WELCOME TO THE BRAVE NEW WORKSHOP!

The Brave New Workshop has been crafting audacious, hilarious, and thought-provoking original comedy, improv and satire in Minneapolis since 1958 – longer than any other theatre in the U.S. Founded by the legendary Dudley Riggs, the Brave New Workshop is a truly unique place to laugh, learn, think, and play. Alongside our own theatrical productions, the BNW hosts a variety of performances in our ETC theatre, and also provides video production, live event entertainment, emcee services and venue rentals. Our Creative Outreach division offers speaking and training for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Hilton, General Mills, and Target.  The BNW’s school, the Student Union, boasts the most comprehensive improv training curriculum in the country. With a commitment to sustainability and a unique business model, the BNW operates as a self-funding arts organization.

  • I can tell already that it has made a difference in my everyday life! Even after only one class! I already have much more confidence!

    Student - Adult Improv Class

  • The work that John Sweeney has done for us has benefited our entire organization. His unique approach and insight helped us to achieve a new level of productivity. I will tell anyone who asks that if they are looking for a different experience, a change of pace, something that is unique and that their staff will not forget, they should choose the Brave New Workshop.

    Chris Wright - President, MN Timberwolves

  • Caleb McEwen had our audience of senior-level insurance executives laughing and engaged the entire time. The Brave New Workshop message is valuable in business and in life, and we thoroughly enjoyed the presentation!

    Audrey Wittenburg - ICMG

  • John Sweeney and the BNW team deliver results, pushing teams to learn techniques to approach problems in new innovative ways long after the meeting is over. Their entertaining and engaging approach produces hoots and hollers but also delivers integrated messages on strategy and innovation. Their presence has produced some of the highest rated meeting sessions ever at Target.com. I highly recommend John and his team.

    Dale Nitschke - Former President, Target.com

  • If the Guthrie is the aircraft carrier on the waters of local theater, BNW is its resilient tugboat—with a pirate flag bearing a defiantly raised middle finger.

    Quinton Skinner - City Pages

  • We LOVED this and will definitely return when in the city again. It was excellent! The servers were great and I was thoroughly impressed with the entire experience.

    TripAdvisor - Review July 2015

  • Our evening was totally enjoyed by all of the attendees. Was fun to have some laughs as well as bring very good training back with us. Please thank your entire staff for being such great hosts! Everyone was very friendly and helpful!

    Joyce Williamson - Customer Visit Event Manager, OptumHealth

  • Your team is professional, knowledgeable, friendly and gets it!! You delivered on exactly what you said you would and our staff was amazed with the talent and industry knowledge. You proved that you are experts in your field and own a first rate venue for our convention, corporate and wedding visitors!

    Amy Freese - Director of Partnership Marketing, Meet Minneapolis

  • I was fascinated to watch you and your enthusiastic performers apply humor and wit to exemplify effective leadership behavior and teamwork. The result was both enjoyable and thought-provoking. We were entertained by and educated in values and principles that all of us will long remember for years to come.

    Michael W. Lamach - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ingersoll Rand

  • The event was wonderful. I have never received so much positive feedback before. Your team was wonderful to work with in every aspect. I will highly recommend you to anyone who asks. Thanks everyone for making me look good!!!

    Michelle Fritz - Hays Companies

  • Your creativity, ability to link your talents to our business messages, and to “connect” with us, our team, and our entire brand is amazing. Here’s to many more opportunities in the journey ahead!

    Phil Cordell - Global Head Focus Service Brands, Hilton

  • WOW. The humor was so on point, so alive, so very very well thought out. Bravo bravo bravo! I cannot say enough.

    Yelp! - Review December 2014

  • The friends I have made, the skills I have learned… and learning improv by different instructors that I could also watch on stage! That really fostered a confidence and respect in me for them.

    Student - Adult Improv Class

  • I've gone to about 7 different shows, and have had a great experience every time. Some nights my stomach and cheeks hurt from laughing so hard!

    TripAdvisor - Review Oct 2014