Upright Citizens Brigade

The Upright Citizens Brigade is a comedy theatre in Manhattan that hosts regular improvisation and sketch performances in a modern hall. The space offers more than twenty-five shows per week and features a stage with flexible seating for changing formats.

Four comedians founded the theatre in the late 1990s first in Chicago before moving to New York. The group developed a training program that focused on quick reaction and group play.

The name comes from a comedy series in the 1990s that featured satirical sketches about fictional civic groups. The school carries that approach forward by emphasizing ensemble play and spontaneous reactions.

The theatre sits in Hell's Kitchen on West 42nd Street and is easily reached by public transport. Ticket prices remain low, and most performances take place in the evenings and on weekends.

Many performers who begin in the courses and on the stage later work in television series and films. The program thus serves as a springboard for talent looking to move into larger productions.

Founders: Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh

Industry: creative industries

Phone: +13239088702

Website: https://ucbtheatre.com

GPS coordinates: 40.76068,-73.99743

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:14