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General

What is the Upright Citizens Brigade?

The Upright Citizens Brigade is Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh. The “UCB4” produced their own sketch show, “Upright Citizens Brigade,” for three seasons on Comedy Central from 1998-2000. During the success of the TV show, UCB opened the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and Improvisational and Sketch Comedy Training Center in New York City. In 2005, UCB expanded and opened the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Los Angeles and began offering UCB Training Center classes on the west coast.
What is the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre?

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is home for all things comedy in Los Angeles. Our 92-seat theatre offers affordable, high-quality shows seven nights a week. All shows are all ages. We also run one of the largest and most respected improv schools in the country.
Where is UCB Theatre located?

Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Los Angeles
5919 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028
UCB Theatre is located at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. Our all-ages venue sits adjacent to several restaurants and bars including Birds, Franklin and Co., La Poubelle and Sushi Stop. Grab a drink before a show or scope out the great used selection of records and books at Counterpoint.
Our neighborhood is largely residential; please be quiet and courteous in the area and dispose of all trash properly.
What kind of shows play at UCB Theatre?

UCB Theatre hosts all kinds of comedy shows: improv, stand-up, sketch, talk/variety, cool weird stuff that defies categorization and more. ONLY comedy shows play at UCB Theatre.
Seeing a Show

When are tickets available?

The schedule for the following month is posted at the end of the current month. There is no set date or time when the schedule is posted.
Tickets for most shows are available once the schedule is posted.
For certain shows such as Harold Night and Maude Night, reservations are available six days before the show date at noon.
How do I claim prepaid tickets / reservations?

There are no physical tickets to claim. We will begin checking-in customers roughly 20 minutes before showtime. Customers arriving before the theatre is open for seating will form a line outside the theatre that extends east towards Bronson Avenue.
For shows with prepaid tickets: Upon check-in, simply show your PayPal receipt (printed or displayed on a mobile device) and a photo ID of the ticketholder for admission to the show.
For shows with reservations: Upon check-in, simply state the full name of the confirmed reservation holder and pay CASH ONLY admission.
Prepaid tickets or reservations unclaimed 5 minutes before scheduled showtime may be redistributed. Late arrivals may not be granted entry due to disruption of the performance. Please allow time for traffic, weather and parking.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
What time should I arrive for a show?

We typically begin seating 15 minutes before showtime. Customers arriving before the theatre is open for seating will form a line outside the theatre that extends east towards Bronson Avenue. Please line single-file along the curb and leave sidewalk clear for all pedestrian traffic.
For popular shows we recommend customers arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime for good seats. Seating is general admission (first-come, first served) so patrons first in line with prepaid tickets or reservations will have first choice of seating.
For free shows we recommend audience arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime for best chance at admission.
Prepaid tickets or reservations unclaimed 5 minutes before scheduled showtime may be redistributed. Late arrivals may not be granted entry due to disruption of the performance. Please allow time for traffic, weather and parking.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
Do you accept credit cards?

Tickets to many shows are pre-sold online through PayPal. Customers do not need a PayPal account to complete payment, only a debit or credit card is required. Pre-sale tickets are ONLY available online. We do not pre-sell tickets at the theatre.
Some shows only accept reservations and require payment at the door. UCB Theatre accepts CASH ONLY at the door. Shows, concessions and merchandise may only be paid for with cash at UCB Theatre.
The nearest ATM machines are located at Franklin & Tamarind near the entrance to Bourgeois Pig coffee shop and at Franklin & Bronson inside Gelson’s grocery store.
What parking is available?

UCB Theatre offers valet service conveniently located at Franklin & Tamarind (in front of The Daily Planet & Bourgeois Pig). The valet service fee is currently $7.00. Please be advised other nearby valets are not contracted by UCB Theatre.
What ages are admitted?

UCB Theatre is an all ages venue. Please note many of our shows contain adult language and content and may not be appropriate for young or sensitive customers. If you have a question about a specific show, please contact a UCB Theatre manager at 323.908.8702 or la@ucbcomedy.com.
The theatre does not serve alcohol.
Can I photograph / videotape / audiotape the show?

