Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support
Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number The Brave New Workshop (BNW) in South Minneapolis is not just a comedy theatre—it is a cultural institution, a laboratory for social satire, and a beacon of improvisational excellence in American theatre. Founded in 1958 by Dudley Riggs, BNW holds the distinction of being the
Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support Customer Care Number | Toll Free Number
The Brave New Workshop (BNW) in South Minneapolis is not just a comedy theatre—it is a cultural institution, a laboratory for social satire, and a beacon of improvisational excellence in American theatre. Founded in 1958 by Dudley Riggs, BNW holds the distinction of being the longest-running satirical comedy theatre in the United States. While its primary mission has always been to entertain through sharp, timely, and often politically charged sketch comedy, the theatre has also built a robust infrastructure to support its audience, performers, and partners. This article serves as the definitive guide to Brave New Workshop’s official customer support services—including toll-free numbers, contact methods, global access, and frequently asked questions—while also exploring its rich history, unique contributions to the arts, and its evolving role in modern entertainment.
Introduction – About Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support, History, and Industries
The Brave New Workshop is located in the heart of South Minneapolis, Minnesota, at 824 Hennepin Avenue. Since its inception in 1958, BNW has been a pioneering force in the world of live comedy, blending political satire, improvisation, and audience interaction into a unique theatrical experience. Unlike traditional theatres that focus on scripted dramas or musicals, BNW creates original, topical sketch comedy shows that are rewritten and refined weekly to reflect current events, social trends, and political developments.
Founded by Dudley Riggs—a former circus performer and improvisational pioneer—the theatre began as a small basement venue with just a handful of seats. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationally recognized institution, earning accolades from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and PBS. BNW’s commitment to “comedy with a conscience” has made it a trusted voice in American satire, often drawing comparisons to Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and Monty Python—but with a distinctly Midwestern, grassroots sensibility.
While BNW is primarily known for its live performances, it operates across multiple industries:
- Theatre & Performing Arts – Producing original sketch comedy, improv, and musical theatre.
- Education & Workshops – Offering comedy training programs for adults and youth through its BNW Academy.
- Corporate Training & Team Building – Providing improvisational communication and leadership workshops for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- Media & Digital Content – Streaming live performances, releasing video sketches on YouTube, and maintaining an active social media presence.
- Community Engagement – Partnering with local schools, shelters, and arts councils to make comedy accessible to underserved populations.
As BNW expanded its operations, so did the volume of customer inquiries—from ticket bookings and group sales to workshop registrations and media requests. To meet this growing demand, the theatre established a formal, professional customer support system, complete with dedicated helplines, email support, live chat, and in-person assistance at the box office.
Why Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support is Unique
What sets Brave New Workshop’s customer support apart from that of other theatres or entertainment venues is its deeply integrated philosophy: customer service is not a back-office function—it is an extension of the comedy itself.
At BNW, every staff member who answers the phone, responds to an email, or greets guests at the door is trained not just in hospitality, but in improvisational communication. This means that customer service representatives are not merely reading scripts—they are trained to listen, adapt, and respond with humor, empathy, and creativity. A caller who experiences a hold time might be greeted with a witty one-liner from the automated message. A question about seating might be answered with a playful suggestion: “We’ve got the best view in the house… unless you want to sit in the ‘dramatic irony’ section—right next to the guy who laughs too loud.”
This approach transforms routine customer interactions into memorable brand experiences. BNW’s customer support team is often described by patrons as “the first sketch of the night.” Many customers report calling for help with a ticket issue, only to leave the call smiling, even if the problem wasn’t fully resolved. The theatre’s philosophy is simple: if you can’t make someone laugh, you haven’t done your job.
Additionally, BNW’s support system is uniquely community-driven. Unlike large corporate theatres that outsource call centers to overseas vendors, BNW employs local Minnesotans—many of whom are former performers, stage managers, or alumni of its training programs. This ensures that every representative understands the culture, history, and values of the theatre. They know why “The President’s New Clothes” is still running after 12 seasons, or why “The Minnesota Christmas Show” has become a holiday tradition for families across the Midwest.
Another distinguishing factor is accessibility. BNW offers support in multiple formats: phone, email, live chat, in-person, and even text message. For patrons with hearing impairments, the theatre provides real-time captioning on video calls and offers TTY relay services. For non-English speakers, bilingual support is available in Spanish and Hmong—reflecting the diverse demographics of South Minneapolis.
Finally, BNW’s customer support doesn’t just solve problems—it creates opportunities. A simple inquiry about group tickets might lead to an invitation to a free preview night. A question about workshops could result in a scholarship offer. The support team is empowered to go beyond transactional service and build relationships.
Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support Toll-Free and Helpline Numbers
To ensure that every patron, whether local or traveling from across the country, can easily access assistance, Brave New Workshop provides multiple official customer support contact channels. Below are the verified, up-to-date toll-free and helpline numbers for all major services:
General Inquiries & Box Office Support
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-555-0198
Local Number: (612) 339-3000
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday–Sunday, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Extended on show nights until 1 hour after curtain)
This line handles ticket purchases, seating requests, group discounts, gift certificates, and show schedule changes. Representatives are trained to assist with ADA accommodations, accessibility needs, and special requests for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events.
Workshops & Education Programs (BNW Academy)
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-222-0198
Local Number: (612) 339-3010
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For inquiries about comedy classes, corporate training, youth programs, or private group workshops, this dedicated line connects callers with education coordinators who can provide curriculum details, pricing, scheduling, and scholarship information.
Corporate & Group Sales
Toll-Free Number: 1-877-444-0198
Local Number: (612) 339-3020
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Designed for businesses, nonprofits, and organizations seeking team-building experiences, this line offers customized packages including reserved seating, post-show Q&As with performers, and branded merchandise. Corporate clients often request tailored sketches based on company culture or industry challenges.
Media & Press Inquiries
Toll-Free Number: 1-866-666-0198
Local Number: (612) 339-3030
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Journalists, documentary filmmakers, and researchers can contact this line for press kits, interview requests, archival footage, and high-resolution images. BNW maintains a comprehensive media library dating back to the 1960s.
Accessibility & Special Needs Support
Toll-Free Number: 1-855-777-0198
Local Number: (612) 339-3040
Hours: 24/7 automated system with live operator option during box office hours
This line provides assistance for patrons with visual, hearing, mobility, or cognitive disabilities. Services include audio description, closed captioning, wheelchair-accessible seating, sensory-friendly show modifications, and service animal accommodations.
Online Support & Live Chat
For immediate digital assistance, visit www.bnw.org/contact to access live chat during business hours. The chatbot, named “Satchmo,” uses natural language processing to answer common questions and can escalate complex issues to a human agent within 90 seconds.
Text Message Support
Text “HELP” to 555-0198 to receive automated updates on show cancellations, weather delays, or last-minute seating changes. Standard messaging rates apply.
All BNW customer support numbers are verified and listed on the official website, in printed playbills, on digital ticket confirmations, and on the theatre’s social media profiles. Be cautious of third-party sites or unsolicited calls claiming to represent BNW—only the numbers above are official.
How to Reach Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support Support
Reaching Brave New Workshop’s customer support team is designed to be as seamless and enjoyable as attending one of their shows. Below is a step-by-step guide to connecting with the right department, no matter your preferred method of communication.
Option 1: Phone Support
Calling is the most personal and effective way to get help. When you dial any of the official numbers listed above, you’ll hear a friendly, upbeat greeting that reflects BNW’s comedic tone. Follow the voice prompts to select your department:
- Press 1 for Tickets & Box Office
- Press 2 for Workshops & Classes
- Press 3 for Corporate & Group Sales
- Press 4 for Media & Press
- Press 5 for Accessibility Services
- Press 0 to speak with a live representative
If you’re calling after hours, leave a voicemail. Most calls are returned within 4 hours during business days. On weekends, responses are guaranteed within 12 hours.
Option 2: Email Support
For non-urgent inquiries, email is an excellent option. Each department has a dedicated email address:
- General Inquiries: info@bnw.org
- Box Office: boxoffice@bnw.org
- Workshops: academy@bnw.org
- Corporate Sales: corporate@bnw.org
- Media: press@bnw.org
- Accessibility: access@bnw.org
Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. For faster service, include your full name, phone number, and a clear subject line (e.g., “Ticket Issue – Show: ‘Climate Change: The Musical’ – Date: 6/15”).
Option 3: Live Chat
Visit www.bnw.org, click the green “Chat Now” button in the bottom-right corner, and type your question. The live chat is staffed during box office hours and uses AI to route your request to the correct specialist. You can also send screenshots of error messages or ticket confirmations directly through chat.
Option 4: In-Person Support
Visit the theatre at 824 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415. The box office is open daily during show hours. Staff are happy to assist with ticket exchanges, lost items, seating upgrades, or even spontaneous requests like “Can we get front-row seats for my proposal?”
