A Short History of the Upright Citizens Brigade
What is the Upright Citizens Brigade and how has it affected improv? In the vibrant realm of Chicago improvisational comedy, the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) emerged as a pioneering force, revolutionizing the art form and leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. The UCB has garnered immense respect and prominence through its unconventional approach to improv comedy, leading to widespread influence across both stage and screen. Let’s explore the rich history of the UCB and delve into their profound impact on the evolution of improv and sketch, making it an essential cornerstone of modern comedic entertainment.
Founded in 1991 by a loose cast of sketch and improv performers, the Upright Citizens Brigade emerged as a dynamic ensemble in Chicago, most of whom were mentored by the legendary comedy maestro, Del Close. This was no surprise since the group had initially been born from Chicago’s ImprovOlympic venue (iO Chicago), an improv theatre founded by Del Close and Charna Halpern. The UCB Four included members Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. By 1993, other talents that quickly gravitated to the UCB included Ali Farahnakian, Horatio Sanz, and Adam McKay.
The brigade flourished in Chicago where the appetites for sketch and improv comedy were palpable, bolstering the scene with their unique and vibrant contributions. Central to the UCB's approach is the emphasis on "long-form improv," a subgenre we’ve explored in previous posts that allows for extended comedic storytelling. Unlike short-form improv often seen on television shows, long-form encourages performers to explore complex narratives, characters, and themes. By focusing on organic scene work, UCB performers create harmonious and cohesive performances that captivate audiences and elevate the art of improv beyond punchlines and gimmicks. The UCB Four's approach to comedy was more than merely a breeding ground for talent. Their style was uniquely characterized by absurdism, blending intelligence with elements of gross-out humor.
“They had the thing that drew me to comedy in the first place: that energy when somebody’s putting it all out there, acting like a massive jackass, with no reservations. It was something that scared the shit out of me, and therefore I had to try it.” - Ed Helms
Importantly, their method emphasized collaboration, centering around closely-knit groups of improvisational comedians. This dynamic became particularly evident as top students from their classes graduated and started forming their own comedy teams. Their innovative style quickly gained traction, spawning a dedicated following and attracting aspiring comedians from all over the world.
McKay would later move to New York City in 1995 to take a writing job with Saturday Night Live. Eventually, the UCB troupe relocated to New York City in 1996, where they continued to refine their approach as Manhattan’s comedy scene was in the first stages of gentrification.
“Improv had been really important in Chicago, and it had a toehold in Los Angeles, where you had Pee-wee Herman, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow—all coming out of the Groundlings. But in New York in the early nineties, nobody was talking about improv.” - Conan O’Brien
The market for improv in NYC was non-existent at the time, but with the grit and tenacity that came naturally to the UCB, they had a few regular shows running within several months, including ASSSSCAT 3000, where an impromptu story from a guest was used to create scenes.
“The first UCB show we ever did was called “Virtual Reality.” We would pluck someone out of the audience, and they would go with me and a cameraman in a car around the neighborhood—like we were doing sort of a Jack Kerouac drive around the country. Then we’d quickly edit the tape and show it to the audience ten minutes after we got back.” - Adam McKay
When the UCB Four arrived in New York City, their initial ambitions were to secure a television deal (which they achieved two years later) and to cover their living expenses through teaching improv classes. However, their impact evolved into a significant influence on pop culture. The performers who first occupied the former strip club (their first venue), and later the UCB's primary venue on 26th Street, went on to feature prominently in major comedy platforms. They became regulars on shows like "Saturday Night Live," "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," and "The Daily Show," participated in projects like "Human Giant," "The Hangover," and "The Other Guys," contributed to FunnyorDie.com, and filled a significant portion of the roles in NBC's Thursday night sitcom lineup.
Arguably, one of the UCB's most significant achievements lies in its commitment to nurturing comedic talent through its training centers. Offering a structured curriculum where aspiring comedians can learn the intricacies of improv, the UCB has equipped countless individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in the comedy industry. The founders of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, provide a detailed manual to new improv artists. This guide covers essential aspects of improv comedy, including how to support fellow actors in establishing a "base reality" and identifying the humorous element, or "game," in each scene. The UCB Four started their teaching and performances at Solo Arts, a small, 40-seat venue in Chelsea without air conditioning. They taught their students a foundational improv philosophy known as “Yes, and…,” which emphasizes building upon another performer's idea. Additionally, they popularized a sophisticated format of interlinked scenes known as “the Harold.” Within a few years, performers from Harold teams such as the Swarm, Mother, and Respecto Montalban gained recognition as celebrities in the small-stage theater scene. By imparting their unique approach to improvisational comedy, the UCB paved the way for a new generation of performers, ensuring the continued growth and relevance of this art form.
The teaching philosophy of "yes, and" at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre creates a supportive environment for both working and learning. This approach likely contributed to their success in winning the Readers' Choice award for the best improv training center on both the East and West coasts.
The UCB offers a series of core improv classes covering various levels, each designed to build a solid foundation in improvisational skills. Beginning with Improv 101 and advancing through to 401 and beyond, students gradually learn the UCB method, emphasizing the importance of agreement, commitment, and intelligent game play.