Absolutely NO video or audio recording is permitted without explicit permission from both the theatre and performers.
Still photography is allowed without flash.
Highlights from past shows in addition to original UCB videos may be viewed at UCBcomedy.com.
Do you serve food or alcohol?

UCB Theatre does not serve food or any alcoholic beverages. Soda and water are available in the lobby for $1.
It is unlawful to possess an open container of any alcohol beverage on or adjacent to UCB Theatre premises (LA MC 41.27 (H)).
Several bars and restaurants great for pre and post-show activities are located on our block:
Birds Rotisserie Chicken Café & Bar (American, Bar)
5925 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.465.0175 Yelp Listing
La Poubelle (French, Bar)
5907 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.465.0807 Yelp Listing
Franklin And Company Tavern (American, Bar)
5923 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.463.1552 Yelp Listing
Sushi Stop (Sushi Bar, Japanese)
5917 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.468.2496 Yelp Listing
Bourgeois Pig (Coffee & Tea)
5931 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.464.6008 Yelp Listing
Pimai Restaurant (Thai)
5833 Franklin Avenue, LA CA 90028
323.461.7841 Yelp Listing
The Oaks Gourmet (Specialty Food, Deli)
1915 N Bronson Ave, LA CA 90028
323.871.8894 Yelp Listing
How do I put my name on the waitlist?

Waitlists are posted one hour before the first show of the night (showtimes vary night to night, please check the schedule). We take names IN PERSON ONLY at the theatre.
Customers put their names on the waitlist, then return to the theatre 5 minutes before showtime and our staff will call names of those we can accommodate in order of the waitlist. We often get in the first few waitlist customers, but admission is not guaranteed and seating may be single seats or standing room only.
Waitlist customers must pay CASH ONLY.
Performing
I want to perform at the UCB Theatre, I love comedy!

Fantastic! One of our primary goals at the UCB Theatre is to identify comedy performers and writers with talent and drive and provide them with opportunities to develop their voice. UCBT is more than just a stage: it is a comedy collective where dedicated individuals form collaborative creative relationships that can last a lifetime. If this sounds exciting to you, then you’re reading the right FAQ.
Can I perform improv at the UCB Theatre?

Most UCBT improv performers are trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center. Every level of our core improv program includes at least one performance on the UCB Theatre stage. Explore our available classes here.
Students with advanced training at UCB Training Center may be eligible to audition for a spot on one of our house improv teams performing on Harold Night. Audition eligibility requirements are announced in audition notices. We do not place improvisers on house teams who were not trained by us.
Completion of our improv program does not guarantee placement on a team. Auditions are held on an as-needed basis.
If you are jonesing to perform improv without UCB training, opportunities are available at the Long Hard Improv Jam.
Can I perform sketch comedy at the UCB Theatre?

You are welcome to submit your sketch group for Spank (see below), Not Too Shabby or Sketch Showdown.
Keep in mind, most sketch groups that perform at UCB Theatre include members who have taken sketch or improv classes at the UCB Training Center and are familiar with the UCB approach to comedy.
Students with advanced training at UCB Training Center may be eligible to audition for a spot on one of our house sketch teams performing on Maude Night. Audition eligibility requirements are announced in audition notices. We do not place sketch writers or performers on house teams who were not trained by us.
Completion of our sketch or improv programs does not guarantee placement on a team. Auditions are held on an as-needed basis.
Can I perform stand-up at the UCB Theatre?

Opportunities to perform stand-up are available at UCBT’s Monthly Open Mic.
How do I put up my show at the UCB Theatre?

All shows are booked at the discretion of our Artistic Director, Mike Still.
Most of the shows staged at UCBTLA are developed by alumni of the UCB Training Center, however outside submissions are welcome.
Full shows are accepted through an audition process we call ‘Spank.’ To find out more about the Spank process, please email SpankLA@ucbcomedy.com and ask for the Spank FAQ.
Due to the large number of requests, you will only be contacted if we are interested in staging your show.
Can I rent the UCB Theatre?

No, the theatre is not available for show rentals. However, the UCB Theatre offers a free performance space for all of its shows. All shows are booked at the discretion of our Artistic Director–please see the ‘Spank’ process above.