Chris Kula is also an Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre teacher and improviser.
Histories
The Upright Citizens Brigade, which included Matt Besser and Amy Poehler as well as Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, arrived in New York from Chicago in 1996. The UCB began its training program soon after staging an award-winning sketch comedy show and introducing New Yorkers to the long form improvised structure known as the “Harold”.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre was opened at 161 West 22nd Street on February 4, 1999. This is the former location of the New Harmony strip club, which was reported to have been seedier than usual. The UCBT quickly became a place for cutting-edge comedy. Agents, casting directors, and journalists began to flock to the 74-seat theater at Chelsea to see the best comedian talent.
The New UCB Theater was opened on April 1, 2003. The 150-seat theater, located at 307 West 26th Street, continues to provide the best in improv and sketch comedy every day of the week. The UCB Theatre hosts over 25 shows a week. Often, there are 4 shows per night. Prices range from $8 to free. You can get beer, wine, and soft drinks at a moderate cost. There is no minimum drink limit.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre’s first Hollywood location opened on July 1, 2005. The Theatre at 5919 Franklin Avenue was home to 95 seats and quickly became the hub for stand-up, sketch, and improv in Los Angeles. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre was established as the only comedy Theatre and Training Center on both coasts.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre launched the first comedy Training Center in New York City on March 1, 2006. The Training Center at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is located at 145 W 30th Street on the 4th floor. It has 7,500 square feet of classroom space that’s dedicated to the development of sketch comedy and improv. Many of our students have been able to write and appear on stage and television in major motion pictures, as well as on popular comedy sites online.
The Upright Citizens Brigade continued to spread their brand of uncensored comedy to all audiences through UCBcomedy.com on January 16, 2008. UCBcomedy.com is the home for all things comedy, from improv, sketch, and standup to jokes, jokes and podcasts, fed up and illegal video and many more. It’s the place where you can find the best comedians, teachers, students, and friends that have made Upright Citizens Brigade the most popular brand of comedy in America.
Mission
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre aims to foster an appreciation for the arts and educate through high-quality comedic performances and classes.
Philosophy
All ages venue: Robin Williams and Mike Myers have all appeared at UCB Theatre. Tickets are only $8 each. UCB Theatre’s improv and stand-up comedy shows regularly feature rising talent culled directly from our training center.
Students at UCB Theatre learn sketch comedy and improvisational comedy from working actors and writers. UCB Theatre not only teaches the skills but also helps its students develop their creative voices and industry relationships. Young talent can achieve commercial success through our classes, stage performances, and direction.
Alumni
The UCB Theatre was named “Hot Farm Team”, by Rolling Stone magazine, and “Best Comedy Club” (AOL) by AOL. It is well-known for being home to some of today’s most funny actors and writers. Our distinguished alumni include many performers and writers from Saturday Night Live, The Office and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Late Show with Conan O’Brien and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and 30 Rock. We also have several commercials, television shows, and films. The theatre and training center continue to welcome performers who have achieved success.