What Upright Citizens Brigade is and where it started

Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) is a comedy troupe and training school founded in 1991 by Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, and Matt Besser. The group began performing in Chicago before moving to New York City in 1996, where they became known for sketch comedy and improv that mixed character work with absurdist humor. UCB later opened a training center and theater in Los Angeles, and the organization has since expanded to multiple locations.

UCB differs from traditional improv in its approach: while many improv groups focus on the "yes, and" principle and building scenes collaboratively, UCB emphasizes finding the game or unusual premise in a scene and committing fully to it. The troupe's style often involves heightened characters, specific point of view, and scenes that explore one central comedic idea rather than following a linear narrative.

The group gained wider recognition through their Comedy Central sketch show (1998–2000) and later through cast members who went on to Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation, and other major comedy platforms. UCB's influence on improv training and performance has made it one of the most recognizable names in modern comedy.

Key Takeaways

  • UCB was founded in 1991 by four comedians and built a performance style that emphasizes finding the comedic game or premise in a scene rather than just saying yes to every offer.
  • The organization operates training centers in New York, Los Angeles, and other cities where students learn UCB's specific approach to improv and sketch comedy.
  • UCB's Comedy Central show and cast members' careers on SNL and Parks and Recreation brought the troupe's style into mainstream television.
  • The UCB method focuses on character specificity, commitment to a point of view, and exploring one central idea deeply rather than rapid scene changes.

How UCB's improv method differs from other approaches

The core of UCB improv is the concept of "the game of the scene." Rather than accepting every suggestion and building a realistic scenario, UCB performers identify what is funny or unusual about a scene and then explore that element repeatedly. For example, if a scene establishes that one character always speaks in rhyme, the game becomes exploring how that character navigates normal situations while maintaining that constraint.

This contrasts with some other improv schools that prioritize relationship-building and emotional truth. UCB does not ignore those elements, but the primary focus is on finding and committing to a specific comedic pattern or rule. Performers are trained to make bold character choices early and stick with them, rather than waiting to see where a scene naturally goes.

UCB also emphasizes the importance of a strong point of view. Characters should have clear opinions, wants, and ways of seeing the world. A scene works better when both performers have distinct perspectives that create friction or comedy, rather than when they are straightforward agreeing with each other.

UCB training centers and what they teach

UCB operates training centers in New York City, Los Angeles, and other cities. These centers offer classes in improv, sketch writing, and performance at different levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. The curriculum is structured in levels, and students typically progress through foundational courses before moving to intermediate and advanced work.

Beginner classes focus on basic improv principles, listening, and building confidence on stage. Intermediate classes introduce the concept of the game and teach students how to identify and heighten comedic patterns. Advanced classes and performance teams work on longer-form improv, sketch development, and performing in front of audiences.

UCB also offers specialized classes in sketch writing, character work, and one-person shows. Many students attend UCB with the goal of performing on one of the theater's house teams or developing material for television and film. The training emphasizes both the technical skills of improv and the creative thinking required to generate original comedy.

UCB's influence on television and mainstream comedy

UCB's Comedy Central show ran for two seasons (1998–2000) and introduced the troupe's style to a national audience. The show featured sketch comedy, improv segments, and absurdist humor that was different from the sketch comedy format popularized by Saturday Night Live.

Several UCB cast members and alumni have gone on to major television roles. Amy Poehler became a cast member on SNL and later starred in Parks and Recreation. Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh, and Matt Besser have all worked in television and film. Other performers who trained at or performed with UCB have appeared on SNL, The Daily Show, and other major comedy platforms.

The troupe's approach to finding the game in a scene and committing to character choices has influenced how sketch comedy and improv are taught and performed. UCB's training method has become one of the dominant approaches in improv education, particularly in cities with UCB training centers.

UCB house teams and performance opportunities

UCB theaters host regular performances by house teams—groups of performers who rehearse together and perform weekly shows. These teams perform longer-form improv, often using formats like the Armando (a show built around a monologue), the Deconstruction (a format that breaks down a single scene), or other structured improv games.

House teams are typically invitation-only, and performers must audition or be recommended by existing team members. Performing on a house team is considered a significant achievement in the UCB community and often leads to other performance and writing opportunities.

In addition to house teams, UCB theaters host shows by student performers, advanced classes, and guest performers. The theaters also serve as venues for sketch comedy shows, one-person shows, and other comedy performances. Many comedians use UCB as a launching point for their careers in television, film, and stand-up comedy.

How UCB's style compares to other improv schools

Other improv training organizations, such as The Second City and IO (now iO), have different emphases. The Second City is known for sketch comedy with a strong satirical edge and a focus on social commentary. IO emphasizes long-form improv and the Harold format, which builds multiple scenes around a single word or theme.

UCB's approach sits between these two: it values sketch comedy and character work like The Second City, but also emphasizes longer-form improv and the exploration of a single comedic idea, similar to IO. UCB performers are trained to be comfortable in both sketch and improv settings and to think about comedy in terms of finding and heightening a specific game or pattern.

The differences between these schools are not absolute—many performers train at multiple schools and blend approaches. However, each school has developed a distinct philosophy and teaching method that shapes how its students think about comedy and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need improv experience before taking a UCB class?

No. UCB offers beginner-level classes designed for people with no improv experience. These classes teach foundational skills like listening, accepting offers, and building confidence on stage. You can start at the beginner level regardless of your background.

What is the difference between UCB improv and stand-up comedy?

UCB improv is collaborative and performed with other people on stage in real time. Stand-up is performed solo and relies on material the performer has written and practiced. UCB teaches you to create scenes and characters with others; stand-up teaches you to develop jokes and stories on your own.

Can I perform at UCB without being in a class?

Most UCB performances are by trained performers and house teams. However, some theaters host open-mic nights or beginner showcases where students can perform. You would typically need to be enrolled in a class or have trained at UCB to perform in most shows.

How much does UCB training cost?

Costs vary by location and class level. Beginner classes typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a full session, depending on the city and the specific program. UCB's website lists current pricing for each location.

Is UCB the same as the UCB Comedy Club?

No. UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) is the troupe and training organization. There is a separate venue called the UCB Comedy Club in New York that hosts various comedy performances, but it is not directly operated by the original UCB organization.