The Upright Citizens Brigade’s East Coast Origin
The Birth of UCB: From Chicago Improv to New York Scene
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre has a fascinating history that begins in Chicago, where the four founders – Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh – originally trained under Del Close at ImprovOlympic. Their signature show, ASSSSCAT, quickly gained popularity and laid the groundwork for their future endeavors. In 1996, the UCB Four made their way to New York City with the aim of securing their own TV show. Little did they know that they would soon revolutionize the comedy scene in the city and beyond.
The NYC Years: Birth of a Comedy Movement
Upon arriving in New York, the UCB Four wasted no time in sharing their comedic expertise with the world. They started teaching improv classes and hosting electrifying live shows, such as “ASSSSCAT 3000,” that featured surprise appearances by future comedy stars. The UCB’s collaborative and grounded yet absurd style of comedy caught on like wildfire, attracting a diverse group of students and fostering a unique comedic community. The UCB Theatre on West 22nd Street became the epicenter of this burgeoning comedy movement.
A Move to Bigger Space: UCB Chelsea
As their popularity grew, so did the need for a larger venue. In 2003, the UCB Theatre relocated to a spacious 150-seat theater at 307 West 26th Street, now known as UCB Chelsea. The new space provided more opportunities for growth, with enhanced facilities and the continued development of Harold Teams and other comedic forms. UCB Chelsea quickly became a hub for aspiring comedians seeking to refine their craft under the guidance of the UCB Four’s teachings.
Expanding to the West Coast: The Birth of UCB LA
UCB LA: Hollywood’s Laughter Sanctuary
In 2005, the UCB Theatre expanded its footprint to the West Coast with the opening of UCB Theatre LA, located at 5919 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. The new location offered a 120-seat theater and featured a delightful mix of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy shows every night. Comedy Bang! Bang! (formerly Comedy Death-Ray) even joined UCB Theatre LA, entertaining audiences on Tuesday nights. The UCB’s brand of comedy found a new home in the heart of Tinseltown.
Sunset Boulevard’s Laughter Oasis
The UCB’s success in Los Angeles led to further growth, and in 2014, they announced the grand opening of the now-defunct UCB Theatre Sunset, situated at 5419 Sunset Boulevard. This expansion housed UCB’s training center, an 85-seat theater, a café, video production offices, and retail stores on the street level. It became a vibrant hub for comedy enthusiasts, where aspiring comedians honed their skills and established performers entertained eager audiences.
Upright Citizen Brigade’s Evolution
UCB Comedy in the Face of COVID-19: Closures, Hope, and Rebirth
The UCB faced its share of challenges, particularly in New York City. As the theater scene shifted and financial issues arose, UCB East was forced to close its doors in early 2019. This was followed by the closure of UCB Chelsea in October 2017. Though the company experienced setbacks, its spirit endured, and its influence on the comedy world remained strong.
Despite the closures in New York, UCB Theatre LA continued to thrive, offering a sanctuary for comedy lovers in the heart of Hollywood. The Franklin Avenue location remained the sole standing theater owned by the UCB, even as they sold the Sunset Boulevard venue in December 2020. As time went on, UCB faced new challenges, but its resilience and impact on the comedy community remained unparalleled.
New Ownership, New Beginnings for UCB Theatre
In March 2022, a new chapter began for the UCB Theatre when former owner and CEO of The Onion, Mike McAvoy, and co-founder of Mosaic talent management, Jimmy Miller, acquired UCB with the backing of venture capitalist, Elysian Park. This change in ownership breathed new life into the beloved theater, providing hope for comedy enthusiasts and performers alike.
Reopening the UCB: A Return to Laughter
In September of 2022, the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles triumphantly reopened its doors, rekindling the laughter and camaraderie that had made it a cultural institution. The return of the UCB Training Center also provided aspiring comedians with a renewed opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of top-notch instructors.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles stands as a testament to the power of comedy and the enduring legacy of its founders. With a rich history that spans from Chicago to New York and finally to Los Angeles, UCB remains a beacon of laughter and creativity, nurturing new talent and showcasing the comedic brilliance of seasoned performers. As it forges ahead into a new era, the UCB Theatre continues to solidify its place as a home for comedy in the City of Angels.