Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do courses cost?
Tuition is typically $300 for an 8 class course. Your non-refundable, non-exchangeable payment is required in full upon registration.
How often do courses meet?
Courses typically meet for 3 hours once a week for 8 weeks.
Where are courses located?
Courses meet at rehearsal studios in the local Hollywood area including:
- MetaTheatre
7801 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046 - Art/Works Theatre
6577 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038 - Lyric Hyperion Theatre
2106 Hyperion Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027 - The Complex
6476 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Click on your desired course at right to see its specific location.
Will I get to perform?
Yes. Improv 101, 201 and 301 courses each include a graduation show held at UCB Theatre. Improv 401 and 500 courses include two performances and Improv 600 courses specifically develop a show run for UCB Theatre.
Who teaches the courses?
Working professional comedians trained by the Upright Citizens Brigade teach core classes. The Upright Citizens Brigade (Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh) teach advanced courses and special workshops. Extra-curricular courses are taught by highly qualified comedy actors, writers and directors with exceptional working experience.
Do you allow auditing?
No. To maintain class integrity, we do not allow auditing. Only students who have registered and paid will be allowed in class. Student guests or auditors are not allowed. Prospective students are encouraged to attend Harold Night or graduation shows for a sense of UCB Theatre's improv training philosophy and style.
When are new classes announced?
Registration for our core improv and sketch writing courses is ongoing as we are continually announcing new classes. Check back in a few days if you do not see a class at right that fits your schedule.
Which improv level should I start in?
All students start in Improv 101 regardless of their experience. UCB Theatre's long form improv training begins with Improv 101 and our philosophy, curriculum and terminology are different from other improv and acting schools. Any exceptions to this policy will be noted in the specific course's prerequisite.
Which sketch writing level should I start in?
Sketch Writing 101. Each level of our sketch writing program builds upon the previous level. It is important to study in order and from the beginning.
I have zero experience. Will I be okay?
Yes, our program is built for all walks of life so no individual should feel lost in class. Our teachers are trained to make every student feel welcome and comfortable.
Do you allow make-up classes?
Improv 101, 201, 301 and 401 courses have opportunities for make-up classes. Students are allowed to schedule a maximum of two make-up classes per course. All make-up classes must be cleared by a school manager. Due to limited class capacity, instructor requests and possible scheduling conflicts, make-up classes are not guaranteed. Students are not able to make up the first or last classes of a session. Make-up classes are not available for special workshops, sketch writing or advanced improv courses.
How do I register for a course?
There are three ways to register: online, in person or by mail. All three options require a completed enrollment form including agreement of course terms & conditions plus full tuition payment. Registration is not completeand your place in class is not reserved until you pay full tuition. Online registration requires full tuition payment via PayPal using credit card, debit card or checking account. In person registration requires full tuition payment via cash or check. Mail registration requires full tuition payment via check. Sorry, at this time we are unable to enroll students by phone or process credit cards in person or by mail.
Do you offer payment plans?
No. All students must pay the full non-refundable, non-exchangeable tuition upon registration. Your spot in the course is not secure until payment is received.
How do I use PayPal?
PayPal allows students to register for class online using a credit card, debit card or checking account. You do not need an existing PayPal account to pay for class. If you need support with PayPal, please call 1.888.221.1161. Please remember registrations are not complete and spots in class are not reserved until payment is submitted to the UCB Theatre Los Angeles. All payments submitted through PayPal are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
When will I receive a class confirmation email?
After successfully completing registration, you will receive a class confirmation email within 2 business days from UCB Theatre. To ensure delivery of class confirmation emails, please add la@ucbt.net and service@paypal.com to your contacts or address book.
What is a Harold?
Harold is the original long form structure developed by Del Close and outlined in his book, Truth in Comedy. To perform a Harold, a team takes a single suggestion from the audience, spins the suggestion into a set of ideas through an opening which then inspires a number of scenes and group games. Characters, ideas and games return throughout the Harold and eventually connect. The best introduction to the Harold is to check out Harold Night on any Monday at UCB Theatre Los Angeles.
How do I get on a Harold Team?
UCB Theatre's Artistic Director selects performers for our house Harold Teams based on teacher recommendations and occasional auditions. It should be stressed only a small percentage of students graduate to a Harold Team. It takes skill, talent, a lot of dedication and time to become a performer at UCB Theatre.
I still have questions, is there someone I can talk to?
You may contact our Training Center Manager Lindsay Hendrickson by email at lindsay@ucbt.net or by phone at 323.908.8702.