Current Class Schedule

Adult Improvisation Classes

Anyone 18-years and older wishing to join the Brave New Institute Adult Improvisation Program may do so by simply registering for Improvisation 1. All BNI students, regardless of experience, start with level 1. Improvisation 1 classes meet for one, two-and-a-half-hour session each week for 8 weeks. Most of those wishing to work through levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the program will be invited to do so after completing Level 1. Level 2 begins immediately after the completion of Level 1, at the same day and time slot that Level 1 was held.

DATES and TIMES
Improvisation 1 Wednesdays, 7 - 9:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting June 20 (FULL)
Improvisation 1 Thursdays, 7 - 9:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting July 12
Improvisation 1 Wednesdays, 4 - 6:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting July 25
Improvisation 1 Fridays, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting July 27
Adult Improv Sampler Mondays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. 4 weeks starting August 13***
Improvisation 1 Saturdays, 2 - 4:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting August 18
Improvisation 1 Mondays, 7 - 9:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting August 27
Improvisation 1 Mondays, 4 - 6:30 p.m. 8 weeks starting August 20

***these 2 classes are held at our new Saint Paul location / the historic Saint Paul Palace Theatre

COST - $175 for 8 weeks (some internships available) (4 week Sampler is $55)
SIZE - class size limited to 16 students
PREREQUISITE - 18-years-old, or older

Youth Improvisation Programs

2001 SUMMER YOUTH JAMS
The Brave New Institute Summer Youth Program is a two-week program for youth ages 12 - 17. Classes meet four days a week for two weeks with a final performance on the Sunday following. Students play and explore scenic improvisation and improvisation games -- the classes are fun and supportive with a focus on helping each student find their own creative voice. We are offering two different sessions this summer (one in Minneapolis and one in Saint Paul):

DATES and TIMES
Summer Youth Program #1(in Minneapolis)
June 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Performance on Sunday, July 1 2:00 p.m.
Summer Youth Program #2 (in Saint Paul)
August 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Performance on Sunday, August 19 2:00 p.m.

COST - $175 per session
PREREQUISITE - ages 12 - 17 : no experience necessary

BNI YOUTH TEAM FEATURED at 2001 MINNESOTA FRINGE FESTIVAL
The BNI's youth improvisation team is performing an all original sketch comedy revue at this summer's Minnesota Fringe Festival, August 3 - 12. Their show titled, "Miss Communication, or Who Let the Gods Out" is written by the cast made up of youth ages 14-18, and is directed by Ahna Brandvik. Please call for information or check the Fringe Festival web site for more information at www.FringeFestival.org.

Special Acting Workshops & Guest Artists

ADVANCED ACTING WORKSHOPS with JANE BRODY
Master instructor Jane Brody visits the Twin Cities this summer to teach two of her most sought -after workshops: The Sport of Cold Reading and Commercial On-Camera Acting. Jane's classes are for the experienced actor who wants an intensive workshop with lasting impact. Her teaching is based on the work of her mentor, Michael Shurtleff, and she is known for getting dramatic results from her students. Jane only visits the Twin Cities only once a year, so be sure to sign up early. For detailed descriptions of the classes being offered, see the yellow flier and registration form. Please carefully read the prerequisites on the reverse side of this flier before registering.
THE SPORT of COLD READING (3-day workshop) with Jane Brody
DATES - Friday, July 13 (6 - 10 p.m.); Saturday, July 14 (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and Sunday, July 15 (11a.m. - 5 p.m.)
COST - $300 (+ $15 for the Sport of Cold Reading Tape if this is your first Brody class)
SIZE - class size limited to 14 students
PREREQUISITES - (1) some acting experience required (this is not a beginner class); (2) read Audition by Michael Shurtleff prior to July 13; (3) listen to Jane Brody's Sport of Cold Reading tape prior to July 13; (4) submit headshot and resume with application to be considered
COMMERCIAL ON-CAMERA (3-day workshop) with Jane Brody
DATES - Tuesday, July 17; Wednesday, July 18 & Thursday, July 19,
6 - 10:30 p.m. each night
COST - $325 for three night workshop
SIZE - class size limited to 10 students
PREREQUISITES - (1) Jane Brody's Cold Reading, or permission from instructor; and (2) submit headshot and resume with application

