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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brave New Workshop's (BNW) improv training?

You may find more detailed answers to these questions within the BNW training web site. If so, we've included a link to those pages within the answers below.

How does improv-based training differ from other types of training?
Training based on the princles of improvisation is different from most types of traditional training because it is experiential, participants are involved in the process of learning firsthand. BNW's training workshops allow attendees to actively participate in the process.

How does BNW's improv training differ from that of other companies offering similar services?
Our training differs from other companies in the following ways:

• Our instructors have a substantial amount of both improvisational and corporate workplace experience.
• Our programs are designed with the workplace in mind. The goal is not to teach the participants how to improvise but to improve their work performance by exposing them to improvisation and provide them with specific skills they can apply to their workplace.
• We have a standardized and thorough information gathering process. We spend a significant amount of time interviewing and understanding what specific skills and results the client wants to achieve. This understanding allows us to refine exercises appropriate to the training session.
  

Who created BNW's improv-based training and what qualifications does that individual possess?
Our training program has been an evolution. Contributors to our current program have been the founder of our theater, Dudley Riggs, the thousands of students who have gone through our training program at the Brave New Institute, the instructors of the Brave New Institute, John Sweeney, the executive producer and owner of the Brave New Workshop, and perhaps - most importantly - the past participants of our corporate training workshops. The insight we have gained from working with literally hundreds of the nation's leading corporations and organizations have helped us to create programs specifically designed to meet business needs.

What are some of the job functions of past training participants?
Participants in our training programs cover the entire spectrum of corporate and organizational fields. We have trained CEOs of Fortune 100 companies and entry-level staff members in nonprofit organizations. We have worked with: senior vice president's, marketing specialists, human resource coordinators, social workers, the sales staff, customer service representatives, engineers, factory workers, doctors, lawyers, graphic artists, architects, meeting planners, travel agents, administrative assistants, government workers, bankers, power company line workers, advertising creatives, teachers, association members and even people from Iowa. The only common thread being that all the groups we train possess the sincere desire to improve and acquire skills to increase their innovation, communications, and team productivity.

What are the objectives of this type of training?
The objectives of our training are to expose the participants to the principles, philosophies, and skills of improvisational theater using our trademarked exercises. The outcome produced by this objective varies dependent on client topics, but always includes drastically increased awareness and better communication, innovation, teamwork, and acceptance for change.

What can participants expect to learn?
Most of the comments we get from participants who have experienced our training lead us to believe that the bulk of the learning comes via introspection. Participants examine their own understanding of:

• how well they adapt to change,
• how comfortable they are with new ideas,
• their own tendencies to say no to co-workers and work processes
• how clear is the pathway between their cognitive and creative sides of the brain, and
• participants learn specific skills and tools to enhance personal innovation and creativity as well as that of their co-workers, and
• participants explore the insights and learning points chosen by their companies
  

How would you categorize the instructional methods used in improv-based training?
The instructional methods used are facilitation, not lecture. Much like the classrooms of the Brave New Institute, our trainer's first goal is to create a learning environment in which the participants feel comfortable and are able to maximize the experience they are participating in. As veteran improvisers, all of our instructors have the skills to react instantaneously to the need of an individual or group. These spontaneous curriculum adjustments oftentimes produce exceptional learning experiences.

What other companies have benefited from BNW training?

How would you categorize the overall experience of BNW's improv-based training?
Our clients have categorized their experience as an "outward bound for the mind." Some other descriptions we have seen in post training questionnaires have included energizing, fresh, and a new approach to the age-old question of innovation and productivity. We suggest you look at our case studies and testimonials.

The Training Experience - in Detail

Where does BNW improv-based training take place?
Often our training is part of a larger event and so our training takes place wherever that event is located. We have trained in convention centers, hotels, resort ballrooms, large conference rooms, ocean liners, and at our Twin Cities theatres. Sometimes a client will decide to use the physical environment to enhance our training and will rent our theater space to house the training workshop.

How should I dress to attend training?
Most workshop attendees dress business casual. We recommend dressing in a way that makes you most comfortable an appeals to your creative self in the company of your co-workers.

Is there anything I should bring to training?
Many attendees take notes throughout the session. Beyond that, all that is needed is an open mind and playful spirit.

What if my company is not interested in group training right now and I'm not interested in becoming an actor. Can I attend improv-based training classes?
Yes, our classes consist of mostly professionals like yourself who want to increase their communication and innovation skills. The classes are starting regularly.

If I'm extremely introverted and would rather swim with sharks than take part in improv exercises in front of an audience, how would I benefit from BNW training?
All of the exercises we experience in our workshops are on a volunteer basis. You only participate to the level you are comfortable with and much can be learned through observation. Some attendees assume they won't be comfortable at first and then jump in and often enjoy the experience more than the extroverts.