Classes at the UCB Training Center — Los Angeles

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New improv and sketch writing courses now enrolling! Upcoming courses listed in the right-hand column. Begin registration by clicking on your desired course at right.

Named "Hot Farm Team" by Rolling Stone, "Best Improv" by Los Angeles Magazine and "Best Comedy Club" by AOL, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is widely recognized as home to today's funniest actors and writers. Among our esteemed alumni include several performers and writers for Saturday Night Live, The Office, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, 30 Rock, Best Week Ever, Old School, Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro and countless other films, commercials and television shows.

Fueling these successes is the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center. Working actors and writers teach UCB Theatre's proven style of long form improvisation and sketch comedy writing at one of the largest and most well-respected comedy schools in the nation.

Emphasizing agreement, teamwork, listening, brainstorming, sharing and exploring, the foundation of the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center is not only the starting point for good comedy but also clearly relevant to all lines of work.

Improvisation Program

The UCB Theatre improvisation program is designed to teach our students about the basics of performing good long-form improv scenes, performing scenes built around "the game" or one comedic idea, and putting these elements together to perform the traditional long-form improvisational piece called "the Harold."

Below is an overview of our curriculum. All students are required to begin with Improv 101 regardless of their experience unless a course prerequisite notes otherwise.

• Improv 101: Improv Basics
  An introduction to UCB Theatre's improv philosophy. Learn to create great scenes through agreement, support, playing to the top of your intelligence, object & environment work and strong character choices.
• Improv 201: Game of the Scene
  Learn how to find and play games within scenes and create smart second beats.
• Improv 301: Harold Structure
  Learn openings, group games and third beat connections. Put them all together to perform your first Harolds.
• Improv 401: Harold Structure
  Learn advanced Harold techniques, expand your group game vocabulary and continue to hone your skills at the game of the scene.
• Improv 500 Courses
  Choose your own path at the 500 level. Continue sharpening your skills at the Harold or learn about other improv forms. Students are encouraged to take multiple courses at the 500 level to complete their studies.
• Improv 600 Courses
  Work with an instructor to create a show which will run at UCB Theatre. Special improv performance workshops are application only; admission is not guaranteed.

Courses typically consist of eight 3-hour classes plus at least one performance at UCB Theatre. Typical tuition is $300 per level; your non-refundable, non-exchangeable payment is required in full upon registration.

Click on your desired course at right for more specific information including dates, location, instructor and cost.

Sketch Writing Program

The UCB Theatre sketch writing program is designed to provide instruction on the basics students need to become professional comedy writers. Our core sketch writing classes allow students to explore various forms of sketch, develop writing portfolios, hone individual voices and experience professional writing discipline.

Below is an overview of our curriculum. All students are required to begin with Sketch Writing 101 regardless of their experience.

• Sketch Writing 101: Introduction to Sketch Writing
  Learn the UCB approach to sketch writing and apply these techniques to different genres including topical scenes, parodies, character pieces, monologues and more.
• Sketch Writing 201: Advanced Sketch Writing
  Get the most out of your sketch ideas through continued discipline, feedback and revision. Recognize inspiration, find your own voice, practice pitching and discover what forms best serve your talents.
• Sketch Writing 300 Courses
  Niche, performance and other specialized writing courses to further develop individual interests and talents.

Courses typically consist of eight 3-hour classes. Typical tuition is $300 per level; your non-refundable, non-exchangeable payment is required in full upon registration.

Click on your desired course at right for more specific information including dates, location, instructor and cost.

More Information

If you have any questions, please read our FAQ. If you can't find your answer, please contact School Manager Lindsay Hendrickson by email at lindsay@ucbt.net or by phone at 323.908.8702.