - June 22, 2025) After five performances, glowing reviews and patron compliments, the show has its final performance this afternoon at Ottawa Fringe Festival "A wholesome and lovely show for the whole family and just as much fun for adults on their own,…
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”
(Ottawa, ON - June 22, 2025) After five performances, glowing reviews and patron compliments, the show has its final performance this afternoon at Ottawa Fringe Festival "A wholesome and lovely show for the whole family and just as much fun for adults on their own, too. Absolutely worth seeing!" Sunday, June 22 1:30pm Arts Court Theatre (3rd Floor)67 Nicholas St, Ottawa…
thevelvetduke.com
June 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Velvet Squishmallow
Thinking about the FDA approval of Lenacapavir today, during #pride month. I wonder what pride month, & our society as a whole, would look like today if the millions that have died were still alive today?

🦠🧪🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

www.gilead.com/news/news-de...
Yeztugo Lenacapavir Is Now the First and Only FDA Approved HIV Prevention Option Offering 6 Months of Protection
Yeztugo Lenacapavir Is Now the First and Only FDA Approved HIV Prevention Option Offering 6 Months of Protection
www.gilead.com
June 19, 2025 at 1:35 AM
"I Scream, You Scream... Justice!" Review

"Audiences will enjoy this fresh take on puppetry as it addresses themes of transformative justice as well as Black and queer identity." apt613
apt613.ca/fringe-2025-...
June 15, 2025 at 1:18 AM
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”

(Ottawa, ON - June 13, 2025) Come celebrate the first ever performance at Ottawa Fringe Festival. Filled with puppets, song, and sass, join Afi Ata on her empowering quest for ice cream! #tonight Friday, June 13 6:30pm Arts Court Theatre (3rd Floor)67 Nicholas St,…
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”
(Ottawa, ON - June 13, 2025) Come celebrate the first ever performance at Ottawa Fringe Festival. Filled with puppets, song, and sass, join Afi Ata on her empowering quest for ice cream! #tonight Friday, June 13 6:30pm Arts Court Theatre (3rd Floor)67 Nicholas St, OttawaTickets: $14 + service fees A solo performer comedic puppet story with sprinkles of whimsy.
thevelvetduke.com
June 13, 2025 at 7:27 PM
After the beep, leave a tone

#beep
June 12, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Draft thoughts as part of my Creator/ Director's Message

"I Scream, You Scream... Justice!" is a puppet show to 'walking the walk' without colonial shame-blame
June 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Excited and all the other big feelings for this new show in 10 days

I Scream, You Scream... Justice!
#OttawaFringe
June 3, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Where we are, where we're headed

"I Scream, You Scream... Justice!"
Puppets, Songs, and Sass

Serving laughs for the entire family
ottawafringe.com/show/i-screa...
May 26, 2025 at 2:27 AM
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”

(Ottawa, ON - May 23, 2025) Only six chances to be treated to Puppets, Songs, and Sass... AND treats from The Merry Dairy A solo performer comedic puppet story with sprinkles of whimsy. Serving laughs for the entire family, chosen family, and puppet family too…
“I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”
(Ottawa, ON - May 23, 2025) Only six chances to be treated to Puppets, Songs, and Sass... AND treats from The Merry Dairy A solo performer comedic puppet story with sprinkles of whimsy. Serving laughs for the entire family, chosen family, and puppet family too Think “Mr. Dressup”, “The Muppet Show”, and “Degrassi” remixed for 2025 #Comedy #Puppets #Music #Whimsy…
thevelvetduke.com
May 23, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Velvet Squishmallow
Sesame Street is officially UNION! Workers at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, have voted 55-19 to join @opeiulocal153.bsky.social

Huge congrats to @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social! “We can officially say that today, May 15th, is brought to you by the letter U!”
May 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Reposted by Velvet Squishmallow
This is the hardest I’ve ever been owned online
May 16, 2025 at 1:46 AM
This Saturday is the Season Finale for Amuse Bouche Variety

Closing with a true variety in entertainers: stand up, clown, improv, and music! #MaskMandatory
This Saturday is the Season Finale for Amuse Bouche Variety
Closing with a true variety in entertainers: stand up, clown, improv, and music! #MaskMandatory
thevelvetduke.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Accessibility Fundraiser for “I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”

Think "Mr. Dressup", "The Muppet Show" and "Degrassi" remixed for 2025 Asking for help is difficult for me, but this request is for the greater Ottawa community Goal: $2,000 Donation link: Click Select Tickets button to donate Why? This…
Accessibility Fundraiser for “I Scream, You Scream… Justice!”
Think "Mr. Dressup", "The Muppet Show" and "Degrassi" remixed for 2025 Asking for help is difficult for me, but this request is for the greater Ottawa community Goal: $2,000 Donation link: Click Select Tickets button to donate Why? This is a fundraiser to cover the accessibility portion of the production expenses before we launch in June Fringe shows are already operating at razor thin margins.
thevelvetduke.com
May 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM
185 Shouts into the Abyss go to a bar
The Bartender says it's last call
The 185 Shouts into the Abyss say...
May 11, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Reposted by Velvet Squishmallow
Fettuccini Afraido
May 8, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Intrusive thought: mayonnaise as pasta sauce
May 8, 2025 at 4:36 AM
I Scream, You Scream… Justice premieres in five weeks!

Think “Mr. Dressup”, “The Muppet Show”, and “Degrassi” remixed for 2025
May 6, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Velvet smells their performance flowers #propellerdance
April 27, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Steve le
April 26, 2025 at 3:12 AM