Introducing: The Brave New Institute's Graduate Series!

Have you graduated from the BNI's Everyday or Performance tracks? Are you looking to sharpen your skills and learn a few new tricks? Then check out the BNI's Graduate Series!

These classes will vary on topics, from finding the game in the scene to making bolder character choices. Special structure-based sessions will also be available! Learn how to perform a Movie, a Deconstruction, or make your own structure!

Stage Combat/Action Movie Improv
Who among us hasn't had the urge to punch a bad guy in the face or knee him in the crotch or stab him with a pencil?
In this fun and action-packed workshop, students will recieve top notch stage combat training from Carin Bratlie, member of SAFD (the Society of American Fight Directors).

The first two weeks of class will focus on learning different stage combat techniques. Then students will work with Mike Fotis to take this information and combine it with their love of the action movie genre to create an improv structure full of danger, laughter and (safe) violence. Look out, John Woo!

This class is open to current Performance Track students, alumni of the Performance Track or Everyday Improv program, and 6 Ring Students.

Class begins on Sunday April 3rd and will run for 6 weeks from 10am-noon.

There will be a performance of this structure at Six Ring Circus. Performance date is TBD.

Carin Bratlie is freelance director, acting instructor, fight choreographer, and a member of SAFD (the Society of American Fight Directors). She teaches stage combat, acting, Shakespeare, movement, script development, and improv (to name just a few subjects) throughout the state with The Guthrie Theater, Steppingstone Theater, Youth Performance Company, and others. She has directed over 50 productions in professional, educational and community theaters.

Dates: Sundays beginning April 3rd
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $175
Instructors: Carin Bratlie and Mike Fotis
Minimum Enrollment: 8
Maximum Enrollment: 12
A $50 deposit will be required to secure your spot in the class.

To talk to the directors of the BNI call Joe Bozic and Mike Fotis at (612) 332-6620 x202, or email.

WHAT MAKES THE BNI DIFFERENT? History Since 1958 we’ve been performing and teaching improvisation and sketch comedy and in our long history we keep coming back to the same base principles which are time tested. Our founder, Dudley Riggs, is considered one of the founders of the performance art form of Improvisation in the U.S. Our own space Creative Safety Critical Mass lots of students which gives you the opportunity to meet others like yourself or unlike yourself. This leads to great networking and a place to meet others with whom you may perform. Opportunity to perform on the historic BNW stage Ego-less instructors and leaders Our instructors are from all walks of life and all perform / act and/or are committed to life long study of improvisation. Rub shoulders with best improv / sketch actors in TC and U.S. We are not married to ‘rules of improv’ – we believe in a ‘bigger / more global’ definition of improv. Truly help each individual student find their creative gifts. Believe everyone can improvise Believe students bring own expertise to the process – i.e., we/our instructors do not “know it all” Access to our other classes Professionally run theatre...high standards and expectations for our actors and employees. Real, live humans study with us…not just artsy freaks Lots of history and examples of our students doing unique, great things -- forming troupes, fringe shows, getting promotions, etc.