Brave New Workshop
BY NOEL DINNEEN
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In 1958, local celebrity Dudley Riggs opened Brave New Workshop (BNW) in Minneapolis. Since then, the BNW has been the cornerstone of improvisation and sketch comedy in the Twin Cities as well as the Midwest. In 1997, BNW was sold to the husband and wife team of John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl. 11 questions tracked down this couple to get a closer look at this institute’s inner workings.
What is the history of The Brave New Workshop?
The Brave New Workshop was founded in Minneapolis in 1958 by Dudley Riggs, making it the longest running satirical sketch comedy theatre in the country. It is the third longest running theatre in Minnesota. More than 300 original productions have been mounted on Brave New Workshop stages for more than three million people. Dozens of Brave New Workshop alumni have become successful members of the entertainment industry, including: "SNL" writer/performer Al Franken, comedian Louie Anderson, current "MAD TV" cast member Mo Collins, Emmy Award winning writer/producer Peter Tolan ("Murphy Brown," "The Gary Shandling Show"), and writer/producer Pat Proft (Naked Gun, Hot Shots, Police Academy).
What does the BNW do?
The BNW is comprised of several divisions: First, our resident company produces five original sketch comedy revues each year at our main stage theatre; second, we write, produce and perform original sketch comedy, video and improvisation for corporations, schools and special events; third, we operate the Brave New Institute, our school for improvisation and acting, where more than 250 students attend classes; and finally, the BNW produces other comedy related programs, including Flanagan’s Wake.
What are your major artistic influences?
Our major artistic influence is simply the motivation to do "brave" work. Since 1958, the motto of the Brave New Workshop has been "Positive Neutrality, Promiscuous Hostility." This motto remains true to this day. Every new actor that comes into the Brave New Workshop family takes the wealth of history before them very seriously.
How is the BNW unique?
We are the longest running satirical sketch comedy theatre in the U.S. While we are most often compared to The Second City, we are different in several ways: 1) We do five original shows each year. 2) We have a very specific sketch writing process in which each writer/actor must defend their idea–the satirical point and "funny" of every piece. Because of this process, the Brave New Workshop has become known as a hotbed for comedy writers. 3) We operate in a much different culture here in Minnesota.
Do you have any ties to Chicago?
Yes, several of our alumni have gone on to work in Chicago. Most recently, we worked for Second City Communications (1996/1997) and made many friends there. When we bought the BNW in 1997, we also acquired the contract to run two improvisation/sketch comedy theatres for Disney Cruise Lines. We hired several cast members from Chicago, some of which have now moved to Minneapolis. We also have a very close relationship with the Chicago Improv Festival, and have participated there every year as performers and teachers. Finally, we produce Flanagan’s Wake which was originated and produced in Chicago by the Noble Fool Theatre Company. The people at Noble Fool have been a great support to us and we continue to work with them as we enter our third year of producing Flanagan’s Wake in Minnesota.
How easy is it to get involved in BNW?
Joining our classes is the best way to get involved in our theatre. Our improvisation program takes about 12-14 months to complete, and culminates with the writing and performing of an original sketch comedy show. Graduates of our program are invited to join long form improvisation teams, which perform weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. We have four paid companies–main stage, international touring company, Flanagan’s Wake and the corporate entertainment division–which are cast through auditions.
What sort of ties do you have with other theatre groups in the Twin Cities?
Minneapolis/St. Paul is a tremendously supportive theatre community. It is large enough that any good actor can jump in and get experience here; yet small enough that most of us know one another, or at least know about each other. It is a very open community. There is a great sense about supporting each other here, even if the style of work is a bit different.
What is the BNW excited about?
We have increased our school from 10 to nearly 300 students, and have increased ticket sales by more than 40 percent. Also, we are excited about opening a third theatre in the Twin Cities [St. Paul], where we will have a permanent home for the interacting show Flanagan’s Wake. Finally, we are very excited about the growth we are having in Hollywood. We have fostered a relationship with a manager there who represents Brave New Workshop talent. We now have a formal path for our best talent to transition to Hollywood.
How do audiences in Minneapolis differ from others?
In Minneapolis, we do suffer a bit from "Minnesota nice." While Minneapolis is a liberal town, there is still a "politeness" amidst our audiences that can be a challenge. We are constantly pushing the line with our audiences and our goal at the Brave New Workshop has always been to not only make them laugh, but also make them a bit uncomfortable.
How can an out-of-towner find out more about you? Check us out on the Web at www.BraveNewWorkshop.com, call 612/332-6620 or you can sign up by sending us an e-mail at BNW@mr.net. Finally, check the local newspapers.
If the BNW ruled the world, what are the first major changes you would make?
First, that no one would have to be convinced that they could improvise. Everyone would believe they could. Second, that people would live their lives "improvisationally." Finally, that no one person or organization would claim responsibility for inventing improvisation and everyone would accept it for the pure, ever changing art that it is.