Our Philosophy

APPROVED CATALOG

The contents of this catalog have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center. Students are encouraged to read this approved school catalog in order to gain further insights about the Training Center and current courses that are being offered.

The UCB Training Center is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

PHILOSOPHY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Upright Citizens Brigade Improvisation and Sketch Comedy Training Center's mission is to foster the evolution of comedy by providing its students with the highest quality of professional training in both long form improvisation and written sketch comedy.

Through study and practice, we aspire to instill in our students a passion for the creation of their own unique comedic voice and their continual evolution as comedic performers and writers. The Training Center enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the UCB Theatre, a major comedy venue. This allows the Training Center to use the theatre as a laboratory for both accomplished comedians and new students to stage their craft.

The Upright Citizens Brigade Improvisation and Sketch Comedy Training Center (referred to for the rest of this document as the UCB Training Center) provides our students with instruction based on a distinct, proven, "game-based" improvisation and sketch writing curriculum. Our curriculum, originally developed by the UCB, is constantly reviewed and improved by some of the most respected comedians and instructors in the industry.

Both of our Training Centers are located in important entertainment centers: Manhattan and Hollywood. In addition to its reputation as one of the most lauded comedy theaters and training grounds in the nation, our locations help us offer our students opportunities to both make valuable connections with other comedians and practice their craft onstage.

We offer our students a myriad of opportunities to learn as students, practitioners, and spectators of our style of comedy. The training center and theater work in tandem to foster this goal, most notably through our policy of allowing students free access to those shows at our theater that illustrate the concepts taught in our classes.

The UCB Training Center is committed to being a vital cultural force in the diverse performance communities of New York City, Los Angeles, and the world.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

COMEDIC METHOD

The UCB Training Center, as an institution, shall break down the basics of comedic writing and performance for our students through the teaching of a proven comedic method.

By offering affordable courses on improvisational and sketch comedy, we provide our students instruction in the basics of comedic performance and writing.
By ensuring opportunities to perform on our stages in New York and Los Angeles, we shall help our students hone their voices and take risks before a live audience.
The faculty members of training center shall encourage our students to apply the skills they've learned from our courses in their own projects.

QUALITY INSTRUCTION

The UCB Improvisation and Sketch Comedy Training Center shall offer our students with instruction utilizing a distinct curriculum, built around our proven, game-based comedic method.

All of our courses will be driven by carefully constructed curriculums built around our unique philosophy on comedy.
The principles and rules taught in our courses will help students to better consistently produce comedic material, both when writing and improvising.
Our course curriculums will be periodically reviewed and improved by our Academic Director and senior faculty members.
Changes and improvement to our course curriculums will be driven in part by feedback from our student body..
The instruction students receive as they move through our core curriculum will be fluid, with lessons organically building on the skills and concepts taught in earlier courses.
The instructors of higher-level courses shall be dedicated to helping our advanced students improve as individual writers and performers.

RESEARCH

The UCB Training Center shall be dedicated to using research as a means to constantly improve our instruction and the learning experience for our students.

The Academic Director will review historic, current, and new comedic content related to the performance or instruction of improvisation and sketch writing in order to make improvements and adjustments to our curriculum.
Students in the improv program will be encouraged to make research a part of their learning experience by reading selected instructional books in conjunction with their courses.
Instructors in the writing program shall refer to and present celebrated sketch comedy in class and will encourage their students to improve their own writing by viewing as much sketch as possible.
The UCB Training Center shall be home to a library of books, magazines and other publications written about comedy performance, writing, acting, directing, etc.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

The UCB Training Center shall uphold its belief that performance is an essential part of training for comedy writers and performers.

Our belief in the importance of learning as active practitioners of the comedic arts will be reflected in the many performance opportunities given to current and former students that the UCB Theatre.
Most courses in improvisation and sketch shall include at least one performance on the UCB Theatre Main Stage.
Some former and current advanced students shall be given a chance to audition for opportunities to perform regularly on house teams as a part of Harold Night (for improvisers) and Maude Night (for writers and sketch actors.)
The theater hosts shall continue to hold monthly open-mic nights for improvisation and sketch so that students can perform with different people in front of an audience.

CONNECTIONS

The UCB Training Center shall remain committed to maintaining our reputation as a meeting ground for working professionals in comedy. Those studying at the UCB Training center shall be able to benefit from the excellent reputation we have established among working professionals in the entertainment industry. By fostering an engaged community focused on the comedic arts we are providing space and opportunity for the collaboration of the beginning, experienced and professional comedian.

SOCIAL EQUITY

The UCB Training Center shall ensure fair, just and equitable management of all services and policies with respect to race, color, gender (sex), age, disability and any other "protected classes." Protected status is designated by federal, state and local law and includes groups designated because of injustices that have occurred against the members of these groups in the past and present. Social equity is the means the UCB Training Center uses to help to redress these injuries.

