About John Sweeney

In 1997, John Sweeney and his wife, Jenni Lilledahl, purchased the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre (the longest running satirical comedy theatre in the US) from founder Dudley Riggs. Since then, John has devoted blood, sweat and years to creating and refining a corporate training program based on the principles, behaviors, and skills derived from improvisational theatre. The result of his efforts is the Speed of Laughter training program and a growing reputation as an uncommon, entertaining and insightful corporate speaker and trainer.

Currently, John's client list includes Microsoft, General Mills, Hewlett Packard, US Bancorp, Thomson and Carlson Companies, among others. He has been featured in Leadership Excellence, Executive Traveler, Forbes, How magazine, and a variety of publications and is the author of three books: Innovation at the Speed of Laughter: 8 Secrets to World Class Idea Generation and Return to Civility and The Art of the Laugh: A Handbook for Sketch Writers, Actors, and Directors. In late 2006, John was selected to participate in Starbucks "The Way I See it Program" and a quote from his book began appearing on millions of cups. Look under the brown wrap! You may have even glimpsed him in a commercial or on ESPN, The Today Show or perhaps your local news.

Raised on a farm near Madison, John attained a BBA from Saint Norbert College in Wisconsin and, upon graduation, excelled in corporate real estate as a tenant representative. Despite his success, he left the corporate world to become a full time actor and improviser in 1993. Prior to performing at, and then buying, the Brave New Workshop (BNW) in Minneapolis, John performed hundreds of shows for Second City Communications in Chicago. To this day, should you visit his little theatre in Minneapolis, you just may find John jumping into an improv set on the theatre's mainstage. An event not to be missed.

Have John Sweeney or one of his talented cast members speak at your organization!

Attn: Speed of Laughter Programs
Brave New Workshop Theatre
2605 Hennepin Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-332-6620
http://www.speedoflaughter.com/