The venue was founded by Dudley Riggs, a circus aerialist who transitioned into political satire.
It holds the title of the longest-running satirical theater in the nation.
The theater served as an early training ground for several comedians who later moved on to Saturday Night Live and other major comedy institutions.
The ensemble typically produces several original mainstage revues each year, which are updated to reflect contemporary news cycles.
The building serves dual purposes as both a performance theater and a training center for comedy students.
Brave New Workshop is the oldest satirical sketch comedy theater in the United States, founded in 1958. Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the venue specializes in improv and scripted comedy that frequently addresses current political and social themes. The theater operates as an independent performance space, moving away from its original West Bank roots to its current Hennepin Avenue location. The shows are consistently written and performed by their resident ensemble company. The venue features an intimate seating layout where the stage is highly visible from all points in the room. Beyond public performances, the workshop functions as a school for improv, teaching the specific techniques used in their productions.
The neon signage and historic marquee outside the entrance on Hennepin Avenue.
Book tickets well in advance for weekend shows, as they frequently sell out.
Check the official website to see if a show is considered 'family-friendly' or 'adult' before purchasing, as humor varies by production.
Arrive early to enjoy refreshments in the lobby before the house opens.
Do not attempt to heckle performers, as the improv-heavy nature of the shows relies on specific audience participation protocols.
Performances typically run Thursday through Sunday; check the schedule for seasonal holiday-themed revues.
Casual dress code; standard theater etiquette applies, such as silencing mobile devices and avoiding excessive talking during performances.