The concept of social equity is our commitment to ensuring that the evolution of comedy includes diverse voices and experiences representative of the real world. Only by actively addressing systemic injustices, unfairness and social iniquity can individual voices rise to include all persons to the equal rights and opportunities available to all.

If material deals with race, gender, sexuality, etc, it should be done in a truly creative, intelligent manner and never in the spirit of hurtfulness or mockery. The UCB Training Center community is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment in which every member of the community can realize her or his fullest potential.

COMMUNITY

The UCB Training Center shall remain devoted to remaining the center of a thriving community of performers and students of comedy.

The staff of the UCB Training Center shall continue to work in order to ensure the Training Center's reputation as a destination for like-minded individuals who are serious about receiving professional training in comedy to meet each other.
The presence of the administrative offices on site at the training center will help reinforce our open-door policy in regards to communication between our students, staff and administration.
Our on-site student lounge shall continue to foster a sense of community by serving as a meeting place for all students and teachers, regardless of level.
Students shall be offered free admission to many of the improv and sketch shows at our theater, making it another place for all members of the community to interact.
At theaters, our open mic shows, "improv jams," and shows where students can apply to perform shall continue to cultivate a community where most students feel that they belong, in conjunction with other student-only events like meet-ups and discussion panels.
In their course of study, students are invited to address personal concerns with Directors of Support and Counseling who can provide short-term counseling at no cost and provide referrals to private practitioners, clinics and social service agencies. Personal concerns include, but are not limited to: mental health; substance abuse and recovery; difficulty accessing healthcare or social services; and problems in the classroom or community, including social media, with teachers, performers or peers. Students are given information about support and counseling services on a handout given to each student the first day of every course.

SELF-EXPRESSION

The Training Center shall make one of its primary objectives to help our students learn how to use our methods to develop their own comedic voices.

Our courses in improvisation and writing shall serve as laboratories for our students to experiment with their own ideas and performance or writing style.
Our teaching staff shall actively encourage our student body to use our proven methods to create new, unique, and original comedy.
We shall be dedicated to offering quality instruction to everyone interested in learning the basics of comedy writing and performing, helping those people who may not necessarily be interested in making a career out of comedy find ways to express themselves.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The New York UCB Training Center, located at 520 8th Avenue, 9th Floor, is open for operation from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, and from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm on Sunday.

The Los Angeles UCB Training Center, located at 5419 Sunset Blvd, 2nd Floor, is open for operation from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm Friday - Sunday.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES

All potential students applying to enroll in entry level classes at the Training Center will first have to fill out our enrollment agreement, either on paper or online, stating that they understand all of the following:

That they have signed the enrollment policy and, by doing so, are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Students must be 18 years old.
Student has agreeed to pay full tuition price for the course. Placement is not secure until payment is received.
Students must attend the full duration of the course
Students are expected to see at least two live improvisation or sketch comedy performances at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre during the duration of their course. (eight week courses only)
Students must be on time to class.
Students agree that they will be held financially responsible for a portion of the course tuition should they decide to drop the course within a week of its first session (see Tuition and Fees)
Students agree to adhere to the expected behavior outlined in our code of conduct.

For higher-level courses, students must also meet all stated prerequisites and, in some cases, receive approval from the instructor before gaining admittance to the class.

STUDENT STATUS

"Student" shall mean (i) a Currently Enrolled Student; and (ii) an Inactive Student.

A "Currently Enrolled Student" means any individual currently enrolled in any course offered by the UCB Training Center, including but not limited to through the time of the occurrence of the course's last class or the graduation show (if any) for such course. The status of Currently Enrolled Student shall continue for two (2) months after the course's last class or graduation show.

An "Inactive Student" means any former Currently Enrolled Student during the time period beginning two (2) months after the course's last class or graduation show and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center offers two programs of study: Improvisation and Sketch Comedy.

IMPROVISATION PROGRAM

The Improvisation Program is designed to teach our students about the basics of long-form improvisation. Long-form improvisation is a performance in which a group of people mutually creates interconnected scenes, on the spot, from a single audience suggestion.

Our Improvisation Program teaches our students to build these scenes around "the game." The concept of "the game" is central to the method taught in our program. "The game" is the single, specific comedic idea that makes a scene funny. We teach our students how to work together to discover that specific idea and then explore it as many different ways as they can imagine throughout the course of one improvised scene.

The goal of the Improvisation Program is to teach our students how to work as a group to use "the game" to perform the original long-form improv performance piece called "the Harold." The Harold is a series of interconnected scenes inspired by a single suggestion. Characters, ideas, and themes appear and reappear throughout the piece and eventually connect, completing the piece.

