We Offer Three Types of Programs at the Brave New Institute:
1)
Adult Improvisation Classes, including:
2)
Youth Improvisation & Acting Classes, including:
- Saturday
Pizza Jams
- Summer
Youth Improvisation Camps & Holiday Jams
- Special
Topic Workshops
- Youth
Outreach Programs
- Teen
Performance Troupe
3)
Adult Acting Programs, including:
- Acting
Fundamentals Program with Cheryl Moore Brinkley & Beth Chaplin
- Jane
Brody Advanced Acting Workshops (call Jane directly at 1-888-709-5263)
Our
Classroom Approach
Our
primary goal in all of our workshops is to offer a safe and effective
environment for creative growth and learning. Brave New Institute
workshops are popular, we believe, because of the open, nurturing,
and challenging 'creative gymnasium' that this school has become.
Whether you're an actor, or someone just trying something new, you
will find that the Brave New Institute is an exceptional place. We
think this is because of the students, the instructors and the history
and everyone's undeniable commitment to saying 'yes.'
A
Word About Our Improvisation Philosophies
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 powerful means of creative expression. If you're an actor,
improvisation is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your
actor tool belt. If you're not an actor, you will find that improvisation
applies to your life in many surprising ways. In our classes we help
you find your individual path to spontaneity, emotional and physical
commitment, and pure improvisation-- i.e., the ability to 'get empty
and simply discover'. Our adult 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 artist, and to help you find ways to purely and truly
"empty and discover" both on stage, and off. We also explore
short form improvisation in our youth programs and special workshops.
Our classes are held at our historic 2605 Hennepin Avenue Brave New
Institute in Minneapolis, and at our Saint Paul location, at the historic
Palace Theatre.
ADULT Improvisation
Classes
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 possibly perform on one of the student
performance teams. Each class in our levels 1 - 5 program meets one
time per week for two-and-a-half hours. 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 progress.
Adult
Improvisation Program (Levels 1 - 5)
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/$195.
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/$195.
Prerequisite: Improvisation 1.
Improvisation 3 Scene editing, ensemble long forms, extended
physical work, new forms. 8 Weeks/$195.
Prerequisite: Improvisation 1 & 2.
Improvisation 4 Exploration of long forms (Harold and Montage),
and other performance forms, as well as introduction to sketch writing.
12 Weeks/$290.
Prerequisite: Improvisation 1, 2 & 3.
Improvisation 5 Students work with a teacher/director to write
and perform an original sketch and/or improvisation show. Class ends
with showcase performance at the BNI. 8 - 10 Weeks/$275. Prerequisite:
Improvisation 1, 2, 3 & 4.
To
see a list of current level one offerings, click here to go to our
adult improv program on our schedule
page
Other
Adult Improvisation Programs
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. Teams are formed on
a quarterly basis.
Prerequisite: Improvisation 4 or 5, or permission from BNI director.
Special Adult Improvisation Workshops Periodically the BNI
offers special improvisation workshops for adults. We also work with
other local theatres and our alumni to offer periodic national guest
instructors.
Private
& Outreach Workshops -- Contact John Haynes if you are interested
in scheduling a private workshop for your school or organization.
John's Email.
Corporate Training -- If your company is interested in our
renowned corporate training programs, visit our corporate training
section of our web site at Brave New Communications
Corporate Training
Work
Study-- Students in our adult program may apply to exchange a
portion of their class tuition for work study hours in our Theatre.
YOUTH
Improvisation Programs
(Assisted in part by the Jerome S. and Grace H.
Murray Foundation)
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 Pizza JAMS One
Saturday each month we invite youth of all skills and ages to come
for a half day of improvisation play and pizza. Students work with
BNI teachers to create instant theatre. Jams are from 11 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.
Special Youth Programs Periodically
we offer special topic youth programs, for example "sketch writing,"
"comedy for kids," or "music." Check our schedule
for upcoming offerings.
Youth
Outreach Programs The BNI is committed to introducing the
tools and power of improvisation to as many students as possible.
We can help your school or organization create a special improvisation
program that enhances your goals. These programs can focus on theatre,
creativity, and comedy, as well as team work, self esteem, communication,
respect and confidence. These workshops are scheduled on an individual
basis based upon your needs. Call or email Jenni at (612) 332-6620
or Jenni Lilledahl Email
to talk about an outreach program.
Private & Outreach Workshops --
Contact Jenni if you are interested in scheduling a private workshop
for your school or organization. Jenni
Lilledahl Email
To
find out about current youth offerings, go to the youth section of
our current schedule page.