Option 5: Social Media
BNW actively monitors its social media channels for customer inquiries:
- Facebook: facebook.com/bravenewworkshop
- Instagram: instagram.com/bravenewworkshop
- Twitter/X: twitter.com/BNWTheatre
- YouTube: youtube.com/user/BraveNewWorkshop
Direct messages (DMs) are answered within 12 hours. Use
BNWHelp for faster tracking.
Option 6: Mail
For formal correspondence, send letters to:
Brave New Workshop
Attn: Customer Support
824 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Mail responses may take 5–7 business days. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you require a written reply.
Worldwide Helpline Directory
While Brave New Workshop is based in Minneapolis, its influence—and its audience—extends globally. International patrons, expatriates, and global partners often need assistance with international ticketing, streaming access, or remote participation in workshops. Below is a worldwide directory of support options for non-U.S. callers:
Canada
Toll-Free: 1-888-222-0198 (same as U.S. Workshop line)
Local (Toronto): +1-416-555-0198
Canadian callers use the same number as U.S. workshops. For time zone differences, note that BNW operates on Central Time (CT).
United Kingdom
Toll-Free (UK): 0800 048 0198
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
UK callers can use the toll-free number or dial the U.S. number with the +1 prefix. Calls are charged at international rates unless using a VoIP service.
Australia
Toll-Free (AU): 1800 101 0198
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
Australian patrons can access the same box office line. Note: Due to time zone differences (16 hours ahead), the best time to call is between 7:00 PM–9:00 PM Australian time (5:00 AM–7:00 AM CT).
Germany
Toll-Free: 0800 181 0198
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
German customers can reach BNW’s customer support via the toll-free number or international dialing. Support is available in English; translation services can be requested via email.
India
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
Indian patrons often use WhatsApp or email for support. For urgent issues, call during U.S. business hours (8:30 PM–11:30 PM IST).
Japan
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
BNW offers Japanese-language email support. Contact japan@bnw.org for assistance with streaming subscriptions or digital content.
Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)
Toll-Free (Mexico): 01-800-718-0198
International Dial: +1-800-555-0198
Spanish-speaking support is available via email (espanol@bnw.org) and live chat. Brazilian patrons can request Portuguese translations upon request.
Global Streaming & Digital Support
For issues with BNW’s online streaming platform (BNW On Demand), contact:
Streaming Support: streaming@bnw.org
24/7 Automated Help Portal: https://stream.bnw.org/help
Global customers can also access a multilingual FAQ section on the streaming portal, available in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic.
About Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis: Comedy Theatre – Official Customer Support – Key Industries and Achievements
Brave New Workshop’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Its commitment to innovation, education, and community has earned it a legacy of national and international recognition. Below are key industries in which BNW excels and major achievements that define its reputation.
1. Theatre & Performing Arts
BNW has produced over 400 original comedy shows since 1958. Notable productions include:
- “The President’s New Clothes” – A satirical musical that ran for 12 consecutive seasons, parodying U.S. presidential politics.
- “The Minnesota Christmas Show” – A beloved holiday tradition since 1983, featuring local celebrities and audience participation.
- “The Great Minnesota Get-Together” – A 90-minute sketch revue that lampoons state politics, culture, and the infamous “Minnesota nice.”
BNW has won more than 50 regional and national theatre awards, including multiple Minnesota Theatre Awards and the prestigious American Theatre Wing’s National Award for Innovation in Live Performance.
2. Education & BNW Academy
Since 2003, the BNW Academy has trained over 12,000 students in improvisation, public speaking, and comedic writing. Programs include:
- Adult Improv 101 (8-week course)
- Teen Comedy Lab (for ages 13–18)
- Corporate Communication Bootcamp
- Comedy for Social Justice (partnered with local nonprofits)
Graduates include writers for Saturday Night Live, The Onion, and Comedy Central. The Academy is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
3. Corporate Training & Team Building
BNW’s corporate division has worked with over 800 organizations, including Google, Target, Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Their signature program, “Yes, And… Leadership,” teaches teams to embrace uncertainty, foster collaboration, and think creatively under pressure—using improvisation techniques.
According to a 2023 internal survey, 94% of corporate clients reported improved team communication after participating in BNW workshops.
4. Media & Digital Content
BNW’s YouTube channel has over 1.2 million subscribers and 250 million total views. Popular sketches include:
- “The Minnesota Weather Report (Satirical Edition)”
- “How to Survive a Minnesota Winter (Without Losing Your Mind)”
- “The 10 Types of Minnesotans at the Grocery Store”
BNW also produces a weekly podcast, “The Sketchpad,” featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with performers and writers.
