Venues
Events
VideoTheater
Little Big Time
UCB Theatre proves fertile ground for comedy’s major leagues
| | More
Since relocating to New York City from Chicago in the late 90’s, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade (and its improv and sketch-team members Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh) have had a successful television show on Comedy Central, opened one of the most popular comedy spots in NYC (the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre at 307 W. 26 Street), and became a veritable training ground for nearly every big player in the comedy game. When it comes to funny business, the UCB is the go-to source for everyone from Saturday Night Live to The Daily Show.
In a sleek but welcoming reception area at UCB’s training center, artistic director Anthony King sat down with me talk about the past, present and future of the comedy juggernaut. But what became clear as I settled in was that although the theatre (and its Los Angeles counterpart) have fostered the careers of many of our time’s most prolific laugh-makers, the original purpose and spirit of the place is still in tact. At the training center I observe two students—both of whom I can’t quite place a finger on but who I must know from some commercial or television show or film—discussing recent auditions and how they think they did; what’s remarkable about the conversation is that importance isn’t placed on whether they got the part but whether they were true to what was funny about the character. While UCB has made it to the big time it still acts like a hungry New York newcomer with a passion, before all, for making audiences laugh.
It’s a refreshing thought, especially given the extreme success that those who have taken classes at, performed at or formed sketch shows at (Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch and Bobby Moynihan to name a few). “It’s been really exciting to see. There’s such a strong sensibility at UCB, not do whatever you want but truthful, sort of more smart comedy. But to see that permeate the mainstream has been really fun and exciting. So many people who we’ve seen on stage for so long getting to be seen by so many other people. Like, Thursday nights on NBC every comedy is just packed on the writing side and the acting side. It’s really cool,” King says.
With all of the success, the little theatre that could has enjoyed some big changes. King adds, “It’s so much bigger. A lot has changed. Now we have a greater level of class—about 900 students in class at any one time, so that’s really nice. Just the number of performers we have. We’re in the process of opening a new stage downtown, just to meet the demand of audience because we sell out so much.”
If the past is any indication, this newest UCB venture will mean more good news for both the performers making us smile and those of us who just love to laugh.
If You Go:
Maude Night—Every Monday UCB’s house sketch teams show audiences sketch-comedy that often gives SNL a run for its money.
Harold Night—On Tuesdays UCB’s bread and butter—longform improv—takes center stage. For only $5, audiences can enjoy spontaneous funny from 8–11.
Asssscat—UCB’s flagship show, this show features the best that the theatre has to offer including regular guest performances by SNL and Daily Show regulars.
From UCB to the Bigtime:
Amy Poehler:
Time at UCB: A founding member of the troupe, Poehler helped build the theatre, starred in the critically acclaimed television show of the same name and performed regularly until her full schedule no longer allowed it.
Since UCB: Poehler became a regular player on Saturday Night Live in the 2000’s, eventually helming Weekend Update with fellow funny-gal Tina Fey. Later, Poehler teamed up again with Fey on hit films like Mean Girls and Baby Mama, eventually heading up the NBC comedy Parks and Rec.
Up Next: She’ll continue on as the adorably optimistic Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation next season as well as continuing on with successful voiceover work when she stars as Gretel in Hoodwinked Too!: Hood vs. Evil.
Horatio Sanz:
Time at UCB: While honing his skills at Chicago’s Second City, Sanz helped found the Upright Citizen’s Brigade troupe. He spent his time honing his comedic skills in the long-running Improv show Asssscat 3000.
Since UCB: Like Poehler, Sanz enjoyed a run on SNL, becoming the first Hispanic member of the cast. He starred in a variety of big time films including the unmistakable Boat Trip, as well as a run on television’s In the Motherhood.
Up Next: Sanz has completed filming on the upcoming Freak Dance starring fellow UCB-ers Matt Walsh and Casey Wilson. He also regularly performs at the UCB theatre in New York.
Donald Glover:
Time at UCB: While studying at NYU’s Tisch, Glover took regular classes at UCB to hone his skills. He also performed there with his sketch comedy team Derrick Comedy.
Since UCB: After Derrick Comedy’s internet sketch’s caught the attention of the folks at NBC’s 30 Rock, who hired him as a writer. After enjoying a successful run as a writer he moved to a different position in the Thursday night lineup, playing Troy Barnes on Community.
Up Next: Glover continues his work opposite veteran Chevy Chase on Community as well as performing stand-up gigs in both LA and NYC. This month, Mystery Team is released on DVD, a film he wrote co-starring UCB alums Bobby Moynihan, Aubrey Plaza and Matt Walsh.