COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: What is the Brave New Institute?
A: The Brave New Institute is the Brave New Workshop's improvisation school offering classes in improv, music and acting.

Q: Do we have a schedule? How do I get a registration form/flier?
A: Yes, we can mail you our current schedule and also put you on the mailing list to receive future schedules or click adult or youth schedules in the menu. Our classes, and therefore our schedules, are on a quarterly basis-only classes offered for that specific quarter are listed in that schedule. If the current flier has expired, we can put you on the mailing list to receive future BNI info. You will then receive the most current flier when it is released. Also check the website for updates.

Q: Where are the classes located?
A: Most classes are held at 2605 Hennepin Ave. S. at the historic BNW Theatre. However, community outreach programs may be held at various event centers or campuses. Locations are noted on the class schedule.

Q: What classes are offered?
A: Adults: The complete BNI Adult Improvisation Track Program consists of an Everyday Track, Performance Track, Corporate Track, and Life Skills Track. Each track is specifically designed to meet the needs of students through improv philosophy and techniques and consists of 4 to 5 levels. Our improv classes focus on long form improvisation. In addition to the improv classes wqe offer a sketch writing and show production class. Go to this link adult improv classes to find out more detailed information about our adult classes. Other Acting Workshops: Periodically, we offer workshops from a variety of specialists including, Jane Brody, Cheryl Moore Brinkley and Beth Chaplin. All details of these classes are listed in our fliers and on our website. Youth: Saturday Youth Jams are the ongoing youth classes that we offer. They take place on one Saturday per month. We also offer seasonal youth programs. Typically these are offered in the summer and over the holiday season. They are from 3 days to two weeks in length with a final performance. We also offer a "youth team" for more serious actors-if you are interested in joining this, we suggest attending a Sat. Jam first and you can receive more info at that time.

Q: Do I have to take all five levels?
A: You may take as many or as few levels of class as you are interested in. If you cannot take all the levels consecutively, but are interested in continuing in the program, you may take breaks as needed. However, depending on the time lapse between classes, you may be asked to repeat a level before continuing on in the program. Students pay in advance for each level, one level at a time.

Q: When are classes offered? Are the classes ongoing?
A: We have classes starting up all the time. Everyone, at all experience levels, starts at Level one. We usually have at least 2 or 3 Level Ones beginning in any given month. The dates are listed in the current BNI flier or on the web. The Saturday Youth Jams are ongoing and students can register at any time.

Q: How long is each class period?
A: 2 hours for adult improv-others vary. See the class schedules online or fliers in the theatre.

Q: How long is each session and how much do the classes cost?
A: Everyday Improv Track and BNW Classic Performance track consist of 4 levels. In the Everyday Track Levels 1-4 are each eight weeks long. The Performance Track is also made up of 4 levels. Levels 1-3 are each eight weeks long and Level 4 is twelve weeks long. Classes start at $250.The corporate and life skills track of classes vary, please check this link adult schedule for length and cost Saturday Youth Jams are $40 each. All other classes vary in prices and are listed on the class schedule web pages and in the flier.

Q: How experienced do I need to be to take classes?
A: Our classes are accessible to students of all backgrounds and experience levels. We have students who are professional actors and students who have business backgrounds with no interest in performing, but just want to have fun. You do not need any prior experience to take our Improvisation classes, just a desire to learn, grow and have fun. Some of our special workshops, however, do require previous experience and our Performance Track of classes require previous experience and you must audition to be considered for this class. Requirements are noted on the adult and youth program pages.

Q: I've taken improv before, can I skip level 1 and start at a higher level?
A: The performance track was designed for you. This class starts at a much higher level than level 1.

Q: How do I register for classes? When do I pay for them?
A: You may mail or hand deliver the registration form with payment to BNI, 2605 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls, MN 55408. Or you may register over the phone with a credit card. You may also register over the Internet but we do not allow Internet-based cash transactions for classes. The deposit for all adult improv classes is $60. We accept cash, check or credit card at the theatre. The deposit for level one must be paid prior to the first class and then the remainder paid on the first day of class.

Q: How do internships work?
A: Intern hours may be used to pay for classes. We trade hours worked for tuition. Internships are awarded based on availability. You may request an application for an internship.

 

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