We
participate in the Hennepin County Campership Fund Program.
If you are involved with approved Hennepin County programs, you may
be eligible to have part of your tuition covered to one of our youth
programs via the Campership Fund.
Check
with your social worker.
ACTING
Programs
We
have found that three types of actors enjoy training at the Brave
New Institute: 1) the beginning actor that is seeking a safe, nurturing
and quality environment to begin their study, and 2) the advanced
actor who wants some intense, specific training to bring their skills
to the next level, and 3) the semi-experienced actor who wants to
try something new. Actors tell us that the nurturing, but challenging
creative environment at the BNI is unique and powerful. They also
tell us that they enjoy being a part of the BNI 'creative gymnasium,'
which gives them the opportunity to meet other actors and artists
who share similar passions and goals. That is why we expanded our
offerings beyond 'improvisation' to include basic and advanced acting
training. We
formed partnerships with several professional acting instructors so
that the same creative nurturing environment we are known for in our
improvisation programs could exist for actors. We have selected these
instructors because their acting philosophies and teaching styles
compliment the improvisation principles and workshops we offer at
the Brave New Institute. These acting workshops are a great next step
for improvisers who want to expand their tool belt. These programs
also offer new and experienced actors the opportunity to sharpen their
tools in a quality, nurturing environment
The Acting Fundamentals Program (with
Cheryl Moore Brinkley & Beth Chaplin)
The
BNI is proud to offer "The Acting Fundamentals Program,"
taught by veteran actors Cheryl Moore Brinkley and Beth Chaplin. Finally!
Classes to help you chart your course and realize your dream of "an
actor's life." Whether you're starting from scratch, or filling
in the gaps you may have in your training, these classes can provide
a solid foundation for your acting journey. The Acting Fundamentals
Program is perfect for anyone wanting to strengthen their acting basics,
for those new to the business, or for improvisers who want to broaden
their range of performance skills.
Acting Fundamentals Intro with Cheryl
Moore Brinkley and Beth Chaplin
Are you fascinated by the art of acting, but don't know how it's done?
Do you have acting experience, but lack formal training? Have you
always wanted to try acting, but didn't know where to begin? Cheryl
and Beth have a master plan to give you the inside scoop. In a largely
lecture/demonstration format that includes some plunge-in exercises,
you'll find out: what a "trained actor" does that we don't
see in the final performance, what training every actor needs and
why, what it means to 'build a character', and the techniques and
terms you'll need to play along. Get your feet wet in this introductory
class designed to point you in the right direction.
Prerequisite: none
Acting Fundamentals Level One
This class is a continuation of the principles established in the
Acting Fundamentals Intro.
Prerequisite: Acting Fundamentals Intro
Acting Fundamentals Level Two
This class is a continuation of the principles established in the
Acting Fundamentals Intro and Acting Fundamentals One.
Prerequisite: Acting Fundamentals Level One
Voice Fundamentals with Cheryl Moore Brinkley
This must-have class for the new or serious performer who wants to
appropriately train and strengthen their vocal gifts is a complete
basic spoken voice class over a period of five weeks. Gain awareness
and confidence; healthy voice production, diction and articulation;
standard American pronunciation, projection and flexibility &
expression. Everyone loves working with Cheryl!
Prerequisite: Ages 16 and older. No previous training required. Students
must bring a tabletop, freestanding cosmetic mirror, a sense of humor,
and a willingness to play.
For more information, visit Cheryl's web site at www.bvocal.net
or see her bio to the left.
The
Business of Acting with Beth Chaplin
The Actor's Business is a two-day workshop that gives performers 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.
Prerequisite: None - bring resume and headshot if you have one.
To
see current dates for any of the Acting Fundamentals Program offerings,
go to our schedule page by clicking
here.
Jane
Brody Advanced Acting Workshops
Jane will bring her renowned acting workshops to the BNI every summer.
Sign up early . . . because of the intense nature of her workshops
and her ability to get great results from actors, Brody classes fill
fast! Workshops periodically offered by Jane at the BNW may include:
(check the schedule page for upcoming offerings)
The Sport of Cold Reading with Jane Brody
This is a breakthrough class which prepares the actor for auditions
and aids in identifying and dealing with artists' strengths and weaknesses.
Each actor works in every class.
Film & TV On Camera Acting with Jane Brody
Intensive 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 Reading
Monologue 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 Reading
Commercial 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
Click here to see Jane's schedule
of 2003 offerings at our schedule
To
speak to the instructor directly to see if Jane's classes are right
for you, call Jane at 1-888-709-5263