RELEASING THE ACTOR'S VOICE WITH CHERYL MOORE BRINKLEY
Seasoned teacher and professional actor Cheryl Moore Brinkley teaches this must-have class for the new or serious performer who wants to appropriately train and strengthen their vocal gifts. You'll experience a complete basic spoken voice class in 5 weeks, gaining tools for: awareness and confidence, healthy voice production, diction and articulation, standard American pronunciation, projection, and flexibility and expression. Everyone loves working with Cheryl! ÒShe teaches with passion, honesty, constructive critique, and plenty of good humor, creating a non-threatening but energized class atmosphere. Her goal is to empower actors with positive "DO-ABILITY."
DATES and TIMES - 5 Tuesdays: July 10, 24 & 31, August 7 & 14; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
COST - $160 (or $150 for current BNI student) (cost includes tape and workbook)
SIZE - class size limited to 10 students
PREREQUISITE - Ages 16 & older. No previous training required. Students must bring a tabletop, free-standing cosmetic mirror, a sense of humor, and a willingness to play.

THE ACTOR'S BUSINESS WITH BETH CHAPLIN
The Actor's Business is a two-day workshop that gives performers in the Twin Cities a comprehensive introduction to the tools and information you need to begin working as an actor. This workshop covers all of the "business elements" of being a performer -- like headshots, resumes, getting to know casting directors and agents, the nuts and bolts of auditions, where to get training, etc. . . While this is not a performance class, participants will have a chance to do a mock audition on camera for learning purposes. The class fee includes multiple handouts, including lists of agencies, casting directors and workshops.
DATES and TIMES - Mon., Aug. 13 and Tues., Aug. 14; 6:30 - 10 p.m. both nights
COST - $80 (or $70 for current BNI students)
SIZE - class size limited to allow for individual instruction
PREREQUISITE - None -- bring resume & headshot if you have one

COMING THIS FALL:
ACTING FUNDAMENTALS!
Acting Fundamentals will be for the beginning (yet serious) adult actor who wants to learn the fundamental skills of the acting craft. Team-taught by professional actors and veteran instructors, Cheryl Moore Brinkley and Beth Chaplin, this course will cover all of the essentials for the beginning actor, including: methods and terminology, confidence and presence, body / energy work, sensory / emotion and creative expression. Watch for dates and offerings this fall! Call (612) 377-8445 for more info.

Other BNI Programs

Six Ring Circus Improvisation Experience!
The easiest way to see what we teach is to come see our student showcase performance. EVERY TUESDAY at 7:30 p.m., AND Every FRIDAY 9 p.m., students from the BNI peform long form improvisation at the Six Ring Circus Improvisation Experience. Shows are FREE on Tuesdays and $5 on Fridays and Saturdays (pg-13, some adult material). Six Ring Circus takes place at our "historic theatre", the BRAVE NEW INSTITUTE & ETC THEATRE, at 2605 Hennepin Avenue South.

To Register, call the Brave New Workshop at (612) 377-8445 and ask for a current Brave New Institute registration flyer, or send your mailing address to us via e-mail All classes are held at our "historic theatre," the BRAVE NEW INSTITUTE & ETC THEATRE, at 2605 Hennepin Ave South. Some internships and scholarships are available. Ask for an application when you register.

BRAVE NEW INSTITUTE TEACHERS
All of the teachers at the BNI are alumni of the Brave New Workshop stage -- they are full time professional actors / directors / writers and muscians who have trained and worked across the globe. While they all take their art seriously, they also know how to make students feel comfortable and classes fun. Our current staff includes:
Ahna Brandvik (youth classes), Jane Brody (Master Acting Teacher), Michelle Cassioppi, Pete Colburn, Matt Craig, Julie Grover, Peter Guertin, Jeff Hopkins, Dave Kappelhoff, Jim Lichtscheidl, Jenni Lilledahl (director), Phil Lusardi, Caleb McEwen, Katy McEwen, Cathy Morrison, Jim Robinson, Butch Roy, Kim Schultz, John Sweeney, Tim Thompson, Todd Weber, Shanan Wexler; and guest instructor Beth Chaplin.

Call our BNI Class Hotline at (612) 332-6620, extension 220!

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