BRAVE NEW WORKSHOP
under the lights

The Brave New Workshop (BNW) Theatre has been writing, performing and producing original sketch comedy, music and comedy improvisation longer than any other theatre in the United States. As a 'creative gymnasium' (now in its 45th year of operation), the BNW is a truly unique place to laugh, learn, think, and play.

45 Years of Comedy - The BNW was founded by ex-Ringling Brothers circus performer Dudley Riggs in 1958. Dudley brought the theatre to its current location on Hennepin Avenue in the 60's and promptly installed the first espresso machines west of the Mississippi. Since then, more than 3 million people have been exposed to the theatre's unapologetic, and unwavering, brand of comedy and improvisation.

A Twin Cities Landmark - As the third oldest theatre of any kind in the Twin Cities, the BNW has become an anchor in the Twin Cities community.

Non-profit - The BNW theatre and our school for improvisational acting, the Brave New Institute, are non-profit entities and do not accept any government funding. We are uniquely self-sustaining. BNW's corporate services division is managed for-profit and helps to support the artistic vision of the company through event entertainment, improv-based corporate training, and select other services.

Original Social & Political Satire - More than 500 original productions have been mounted on Brave New Workshop stages since 1958! Employing a creative process fundamental to the theatre, the actor-writers spend eight weeks creating, writing, rehearsing, and mounting the productions, and then another 8-12 weeks performing the show.

Comic Growth - The Brave New Workshop maintains two theatres in Minneapolis/St. Paul. The historic BNW theatre located at 2605 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis is home to operations, live performances, and the Brave New Institute. The latest addition to the BNW family is the newly renovated Palace Theatre in downtown St. Paul, where the company produces it's newest comedy (and dinner theatre), Minnesota: It's Not Just For Lutherans Anymore.

Graduate School of Comedy - The Brave New Institute (BNI) is the theatre's school for improvisation, acting and writing classes. Currently teaching more than 280 students each week, the BNI is instrumental in the theatre's community outreach programs and continues to grow at a rapid pace.

Music for the Masses - Driven by the expertise of musical director Pete Guertin - with more than forty shows at the BNW to his credit - the company released its first CD in 2002. Entitled the Best of the Brave New Workshop, Volume 1, the CD is a crowning achievement to the musical talent that drives BNW shows.

Corporate Training & Entertainment - The Brave New Workshop also brings its writing, acting, musical, and teaching talents to more than 150 companies and organizations each year. As the fastest growing component of the BNW, the corporate services division writes and performs original productions for events and meetings, provides business training based on the patented improvisation process that the BNW employs, and offers a variety of customized services, ranging from keynote speaking to scriptwriting to video production.

Hollywood Impact - Dozens of Brave New Workshop alumni have become successful and influential members of the entertainment industry, including Al Franken (writer, commentator, actor), Pat Proft (Naked Gun, Hot Shots, Police Academy), Mo Collins (MAD TV), Peter Tolan (Murphy Brown, Gary Shandling Show, Analyze This), Peter MacNichol (Ally McBeel) Louie Anderson, (comedian), Linda Wallem (writer, That 70s Show), Jeff Cesario (host and comedian, Comedy Central) Cedric Yarborough (Reno 911) and Melissa Peterman (Fargo, Reba).