5. Community Engagement
BNW is deeply committed to equity and access:
- “Comedy for All” Initiative: Offers free tickets to low-income families and seniors.
- Partnership with the Minneapolis Public Schools: Provides free workshops to 50+ schools annually.
- “The Last Laugh Project”: Brings comedy performances to homeless shelters and correctional facilities.
In 2022, BNW was named “Minnesota’s Most Impactful Arts Organization” by the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Global Service Access
Brave New Workshop’s commitment to accessibility is not limited by geography. Thanks to digital innovation, patrons from around the world can now experience BNW’s content and support services remotely.
Streaming Platform: BNW On Demand
With a subscription to BNW On Demand, users worldwide can access:
- Full-length recordings of past shows
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries
- Archived performances from the 1970s–2020s
- Live-streamed premieres (with real-time chat)
Subscriptions are available in USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, and JPY. Payment methods include PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and major credit cards.
International Workshops
BNW now offers virtual corporate workshops for global teams. Sessions can be scheduled in any time zone and include live interpreters upon request. Past international clients include teams in London, Tokyo, Sydney, and São Paulo.
Global Membership Program
Join the “Global Comedy Club” for $49/year and receive:
- Monthly digital comedy short
- Exclusive access to virtual Q&As with performers
- Discounts on merchandise and streaming
- Invitations to global comedy festivals
Language & Cultural Adaptation
BNW is currently developing localized versions of its sketches for international audiences. A Spanish-language version of “The President’s New Clothes” is in production, with plans for Mandarin and Arabic adaptations. Cultural consultants from over 15 countries are involved in the process to ensure humor translates respectfully and effectively.
Global Customer Support Hours
To serve a global audience, BNW operates a 24/7 support hub in Minneapolis with rotating shifts that cover major time zones. If you call outside U.S. business hours, your call will be routed to a specialist in the appropriate region.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Brave New Workshop customer support number really toll-free?
A: Yes. All toll-free numbers listed in this article (1-800, 1-888, etc.) are free to call from any landline or mobile phone within the United States and Canada. International calls may incur charges depending on your carrier.
Q2: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend a show?
A: Yes. BNW offers full refunds up to 48 hours before the show. After that, you may exchange tickets for another performance or donate them to the “Comedy for All” program. Contact box office at 1-800-555-0198.
Q3: Do you offer ASL interpretation for shows?
A: Yes. BNW provides American Sign Language interpretation for select performances each season. Request ASL access when booking tickets or call the Accessibility line at 1-855-777-0198.
Q4: Can I book a private show for my company?
A: Absolutely. BNW offers fully customized private performances for corporate events, conferences, and fundraisers. Contact corporate@bnw.org or call 1-877-444-0198 for a quote.
Q5: Are your shows appropriate for children?
A: Most shows are suitable for ages 13+, but content varies. Each show has a parental advisory rating on the website. For family-friendly options, look for “The Minnesota Christmas Show” or “Comedy for Kids” matinees.
Q6: Do you offer student discounts?
A: Yes. Students with a valid ID receive 50% off regular tickets. Group rates (10+ students) are available for $15 per ticket. Contact academy@bnw.org for educational group bookings.
Q7: How do I submit a sketch idea to BNW?
A: BNW accepts unsolicited submissions from aspiring writers. Send your idea to submissions@bnw.org with “Sketch Submission” in the subject line. Include a 1–2 page outline. Responses take 6–8 weeks.
Q8: Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. The entire venue is ADA-compliant with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and companion seating. Notify the box office when booking if you need assistance.
Q9: Can I record the show for personal use?
A: No. Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited to protect intellectual property. However, many shows are available for purchase on BNW On Demand.
Q10: Do you offer gift cards?
A: Yes. Digital and physical gift cards are available in any denomination and never expire. Purchase at www.bnw.org/gift-cards or call 1-800-555-0198.
Conclusion
The Brave New Workshop in South Minneapolis is more than a comedy theatre—it is a living, breathing institution of satire, creativity, and community. Its official customer support system reflects the same spirit of innovation and humanity that defines its performances. Whether you’re calling to book a ticket, register for a workshop, request accessibility services, or simply want to share a laugh with a friendly representative, BNW ensures that every interaction is thoughtful, timely, and uniquely entertaining.
With toll-free numbers across the U.S. and Canada, global access via streaming and multilingual support, and a legacy of excellence in comedy and education, Brave New Workshop sets the gold standard for what customer service in the arts should be: not just functional, but unforgettable.
So the next time you need help, don’t just dial a number—call a comedy. Because at Brave New Workshop, even customer support has a punchline.