Upright Citizens Brigade: Del Close Marathon Weekend

Hello from the Del Close Marathon Part 13. Yes, thirteen years of celebrating the unique, twisted talent of Improv guru Del Close over at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. The event usually kicks off with a press conference with UCB founders Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Matt Besser , all on hand to discuss the future of the theatre, stories about Del, and to intermingle with press, comedy fans and students alike. Horatio Sanz joined them since he was there at the launch of the UCB, and to perhaps fill in Amy Poehler's absence.

Regarding UCB business, the topic of UCB East was broached. As you may remember from last year and various articles about the place, a new branch of the comedy theatre was (and is) due to open in Alphabet City on the Lower East Side earlier this year. Despite NYC building bureaucracy, and a pesky neighbor unhappy with the "Hot Chicks Room" signage outside, the UCB East (or UCBeast) is all decked out and ready for it's grand opening. Doors will open in early September and will be dedicated to stand up comedy - not strippers - as one vocal neighbor with her speed dial on 311 with complaints about it looking like a bordello proclaimed.

Also on the agenda was talk of a UCB book that will draw out improv techniques taught within the UCB training centers. Since the manuscript has been passed on to all instructors for input, it's been delayed. In addition, the UCB team has been trying to devise a chart to include in the book that breaks down the concept of "Yes, And...", which is the main component within the Harold "game" structure. Thanks to an artist in audience, who was kit out with markers and pens drawing the conference (like a court artist), Ian tried to draw the chart that deconstructs the "Yes, And..." vision, but he proved it difficult to harness on the printed page. With those factors swimming around, a UCB handbook might take some time to publish.

Of course, the man of the weekend, Del Close, was discussed. His difficult nature, his iconoclastic vision of comedy, and his own issues regarding contemporaries like Elaine May and Mike Nichols who moved onto the stratosphere of comedy success, while he stayed on the sidelines, was touched upon. Perhaps Del's own legacy was to bestow a method of "game" that would create the building blocks of organic, smart comedy as we know it today. With the theatre filled with UCB students and young performers from all the country, his resonance is perpetuated by Besser, Roberts, Poehler and Walsh, to the point where Del Close is more of a household name than May and Nichols to this new generation of funny people.

And speaking of new generation. Sadly, it feels like the original wave of UCB students who've grown through the years on the UCBNYC stage have moved on. The Los Angeles transplants were unable to make it due to production commitments. It's bittersweet. On one hand, it can feel as though they are turning their back to the past. On the other, it's like the seniors - the Scheers, Huebels, Poehler, Helms and the rest - have moved on to great careers, giving hope to the freshman with visions of pilot season and development deals in their heads. Still. It's a bummer they can't make it anymore.

Yet, the new class is moving up. Doppleganger - a lady threesome (Nicole Byer, Keisha Zollar and Sasheer Zamata) hit the stage after the conference. Comedy transcends race and gender, and in a world where Improv is dominated by white hipster dudes and chicks, Doppleganger's line up of three African American ladies was a refreshing force with a passionate flair. Using Harold techniques to transition from one funny, unique scene after the other, they are playful, hilarious, and heighten moments like crazy. They are a must see at UCBNYC or at various NYC venues on any given night. Doppleganger is proof that there are more fresh new faces on the rise, and talent with so much to offer. (And funny ladies rule!)

Doppleganger at Del Close Marathon UCBNYC stage.

More to come on DCM #13.

More to read on UCB and Del Close Marathons of the past:
Hot Chicks Room to Warm Chicks
Del Close Marathon 2009
Del Close Marathon 2010

Hot Chicks Room to Warm Chicks

Photo Courtesy of Dave Itzkoff

The future Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre on New York's lower east side has created a stir. The new branch of the famous improv comedy space, aka UCBeast, will offer more stand up, and will sport a bar. The thing is - the signage for the drinking hole, called "The Hot Chicks Room", was placed outside for all to see. Residents of the East Village area, who once had to fend off drug dealers and strip clubs, were not too pleased. They wanted the neighborhood to remain a 'no hot chicks zone'.

No harm was meant, and no naked girls were to be employed. The moniker was based on a UCB in-joke, a joke the neighbors were not in on. No wonder confusion ensued and complaints were made. However...no worries!

The kind folks at UCB complied with the grumbles, and with co-founder Amy Poehler on hand, the sign, originally turned over not to offend, officially went down this week. Where will it go? To an actual chicken farm on Governors Island that's part of NYC's Green initiative called Earth Matter. The sign will be placed on a greenhouse where chicks are raised in a hot, yet comfortable environment. They also encourage visitors (field trip!) to come and learn how the little critters thrive in a green ecosphere. What a perfect ending. Happy Friday!

Here's an article about if from one of my favorite NYTimes reporters, Dave Itzkoff.

NYTimes.com: Tempest in a Compost Heap: Controversial Comedy Sign Gets a Funny New Home

UCBeast - Del Close Marathon Press Conference

Upright Citizens Brigade to Open UCB EAST

The current Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre on 26th and 8th.

You might have heard about it, but it's real and it's coming! UCB is opening a new venue, UCB EAST, (aka UCBeast) located at 3rd and Avenue A. It's a 150 seat theater that will focus more on stand up than improv. ASSSSCAT and all other regular performance shows will remain at UCB's current 26th and 8th Avenue spot here in New York. The new location will have a bar called "The Hot Chicks Room". As lusty as that sounds, it's unlikely you'll find chicks swinging on poles. Or will you? Find out in early 2011 when the new theater is due to open.