Live theatre depends on an audience.  Because we write and develop our own original shows, it’s essential that we try out material in front of an audience and gauge reactions to the show.  During the week before opening night, we continue to rewrite, rehearse, and rearrange the show, making changes based on audience reactions and feedback collected during preview performances.  Previews have an energy all their own, and are a great opportunity to see material that might otherwise not make it into the actual show!  We charge a lower ticket price for previews because the show is in a little more “raw” state... and the actors are somewhat more likely to burst into tears of blind panic as they attempt to remember their lines that were rewritten mere minutes beforehand.  (Please Note - there’s no free improv set following preview performances.)

Because everyone has their own idea of what type of content is (or isn’t) appropriate for what age group, we never feel we can give specific recommendations about bringing young people to our shows.  To help guide your decision, we refer you to our Standard Disclaimer (ehem):

For over 50 years, the Brave New Workshop has proudly covered controversial topics in a satirical manner. Therefore our shows may include all or none of the following: adult situations, sexual content, blatant irreverence to whatever you hold sacred, irresponsible depictions of gunplay, knife fights, and taser usage; and very, very naughty language.

If you have any doubts, you may wish to preview one or two of our shows before bringing your kids or teens. For the comfort of all our patrons, we do not allow children under the age of 10 to attend our performances.

Our shows are about 100 minutes to two hours long, with one intermission. Following the last show of the evening, there is also a free performance of our world famous improvisation (our unofficial 'third act') which lasts 20 - 45 minutes.

Six Ring Circus generally lasts 60 - 90 minutes. 
The Sunday Sunday Sunday show runs about 2 hours.

Other special events and rentals vary. For specific information, please email us.

Sarah Palin’s Minnesota; or Hindsight is 2011 - Now through June 24!  Join Sarah Palin at the Brave New Workshop as she reveals the last decade's many myths, facts and mysteries of Minnesota. As Sarah explores the land of 10,000 lakes, she will be joined by the many interesting characters this great state and its lakes have to offer. Enjoy the best of the best sketches from the last decade as only Sarah can narrate -- fact, fiction or funny.

For more information about the show, read the latest reviews!

The use of cellphones, cameras, or any electronic devices is PROHIBITED while the show is in progress.  A lit screen in the dark theatre is very distracting to the performers and the other audience members around you.  So don’t be that guy.  Please turn electronic devices OFF during the performance – and if you get it out at intermission, turn it off again before the show resumes.

Photography or recording of any kind is PROHIBITED while the show is in progress.  If you want to snap a photo of yourself and your friends enjoying a night at the Brave New Workshop, that’s cool – just do it at intermission or before/after the show.  If you want a picture of any of the performers or employees of the Brave New Workshop, please ask that person’s permission first, otherwise it’s kind of creepy, don’t you think?

The atmosphere at our theatre tends to be pretty casual. Some people dress up; but jeans are more the norm.  Wear what’s comfortable for you, and come as you are!

We recommend that our guests arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime.  That will give you plenty of time to check your coat, pick up your tickets, get a drink, and settle in to your seats at a relaxed pace.  The earlier you get here, the less likely you are to wind up standing in long lines at the box office, bar, or restrooms!

Patrons arriving after the show starts will be seated at an appropriate break in the performance, at the discretion of the management. Latecoming parties may find that they will have to split up. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE! Our theatre is very small, so seating latecomers is extremely disruptive for our other patrons. Again - we recommend that our guests arrive 30 minutes before showtime.  Any seats which aren't claimed 10 minutes prior to showtime may be released for resale.

The Brave New Workshop is a RESERVED SEATING facility. When you book your tickets online or through our box office, you can choose "quick pick" for the best available seats. We only seat 200 patrons in our theatre, so you're never too far from the action, but if you want assistance choosing your seats, our crack team of knowledgeable box office staff will be happy to help! Just call 612.332.6620.

We have a limited number of wheelchair-accessible seats available for each performance.  To book wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seats, please call the box office at 612-332-6620.  Throughout our theatre the style of seats varies a little bit from section to section, so if you have a special need or request, please don’t hesitate to call the box office, and we’ll do our best to get you the seats that will work best for your particular need!  We do suggest that you call well in advance to ensure the best availability.     

Oh Heavens Yes!  While we do sometimes have tickets available for walk-ups on the night of the show, we often sell out, especially the Friday 8pm and Saturday 7pm shows.  Buying your tickets in advance ensures your admission to the performance, and enables you to choose from the most available seats.   

Please make sure you have all your ducks in a row prior to purchasing tickets.  Once you purchase your tickets, we don’t offer any returns, refunds, or exchanges.  That’s our policy - but if a problem should arise with your reservation or for some reason you can’t make it to the show, please feel free to call the box office at 612-332-6620 and we’ll try to assist if possible.

Tickets may be purchased 24/7 here!  Otherwise, our box office hours are:

Tues/Wed - 11am to 5 pm

Thur - 11 am to 9 pm

Fri - 9 am to 9 pm

Sat - 10 am to 10 pm

(closed Sunday and Monday)

If you want insider info and access to specials and ticket discounts (and really, who doesn’t), there are several great ways to stay up to speed with us.  Numeros uno and dos - sign up for our email newsletter and like us on Facebook.  You can follow us on Twitter too, and if that’s not enough for you, bookmark us on Yelp and check in on Foursquare. If you don’t go in for social networking, I guess you could just honk and wave whenever you drive past the theatre.