How to Take Classes at the Upright Citizen's Brigade

New York comedy has always been thriving, but in the late 1990s, an explosion happened in the underground comedy scene. Hot on the heels of their Comedy Central series, the Upright Citizen's Brigade established a theater in New York City and began teaching classes and putting up shows. A decade later, the UCB is still the final word on long-form improv and alternative comedy in New York City.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find out if this is the right kind of class for you. The classes at the UCB are not your typical acting classes. They aren't really your typical comedy classes, either. Most acting classes will focus on scene work, using scripts from popular or classical plays, and most comedy classes focus on stand-up comedy. The UCB teaches improvisation, but more specifically, long-form improv. The form that is most prevalent at the UCB is called the Harold, and was developed by Del Close, the UCB's mentor. It focuses on setting up scenes based on an audience suggestion, and letting those scenes develop organically with a partner in the space. It also focuses on finding "games," or, essentially, the joke of the scene, and how to heighten that joke. If this sounds like something you'd like to explore, then classes at the UCB are for you.

2. Enroll in a beginner’s class. The most widely offered class at the UCB is the Improv Basics class. It is offered at many different times, and there is very likely a slot that will work for your schedule. The UCB prides itself on providing classes for working professionals, so there are plenty of options for weeknights and weekends, as well. The instructors are all members of UCB house Harold teams, and have been performing with the UCB for many years. They are selected because of their talent, but also because of their ability to get the basics of improv across to a wide variety of performers at many different skill levels.

3. Work your way up in the classes. Once you have graduated from the UCB's Improv Basics class, you can enroll in the second level of classes, Game of the Scene. Mastering each class level brings you closer and closer to a chance at being placed on a Harold team. Once you have graduated from Level 4, you will have a chance to audition for a Harold team.

4. Take UCB classes in Los Angeles. The UCB now has a Los Angeles theater that also offers a battery of classes that rival the New York outpost. Many of these classes are taught by alum that have appeared in TV and movies.

Resources

• For any questions about schedules and availability of instructors, click here.