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Have you ever wondered…what are they talking about? Well, hopefully our FAQ section will do the job. We’ve compiled questions that are asked of us about the shows, the players, and miscellaneous questions that we wouldn’t even think to ask.
ABOUT OUR SHOWS
NOTICE: For the comfort of all our patrons, we do not allow children under the age of 13 to attend our performances. Our shows are written with an adult audience in mind, in an adult environment, and often our content is deemed inappropriate for young people.
Beyond that: Because everyone has their own idea of what type of content is (or isn’t) appropriate for what age group, we don’t feel we can give specific recommendations about bringing young people to our shows. To help guide your decision, please give our box office a call at 612-332-6620. And for adults and young people alike, 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.
Running time of our two-act sketch comedy show averages about 1 hour, 50 minutes, including intermission. Following the last show of the evening, there is also a free performance of our world famous improvisation (our unofficial ‘third act’), which runs 20 minutes on weekdays, and from 10:00 - 10:45 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Other special events and rentals vary. For specific information, please email us.
Now Showing is our 299th original sketch comedy revue, “Angels We Have Heard Are High (O Holy Crap!)”
Come see what’s in Santa’s dime bag! This year’s holiday show is full of brilliant new sketches as well as throwback holiday hilarity from Brave New Workshop’s 60 years. Get your tickets today - they make the perfect stocking puffer!
“Angels We Have Heard Are High (O Holy Crap!)” will feature BNW cast members Lauren Anderson, Denzel Belin, Doug Neithercott, and Taj Ruler. The show will be directed by Caleb McEwen. Jon Pumper will be the music director, and Matthew Vichlach will provide technical direction.
The show is approximately 2:00 in length, including intermission.
The Brave New Workshop creates original, satirical sketch comedy that we perform live onstage. We start with a general theme, like love and relationships, or the presidential election - something that people are talking about and giving a lot of attention to in the community and throughout the nation. We then write original comedy sketches and songs that “satirize” or “make a statement about,” or “take a look at” the topic in a new, funny and entertaining way. It’s called “sketch comedy” or “a comedy revue” and we’ve been doing it since 1958, longer than anyone on the globe. Our goal is always to be funny, entertaining, and provocative. We DO NOT recommend our stage shows for those who are easily shocked or offended, or are uncomfortable encountering viewpoints that differ from their own. We DO recommend our shows for anyone looking for something different and surprising and people who consider themselves to be “comically BRAVE.”
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.)
GETTING TO BNW
We recommend that our guests arrive 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 line at the box office, bar, or restrooms! Our theatre is a fun place to hang out, so get here early and start the party!
Our downtown location is within easy access of tons of metered parking, surface lots, and parking structures. Click Here for a map with some suggested parking options.
To make it even easier, we recommend reserving parking in advance with SpotHero, a parking reservation service that connects drivers to discounted, convenient parking! Find and reserve convenient parking with rates up to 50% off drive-up. You can also use SpotHero to park all over Minneapolis – Click HERE to park with SPOT HERO!
In a nutshell: Don’t be that guy. We invite you to tweet during the show (and we’ll share a hashtag with you if you want to tweet at us!) but please be smart about it – a lit screen in a dark theatre can be very distracting to the performers and the audience members around you. Cameras, cellphones with video/recording, or any recording devices are prohibited during the show.
Please turn ringers OFF during the performance – and remember you are in a comedy theatre and a ringing phone gives our actors the perfect opportunity to stop the show and mock you.
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?
Yes! We have 2 bars with an alcohol selection focused on local products, good coffee, soda and soft drinks; as well as snacks. You CAN bring them into the theater with you! We do not allow outside food or drink, however - no packing a picnic unless you brought enough for all of us! Our theatre is surrounded by many great restaurants too, check out some of our favorites!
Well, other than the aforementioned items about not bringing in outside food or drink, and any photography or video/audio recording of the shows being prohibited, not really.
Here’s a new one, though: “vaping” or smoking of e-cigarettes is not allowed on the premises, as it’s distracting to other guests.
We also ask that, during the show, you refrain from heckling, catcalling, shouting at the actors… they are actual real human beings (and the rest of the audience paid to see them perform, not you).
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 one hour before showtime. Any seats which aren’t claimed 10 minutes prior to showtime may be released for resale.
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!
TICKETS AND SEATING AND WHATNOT…
Oh Heavens Yes! While we do sometimes have tickets available for walk-ups on the night of the show, we often sell out, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Buying your tickets in advance ensures your admission to the performance, and enables you to choose from the most available seats.
We only seat 206 in our 2nd floor theatre, so you’re never too far from the action. On the mainfloor, closest to the stage, the seating is cabaret-style with groupings of tables and chairs. In the risers, we have fixed rows of seating with a drinkrail in front. Note that the risers offer a great view over the heads of the audience members in front of you, but they may not have enough legroom for taller folk, so you Nikola-Pekovic-types may be most comfortable in aisle seats or at a table. If you’re curious to take a gander at the seating chart, you can view a PDF here, and 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.
The Brave New Workshop’s Mainstage Theatre is a RESERVED SEATING venue. When you book your tickets online or through our box office, you can choose “quick pick” for the best available seats, or select the specific seats you want. See the above note about the types of seats we offer!
Unless otherwise noted, shows in our ETC Theatre (such as MN Tonight, The Danger Committee, and others) are GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING. Simply select “best available” when buying tickets online, and find an open seat when you arrive for the show.
We have a limited number of wheelchair-accessible seats available for each performance, which may be purchased online, by phone (612-332-6620), or in person. Seating is provided on a flat, level area with chairs that may be removed when access by a wheelchair is required, with adjacent seats for companions, subject to availability.
Throughout our theatre the style of seats varies a bit, so if you have a special need or request, please don’t hesitate to call the box office (612-332-6620), and we’ll do our best to get you the seats that will work best for your particular need, pending availability!
All levels of the building can be reached by elevator, and all our restrooms are fully accessible.
American Sign Language Interpretation, by certified interpreters, is scheduled for select performances. Check the calendar for upcoming dates. Assisted Listening Devices are available by request - please alert us of your need when making reservations, and let us know if a loop or over the ear receiver is preferred; 48 hours advance notice is requested to ensure availability.
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.
You bet! Please peep the following (all this info also appears on the email confirmation when you purchase your tix):
- Your admission to/attendance at a Brave New Workshop event or performance serves as permission to the Brave New Workshop (and its designees, management companies, partners, affiliated businesses and agents) to use, without compensation, any variation of your image/likeness/voice recorded during the event or on premises, for promotional purposes.
- The ticket holder/attendee voluntarily assumes all risk and danger of personal injury, loss or damage and agrees to release Brave New Workshop, its management companies, subsidiaries and partners (and all of its agents, employees, owners, designees, volunteers) from any and all liability related to injury, incidents or harm whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event, howsoever caused or whether by negligence or otherwise.
Tickets may be purchased 24/7 here.
BOX OFFICE HOURS
FOR JAN 29-FEB 4:
Monday - Saturday 10a - 5p
Always open 2 hrs before show
(AND, if it’s not listed above, we’re always open 2 hours before showtime.)
EVERYTHING ELSE
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.
Indeed we do! By request, we will donate tickets to area organizations and causes for use in silent auctions. Please use our Donation Form; or send your request via mail to Attn: Donations, Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN, 55403. Learn more about our community involvement here!