The longest-running sketch and improvisational comedy theatre in the United States calls the Dudley Riggs Theatre home. Founded in 1958 by fifth-generation circus aerialist Dudley Riggs as the Instant Theatre Company, the Brave New Workshop took its present name in 1961, a reference to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. The company opened off-Broadway with vaudeville sketches, burlesque blackouts, and something entirely new: the use of audience input to create instant theatre, a concept that would become the foundation of comedic improvisation as it is known today. After touring nationally, the Brave New Workshop settled permanently in the Twin Cities and has since produced nearly 400 original satirical revues for more than four million audience members. Alumni include political commentator Al Franken and comedian Louie Anderson. In December 2021, Hennepin Theatre Trust purchased the assets of the Brave New Workshop and the building at 824 Hennepin Avenue, renaming it the Dudley Riggs Theatre in November 2022. The theatre continues to produce original sketch comedy and improvisation shows on a year-round basis, with current programming including the summer Battle of the Improv All-Stars series. The venue is located at 824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Tickets are available through hennepinarts.org. The theatre is situated on Hennepin Avenue in the heart of Minneapolis' downtown theatre district, within walking distance of the State Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, and Pantages Theatre. Hennepin Theatre Trust, the nonprofit that now stewards the venue, also manages those historic houses. Programming at the Dudley Riggs focuses on original comedic content rather than touring shows, maintaining the homegrown creative spirit that Dudley Riggs himself championed. Tickets and show schedules are also available at the Hennepin Theatre Trust box office.

Type: Theater / Concert Hall

Address: 824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, United States, 55403

Website: https://hennepinarts.org