Brave New Communications
Brave New Generation
Brave New Institute
Improvisation Training
"to help each individual student find the 'white light' of pure, truthful improvisation!"...We are passionate about improvisation! We offer ongoing improvisation training for actors and non-actors of all skills -- no matter your background, we believe you will discover why improvisation is one of the most rewarding art forms. If you're an actor, improvisation is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your possession. If you're not an actor, you will find that improvisation applies to your life in many surprising ways. In our classe we help you find your individual path to spontaneity, emotional and physical commitment, and pure improvisation. Our training takes a long form, "scenic" approach to improvisation -- our goal is not to make you a "funny person," but instead to help you become a truthful and passionate improviser and actor. All classes are held at our historic 2605 Hennepin Avenue Brave New Institute & ETCtheatre in Uptown, Minneapolis.YOUTH Improvisation Classes
Our improvisation classes for youth take an individual focus -- we help each student find their own path to creativity and "play" on stage. We emphasize instinctive play, listening, group and individual trust, as well as ensemble dynamics and basic acting. These classes are held in a highly supportive environment -- our goal is to help each student fall in love with improvisation and find more self confidence. Youth classes are open to ages 12 - 17 and require signed permission slip and waiver by a parent or guardian.Saturday Youth JAMS
One Saturday each month we invite youth of all skills and ages to come for a half day of improvisation play. Students work with BNI teachers to create instant theatre. Jams are from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Holiday JAMS & SUMMER Youth Programs
Periodically we offer special, longer youth programs -- particularly during holiday school vacations and summer break. These programs vary in length and cost.ADULT Improvisation Program
The complete BNI Adult Improvisation Program consists of five levels. After completing all five levels, students have the option to continue training on an informal basis, or perform on one of the student performance teams. Each class meets one time per week for two-and-a-half hours. Advanced Improvisation Jams and other special sessions vary in length. Students may stay in the program for one, or more levels, depending upon their needs. Each level is consecutive (meeting at the same time and day as when it began) and students will be invited to continue on to the next level based upon their abilities.Improvisation I
All students who want to study improvisation at the BNI begin with this class. This class forms the ground work for all other classes. We cover "declarations," focus in the moment, acting from the body, playing truthfully, accepting ideas, listening to your gut, and emotional response. Prerequisite: Students must be 18-years-old or older. No previous experience required, however some students may be asked to do an informal interview before being accepted. 8 Weeks/$175.
Improvisation 2
Students who have successfully completed 8 weeks of Improvisation 1, can continue on to consecutive levels of improvisation. Each level of class explores more scene work, acting techniques, individual commitment, physical and instinctual improvisation, and long form scene work. 8 Weeks/$175. Prerequisite: Improvisation 1.
Improvisation 3
Ensemble long forms, introduction to music in improvisation, new forms. 8 Weeks/$175. Prerequisite: Improvisation 2.
Improvisation 4
Exploration of Harold, Montage, and other performance forms, as well as music improvisation and introduction to the use of improvisation in sketch writing. 12 Weeks/$260. Prerequisite: Improvisation 3.
Improvisation 5
Students work with a teacher/director and music director to write and perform an original sketch and improvisation show. Class ends with showcase performance at BNI. 8 Weeks/$250. Prerequisite: Improvisation 4.
Student Performance Teams
Some students who have successfully completed the adult program will join this program. These students work with a coach to create an ongoing "performance ensemble." Teams rehearse weekly and perform on the BNI stage some Tuesdays (see Six Ring Circus) and other nights. Fees vary. Prerequisite: Improvisation 5, or permission from BNI director.
Special Adult Improvisation Workshops
Periodically the BNI offers special improvisation workshops for adults -- Writing & Improvising Music, Sketch Writing, and Improvisation Movement are some examples. We also have periodic National Guest Instructors and Alumni Lecture Series events. Watch the schedule for more info.
Jane Brody Acting Workshops
An award-winning casting director for Fargo and many other successful productions, Jane Brody has been a working professional in all branches of theatre and media for the past 35 years. Her teaching is based on the work of her mentor, Michael Shurtleff and his book, Audition. Jane Brody, a Brave New Workshop E.T.C. alumnus who now makes her home in Chicago, will bring her renowned acting workshops to the BNI every few months. Sign up early. Brody classes fill fast!
The Sport of Cold Reading with Jane BrodyThis is a breakthrough class which prepares the actor forauditions and aids in identifying and dealing with artists'strengths and weaknesses. Each actor works in every class.
Film & TV On Camera Acting with Jane BrodyIntensive on-camera work focusing on the specific needs of film and television scripts. This course also addresses "the business end" of the actor's career. Each actor works in every class.
Prerequisite: Cold ReadingMonologue Workshop with Jane Brody
With specific direction from Jane, students work individually and in the group to fine tune your most important calling card -- the audition monologue.
Prerequisite: Cold ReadingOne-Liner Workshop with Jane Brody
...the smallest parts ore the toughest to get... For most actors, and particularly in Minneapolis, 90% of your t.v./film/commercial auditions are for one- or two-line roles. Seemingly simple, these are actually some of the toughest parts to land. One-liners take special care because landing one can be a major door opener. Brody focuses on how to appropriately prepare for these "one-liners."
Prerequisite: Cold ReadingCommercial On-Camera Acting
Students will spend most of this workshop on-camera with actual commercial scripts, with a special focus on "how to find your unique type" for commercial auditions. Prerequisite: Cold Reading, or permission from instructor.
Call our BNI Class Hotline at (612) 332-6620, extension 220!
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