Welcome UCB!
The worlds greatest comedy institution, the Upright Citizens Brigade, is teaming up with Bottlerocket to open the first full scale UCB Training Center outside of NY or LA, right here in Pittsburgh!
Led by experienced instructors in a supportive and creative environment, UCB provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the world of comedy - or just have fun!
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Now Enrolling
UCBurgh is Now Enrolling full 101 to 401 level education, with 8 week courses! It's the same world famous Upright Citizens Brigade education - now with Fries on top! (because it's in Pittsburgh, get it?)
Improv 101 - Multiple Sessions
Students will learn the fundamentals of improvisation including agreement, active listening, portraying characters, playing to the top of your intelligence, and group mind. These concepts will act as the building blocks for subsequent classes as students learn to develop their comedic voice.
Improv 301 - Multiple Sessions
In this course students are introduced to an improv structure called "The Harold." Students will learn The Harold structure, show openings, and how to generate ideas from the opening and begin crafting a show. By the end of this course, students will be able to create an opening, generate scene ideas and utilize the lessons from 101 and 201 to build a scene, find the game and play it within the structure of The Harold.
Improv 401 - Multiple Sessions
The culmination of our core improv program! Students, now with a solid understanding of scene work, game and the Harold structure, will perform full Harolds. Building upon and utilizing the skills from our previous levels, students will find game in their scenes and learn how to connect these scenes into one cohesive piece - The Harold. Students will have the opportunity to learn one to two brand new openings and perform each in a class show.
Intro to Stand-up - Multiple Sessions
Intro to Stand Up Comedy is an 6-week introductory course designed to help aspiring comedians find their voice, build confidence, and develop original material. Through a mix of writing exercises, performance practice, and structured feedback, students learn the fundamentals of stand-up comedy, including joke structure, one-liners, storytelling, observational humor, and stage presence.
Scholarships
UCB Diversity Scholarship
UCB is enacting a new Diversity Scholarship Program for both new and existing students that will offer financial aid, networking events and targeted educational programs to historically underrepresented individuals in our community so all students may have an equal opportunity to learn and grow through the comedic arts.
Applications will be evaluated based on an applicant’s self-identification as belonging to a historically underrepresented group, as well as their involvement and/or intent for involvement in the UCB community, their teacher recommendations, and more. Everyone who submits an application will also be considered for future scholarship opportunities at UCB.
Workshops & Drop-ins
Drop-ins - August 1st and August 17th
If you've ever been curious about learning improv at UCB, this drop-in is for you! Students will be introduced to UCB's unique approach to improv comedy through games, group exercises and scene work. If you've ever wanted to see if improv comedy is for you, give this drop-in a try!
Into to Stand-up Workshop - August 12th
Curious about stand-up? This beginner-friendly workshop will help you turn your ideas into jokes and build confidence on the mic. You’ll learn the basics of joke writing, timing, and finding your comedic voice through fun exercises, group feedback, and low-pressure performance. No experience needed just bring your perspective and a willingness to try.