The Improvisation Program is comprised of four core courses, Improv 101, 201, 301, and 401. In order to complete the Improvisation Program, students must successfully complete all four of the core courses.

In addition to the core courses we also offer instructor-driven, master class courses, as well as performance workshops in which students learn and or create a unique form of improvisation.

We also offer various special workshops in improvisation. These workshops cover a diverse range of topics and can be anywhere from one day workshops to four-week sessions.

SKETCH COMEDY PROGRAM

Our Sketch Comedy Program is designed to give our students instruction on the basics they need to write and refine short, comedic scenes. These scenes are built around "the game," a single, specific comedic idea. Our core sketch courses expose students to a variety written sketch formats.

Our sketch courses are designed to help our students develop a writing portfolio, the discipline to rewrite their work, and their individual voice. Our courses also allow our students to experience writing in a professional environment, giving them an opportunity to both give feedback to others, as well as incorporate feedback into their own work.

The goal of the Sketch Comedy program is to teach our writing students to take their pieces from first draft, all the way through a staged sketch performance.

The Sketch Comedy Program is comprised of three core courses, Sketch 101, 201, and 301. In order to complete the Sketch Comedy Program, students must successfully complete all three of the core courses.

In addition to the core courses we also offer instructor-driven, master class courses, as well as workshops in varied, specific topics.

ELECTIVES

We offer electives in both Improv and Sketch classes. The prerequisites, cost, and duration of class vary based on subject matter. These electives are selected to maximum an area of interest of a veteran teacher.

In addition we offer recurring electives in Character Creation (writing and performing), Musical Improv, and Storytelling.

IMPROVISATION PROGRAM — COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IMPROV 101: IMPROV BASICS

Students will learn the fundamentals of long-form improvisation. Core concepts covered include using character agreement to make your scenes succeed, developing character, character status, object and environment work, playing at the top of your intelligence, and heightening (finding ways to make your scenes get funnier from start to finish).

This course also introduces the specific vocabulary of the UCB Training Center.

This course meets for 8 sessions that are each 3 hours long. At the end of the course, students will take part in a class performance, generally held at the UCB Theatre. Graduation is also contingent upon students seeing at least two improvised shows at the UCB Theater before the end of the course.

Class Size: 16 Students

ENROLLMENT

Courses in improvisation and sketch comedy programs are offered on a rolling basis.

Courses are scheduled through the days and evenings. There are also some courses available in the afternoons or mornings.

On occasion, our training center will offer special intensive classes that meet multiple times a week over the course of one to four weeks.

Course enrollment for core level Programs (Improv and Sketch) are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are responsible for choosing the course date and time that fits into their schedule. Courses are generally offered by demand.

For the full list of courses currently enrolling, please visit our website at ucbtrainingcenter.com

EVALUATION

Promotion to the next level is contingent on the following criteria: attendance, seeing shows, and a demonstration of course concepts through application in performance or writing.

After a class's completion grades and feedback from the teacher is available on an online, private, web page. The grades include Superior Pass (A), Pass (B), Conditional Pass (C), Repeat Level (D), and Incomplete (I).

Here is a more detailed explanation of the various grades:

B (Pass) - The vast majority of students get this grade. You achieved the core competency of the course. (i.e.. in Improv 301, a student understands and participates in the pattern game, shows competency with second beat choices and supports the Harold well). A student could get a B and be a hilarious performer/writer or a student could get a B and just be a decently funny performer/writer. The grade doesn't reflect funniness.

C (Conditional Pass) - The student intellectually understands the course concepts but isn't consistent about applying them in their work. Making the student retake the course would be unnecessary, but they should be aware that they need to work on core concepts.

D (Retake the course) - This student struggled enacting the core concepts of this class and they need more time with them.

I (Incomplete) - This student withdrew from the class after it began, or missed too many classes, or didn't see enough shows, or failed to meet some other class specific requirement.

A (Superior) - A rare grade given out to a student who excels at the course concepts. This grade is about how the student did in this course, not the person in general. For example, a student may get an "A" in a Monoscene class but not a Harold class because they are better at monoscenes. It's about excelling in this particular class. An "A" gives you virtually no benefit in terms of the way the UCB Theater views you. Everyone still has to submit/audition to get on a house team and that's where talent and ability come into play.

The instructor evaluates students throughout the course. Instructors look for the demonstration of an understanding or the application of core concepts from each student during in-class performances. Students demonstrate their understanding through discussion or the application of these concepts in improvised scenes for improv classes, and in their writing for sketch classes.

The feedback written after a class ends is derived from the teacher's in class notes and discussion and will identify what the student is excelling at, what areas are in need of improvement, and a strategy going forward.