“I came from a film background and got interested in comedy and I think a lot of people think of it as an actors’ training ground, but it’s definitely also filmmakers and writers and everyone else. The training program is specifically for core classes that teach you the basics of improv to create scenes.” - Todd Bieber, trainee and Creative Director at UCB
Beyond the core curriculum, UCB provides specialized classes that cater to specific aspects of improv and sketch. These classes explore topics such as character development, advanced scene work, and more. By diversifying their course offerings, UCB ensures that students can further refine their skills and explore different areas within the vast realm of improv. These educational classes provide participants with the necessary skills to navigate the world of improv, focusing on improvisational scene work and group dynamics. Aspiring comedians and performers can harness the UCB's expertise to hone their comedic timing, spontaneity, and storytelling abilities. Moreover, the UCB's experienced instructors are renowned for their ability to not only impart knowledge but also guide and inspire students to embrace their unique creative voice.
Due to the theater's commitment to providing high-quality educational resources and its attraction of diverse talent, regular performers at the theater started advancing to prominent roles in the entertainment industry. Notably, Sanz joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1998, followed by Poehler in 2001. "The Daily Show" recruited Helms, Corddry, and Riggle. Additionally, MTV gave the "Human Giant" group their own show. The theater was increasingly recognized as a launchpad for larger opportunities in the entertainment world.
Empowering the Improv Community Beyond its educational programs, the UCB plays an instrumental role in nurturing the improv community through a wide array of resources. The institution provides a wealth of online content, including videos, podcasts, and articles, accessible to both students and improv enthusiasts worldwide. This digital repository enables individuals to benefit from the UCB's collective wisdom, gaining insights into improv techniques, refining their craft, and expanding their creative horizons. The organization also routinely hosts online Q&As for a variety of fascinating improv troupe subjects.
The UCB's impact on the world of comedy is immeasurable. Through their renowned theater in New York City and training centers in both New York and Los Angeles, they have nurtured countless talents who have gone on to shape the comedic landscape. Among those countless talented comedic performers, many have gone on to achieve remarkable success. Notable UCB alumni, such as Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, and Donald Glover, have reached great heights in film, television, and comedy writing, infusing their work with the UCB's distinct improvisational sensibilities.
As one of the founding members, Amy Poehler's journey began at the UCB in 1995. Following her time there, Poehler felt the pull to the big screen and rose to fame as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" and later created and starred in the critically acclaimed comedy series "Parks and Recreation." Her background in improv and time with the UCB undoubtedly contributed to her improvisational prowess and played a significant role in her development as a multifaceted comedian.
“Some of us had opportunities to make money [by] splitting up the group. We fought that off for a while. Every once in a while, a sitcom would come up, and I didn’t torture myself by putting myself in the position to get things and then have to turn them down.” - Amy Poehler
Donald Glover, widely recognized for his roles in "Community" and his successful music career as Childish Gambino, started his comedy journey at the UCB. His experience there helped refine his comedic timing and versatility, as evident in his stand-up performances and award-winning television show "Atlanta." At the age of 23, Donald was hired on to be a writer for 30 Rock by Tina Fey.
Ellie Kemper, after honing her comedy skills at the UCB, gained recognition for her endearing portrayal of Erin Hannon on the hit TV series "The Office." Her time at the UCB surely influenced her ability to deliver authentic comedic performances, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide and giving her numerous Emmy, Critic’s choice, and Screen Actors Guild award nominations.
In addition to their educational initiatives, the UCB is deeply committed to community outreach, using the power of improv to bring joy and laughter to diverse audiences. The UCB training centers have awarded well over $700,000 in scholarships since 2009. Their outreach programs extend far beyond traditional comedy stages, reaching schools (over 14 high schools in NYC alone), corporations, and even hospitals. The UCB recognizes the transformative potential of laughter and employs it to uplift communities, promote inclusivity, and spark connections.
Through workshops, performances, and collaborative projects, the UCB empowers individuals from all walks of life, providing a space where creativity and self-expression can flourish. By making this inclusive art form accessible, the UCB fosters a sense of belonging and cultivates empathy within communities, embracing the universal language of laughter to bridge gaps and foster positive change.
As the digital landscape expanded, the UCB readily embraced the internet, recognizing its potential to reach wider audiences. Through the launch of their online platform, UCB Comedy, the troupe provided an avenue for talented comedians to showcase their work and further extend the influence of UCB's improvisational techniques. This digital presence not only offers comedy enthusiasts access to the UCB's extensive library of sketches and performances but also introduces new talent to a global audience.
The Upright Citizens Brigade has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy over the decades, revolutionizing the improv scene by introducing a fearless approach to improv. From their humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming a cultural institution in New York City and across the USA, the UCB's influence has spawned a new generation of comedians who continue to shape the evolving landscape of comedic entertainment. By embracing new platforms and fostering an educational legacy, the UCB cements its standing as a driving force in the art of improv, captivating audiences and crafting laughter that transcends boundaries. We're absolutely honored and thrilled to be servicing an industry with such a remarkable institution.
https://www.nycplaywrights.org/2017/06/ucb-training-center-scholarshipsfellows.html
https://nymag.com/arts/comics/features/upright-citizens-brigade-2011-10/
https://ucbcomedy.com/trainingcenterpresents/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Glover
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellie_Kemper