BRAVE NEW INSTITUTE

A note from Mike and Joe:

Yes! The Brave New Institute is now the Brave New Workshop Student Union!

The BNW SU is a meeting place for people to come together to learn and celebrate improvisation and sketch comedy. Whether students take classes to perform improv on the stage or just improve their lives, we know this art form can have a very powerful and positive influence on their lives.

Any donations made through Give to the Max will go towards making our classes more accessible to folks that could use the positive influence of improvisation and towards keeping 2605 Hennepin Ave. S. a vibrant theater in the heart of Uptown.

NOTE! Any donation over $25 will net you a free* ticket to the BNW Comedy Theater's main stage show!

*Some restrictions apply.

About the Brave New Workshop Student Union:

AN AMAZING PLACE TO LEARN IMPROVISATION With more than 200 students weekly, and the most broad-based improv curriculum of any training center in the country, the BNW SU is a worldwide leader in the study of improvisation. We offer improv classes for performers and non-performers alike, along with specific programming for youth, seniors, and corporations. A non-profit arts organization, the BNW SU is the educational division of the world famous Brave New Workshop Theatre, which was founded by Dudley Riggs in 1958. Classes are held at the theatre’s historic space at 2605 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis.

IMPROVISATION FOR LIFE While improvisation is certainly an excellent tool for creating entertainment, we have found that the philosophies and principles of improvisation can make the most dramatic impact in our everyday lives -- both professionally and personally. One of the things that makes improv special is the fact that anyone can do it, regardless of age, background, size, talents, or capabilities. Your donation will help us make the study of improv accessible to anyone who wants to benefit from the life skills that improv imparts; including the ability to solve problems creatively, work in teams, trust yourself and approach life with a "yes" attitude. Besides all of that, improvisation at the BNW SU is so much fun and full of laughs, and everyone knows that when you're having fun, it's easier to learn, grow and take risks.

IMPROVISATION FOR EVERYONE -- Youth, Teens, Adults, Community Not only do we provide scholarships for youth and adults, based on need and/or talent - we have partnered with dozens of organizations to provide improv training to populations such as at-risk youth and adults, those with chemical dependency issues, people in transition, and those with physical and developmental disabilities; regardless of those organizations’ ability to fund the program. Our goal is to help every individual who walks through our doors find their unique creative path as an improviser, no matter their skills, fears, or background. We truly believe everyone is an improviser, a naturally creative person; and our students will tell you that it’s true.
"Improv principles such as honesty, trust, listening, and staying "in the moment" have really helped my work and personal life. I find it easeir to deal with change. Improv helps me to deal with events that don't go according to the master plan and "surprises." -- Jim Kojis, BNW SU student graduate

CREATIVE SAFETY FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS Students are attracted to the BNW SU because we provide a safe place to try something that many consider risky or scary. Throughout our 50 year history, we've created a learning environment free of judgment, where students have the opportunity to be their best selves. "When I'm at the BNW SU, I always feel most like myself," say many of our students.

The Brave New Workshop Student Union is a 501c3 Minnesota non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.