Monkey Barrel Comedy announces the return of UCB improv classes
The sessions are back this summer in association with Upright Citizens Brigade
Monkey Barrel Comedy has announced the return of official Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv classes to Edinburgh this summer, following the launch of their partnership earlier this year. In March, UCB teamed up with Monkey Barrel to bring its internationally-recognised improv training programme to Edinburgh, making the comedy venue the first outside the US to host its official classes.
The new programme takes place over the next two months, with students able to choose between full-length eight-week courses and intensive week-long sessions. Teaching will be handled by performers and instructors Toni Charline Ramos and Drew DiFonzo Marks. Ramos is known for appearances on comedy podcasts including Comedy Bang! Bang! and Improv4Humans, while Marks is a former artistic director of UCB’s Los Angeles theatre, whose screen credits include Reno 911! and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Courses are aimed at both newcomers and experienced performers, with Improv 101 covering the basics of long-form improvisation and UCB’s signature game-based approach, while Improv 201 develops more advanced scene work and performance techniques. Students in Edinburgh will also be eligible for UCB’s Diversity Scholarship Program, which offers financial support and educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.
UCB’s training programme has helped develop performers including Ayo Edebiri, Bowen Yang and Jason Mantzoukas (recently seen on Taskmaster). Alongside classes, participants will have opportunities to perform at Monkey Barrel as part of the venue’s efforts to expand improv opportunities in Edinburgh.
A UCB spokesperson said: ‘This next run of classes is an exciting continuation of what has already been a hugely positive start to our partnership in Edinburgh. We were thrilled by the response to the first courses in March, and bringing Toni and Drew over allows us to keep building a stronger community of improvisers through the same training that has been central to UCB for decades.’
Monkey Barrel Comedy’s Ross Foley said: ‘The launch of UCB classes at Monkey Barrel was a major milestone for us, and the response from students made it clear there is a real appetite for consistent, world-class improv training in Edinburgh. We’re delighted to offer a new batch of classes this summer, and look forward to welcoming new performers onto our stages.’
The new course dates are:
Improv 101
(eight weeks): Mondays, 7–10pm, 25 May–13 July
(one-week intensive): Monday–Friday, 10am–2.30pm, 8–12 June
Improv 201
(eight weeks): Wednesdays, 7–10pm, 27 May–15 July
(eight weeks): Saturdays, 11am–2pm, 30 May–18 July
(one-week intensive): Monday–Friday, 10am–2.30pm, 13–17 July
Further information and booking details are available on the UCB website.