Hennepin Theatre Trust To Carry On Legacy Of Brave New Workshop
Hennepin Theatre Trust today announced that it has purchased the assets of the Brave New Workshop (BNW) comedy theatre as well as the building located at 824 Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.
"We are thrilled that the Brave New Workshop comedy theatre will continue to be a producing company in the heart of the Hennepin Theatre District," said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. "This organization has been delighting and challenging brave audiences for more than 60 years and we are honored to carry on the creative legacy Dudley Riggs started in 1958 and John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl stewarded for the past 25 years."
Nerenhausen noted that BNW aligns well with the Trust's mission to drive cultural and economic vitality for the benefit of Minnesota. "In addition to showcasing BNW, we look forward to expanding performance and educational opportunities for students and local artists and arts organizations at 824 Hennepin."
When co-owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl purchased BNW from Riggs in 1997, their goals were to ensure long-term sustainability, find a permanent home, and honor and elevate the unique history of the theater. "When we met those milestones a few years ago, we began talking about succession," said Lilledahl. "We are confident that the Trust can carry on BNW's mission to serve the community in diverse and expanded ways. Now is the right time in our lives for this transition."
Artistic director Caleb McEwen, who has been with BNW for 26 years and part of more than 100 productions, will continue to serve as artistic director. Productions are anticipated in 2022. "The most important thing to me is that the vision of our founder, Dudley Riggs, continues," said McEwen. "I'm thrilled that this Minnesota institution will be able to continue the tradition of world-class sketch comedy and improv it has upheld for over six decades."
Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman, who represents the ward in which the Theatre District is located, called the transition a "win-win" for downtown and Minnesota's arts community. "By perpetuating the legacy of the Brave New Workshop, the Trust will continue to bring vitality to Hennepin Avenue and provide more space for local arts organizations," said Goodman.
While Hennepin Theatre Trust takes on the role of steward and producer of BNW, Sweeney and Lilledahl will retain ownership of their corporate training company, renaming it the Brave New Outpost (BraveNewOutpost.com). They also plan to continue to manage the Brave New Institute, a nonprofit launched in 1997, narrowing its outreach focus to helping individuals use the tools and mindset of improvisation to positively affect their everyday lives.
Sweeney noted that the Brave New Workshop has been in a constant state of reinventing itself since its beginnings in the 1950s. "Like a good improv scene, this latest reinvention honors the past and embraces the future," he said. "We are grateful to the Trust for carrying on the legacy of Dudley Riggs and the theatre's rich history. Long live the Brave New Workshop."
Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.
More Hot Stories For You

January 27, 2023
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has announced the cast and creative team for Jacqueline Woodson’s Locomotion, adapted from Ms. Woodson’s own book. The production will be directed by Talvin Wilks. See photos from the production.

January 27, 2023
Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced two new members to its board of directors. Gerardo Casahonda, senior director of indirect tax at Thomson Reuters and Trisha Duncan, director of Minnesota community relations for Xcel Energy start their tenure on the board Thursday, Jan. 26. Andrea Mokros, current vice chair of the Trust's board of directors, has been elected to follow Travis Barkve as chair of the board and officially begins her term as chair today.

January 20, 2023
A drama of great tenderness, charm, and beauty, The Glass Menagerie is an icon of the American theater. With poetic realism this momentous memory play gets a fresh take in the hands of director Anika Thompson.

January 13, 2023
On March 3, 2023 Duluth Playhouse is inviting the community for a roaring good time of lighthearted competition in support of the Arts. This unforgettable night will feature a variety of local personalities living out their Broadway dreams on the NorShor stage.

January 12, 2023
The Guthrie Theater today announced the cast and creative team for Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage, directed by Nicole A. Watson. Blues for an Alabama Sky will play January 28 – March 12, 2023, on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.