Brave New Workshop's Battle of the Improv All-Stars has returned to the Twin Cities this summer, again directed by Caleb McEwen with music direction by Jon Pumper and technical direction by Matthew Vichlach. The opening night cast featured Brave New Workshop veterans Lauren Anderson and Doug Neithercott, as well as Rita Boersma, member of longtime Twin Cities improv team "The Mess," and producer, actor, director, and improviser around town Duck Washington. Washington directed Anderson in her one person show, Jewelry Power Elite, last summer for the Minnesota Fringe Festival. As host, McEwen mentioned that Jewelry Power Elite will be playing in the lower level of the Brave New Workshop's space, the Dudley Riggs Theatre, this summer. I recommend checking it out. I really enjoyed it last summer, featuring all the comedy one expects from comedian Anderson as well some personal stories and heart, all through the lens of her lifelong love of jewelry.

Just like last year, the concept for Battle of the Improv All-Stars 2026 is a battle amongst the four performers. After every challenge the audience uses rank voting to vote with a QR code and their cell phone. McEwen keeps the pace up despite a bit of lag time for the wifi to tally results, and the performers offer some of their best witty banter during those short pauses. The prize for the winner is a gag itself: McEwen shared that he's too lazy to hold a garage sale and gifted the opening night winner Anderson something from his house that he wants to get rid of–an old toaster.

The improvisors on opening night were universally strong, with Boersma in the lead for much of the performance and the others not far behind. Neithercott got a lot of comedy out of taking offense at his scores, as he is openly gay and it is Pride month. The "challenges" or improv games were fun and hilarious, with the games such as "Take that Back" and "Hesitation," in which McEwen forces the performers to make different choices mid-scene as notable highlights. I have always preferred long-form improvisation so it was fun to see some longer improvisations with multiple scenes, such as "Four Square," the "Hennepin Arts Mandatory Musical," and the penultimate challenge, a "Mega Montage."

Just like last year, while it lacks the biting and political satire that keeps me coming back to the Brave New Workshop, Battle of the Improv All-Stars 2026 is light, fast-paced and fun, an enjoyable evening to watch some of the Twin Cities' best improvisors. It's never the same show twice, so prepare to laugh and be surprised along with the performers.

Battle of the Improv All-Stars 2026 runs through August 8, 2026, at Brave New Workshop, Dudley Riggs Theatre, 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis MN. For tickets and information, please call 612-339-7007 or visit hennepinarts.org.