Any student with questions/concerns about these grades should contact the appropriate Academic Director

Students are allowed two absences per course, with no guarantee of make-up classes. If a student misses a third class, he or she will be dropped from the course and have to repeat the level.

Students are expected to attend two live performances at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre during the course of their class. These performances provide students with an opportunity to see course concepts put into action, and are considered a vital supplement to their work in class. Improv students must see improvised shows and sketch students must see written shows. Students who fail to meet the two show requirement will be forced to repeat the level.

The Training Center Manager will notify students who do not meet necessary promotional criteria via e-mail. Students are given specific reasons why they have not been promoted. They are told what specific skills and concepts they need remediation in. A specific course is recommended for remediation in these areas.

FAILURES

Students who fail to meet attendance and show requirements are subject to (I) Incomplete. Three absences or a failure to attend two performances pertaining to their course of study will result in an Incomplete. In these instances, students are allowed to repeat the level.

Students who exhibit inappropriate conduct as described in this catalogue may also be removed from the class and potentially the program. The Academic Director, Training Center Manager and Managing Director will review the student's behavior through interviews with both student and instructor in order to determine if the student will be allowed to enroll in future classes at the Training Center.

Instructors are expected to fail any student that they feel demonstrates a severe lack of understanding of basic course concepts. In order for a student to receive a failing grade, the student's abilities should be on a remedial level such that they would be hindering the progress of their peers if promoted. In these instances, decisions made by the instructor are final. The Training Center Manager will notify students of failure via e-mail.

MAKE-UP WORK

Make-up classes are not guaranteed. Make up classes are NOT MANDATORY in order to pass.

The UCB Training Center will accommodate students of Improv 101, 201 or 301 for up to two make up classes. Please note that the first and last sessions of any course are not available for makeups as those sessions focus primarily on individuals classes chemistry.

Students who need to miss more than two classes will be asked to repeat that course level. Students should not enroll in a class if they know that they will have to miss more than two of the sessions.

Students who are given make-up classes will be placed in another class at the same level, covering the curriculum that they missed when absent. If a corresponding make-up class is not available, the student will not be able to make up the class. Classes are considered "closed" to make-up students once two extra students have been placed into a class.

A make up class does not cancel out a missed class, in terms of attendance.

Scheduling a make-up class is the student's responsibility. If the student does not contact the Training Center in a timely fashion, the make-up request may be denied. As soon as a student knows that they have to miss a class, they should contact the Training Center Manager by telephone.

Makeups are not available for Sketch Program, Advance Study and elective classes.

TRANSCRIPTS

The Training Center maintains online student transcripts, permanent attendance records, personal information, and other records, as applicable, in order to keep record of the progress of each individual student who studies with the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center.

All Students (Current, Inactive, or Former) have access to their transcripts which include the student's courses, grades, and teacher feedback (feedback only available for classes that ended after 2016).. These can be located in the Courses tab at dashboard.ucbcomedy.com/

For more details on grades and feedback see the Evaluation section of this Course Catalog.

ATTENDANCE/LATENESS

Students are expected to attend all eight classes. Two absences are allowed in the event of an emergency or unavoidable circumstances. In order to maintain class integrity and foster a sense of ensemble among students, no more than two absences are allowed.

Upon a third absence, the student in question will be removed from the course and asked to repeat the level if they plan on continuing their studies at the Training Center. Students who are removed from a course before the fourth class are eligible for a partial refund.

In the event of circumstances such as; a documented death in the family, severe injury or illness, etc. students may be eligible for a class credit or refund depending on the discretion of the Training Center Manager.

Prompt attendance is required from all students. Students are encouraged to make it to their classes on time so that they can participate in all warm-up exercises prior to the performance of scenes and other exercises. When students arrive, the instructor needs to explain exercises and concepts again. This is considered to be too disruptive to be allowed.

NY Lateness Policy: If a student arrives 15-30 minutes late to class they can still attend but will be marked absent. After 30 minutes the student will be locked out, and marked absent. If a student leaves more than 15 minutes early, they will be marked absent. A student who arrives more than fifteen minutes late to class on three occasions will be dropped from the course.

LA Lateness Policy: If a student arrives over 30 minutes late to class the student will be locked out, and marked absent. If a student leaves more than 30 minutes early, they will be marked absent. A student who arrives more than fifteen minutes late to class on three occasions will be dropped from the course.

MISCONDUCT POLICY

The following misconduct policy (the "Misconduct Policy") has been prepared by the Ethics Committee and approved by the Board of Managers of the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center LLC (the "UCB Training Center"). The Misconduct Policy applies to students of to the UCB Training Center, whereas faculty and other staff are governed by the Employee Handbook and performers are governed by the Performers' Code of Conduct.

GENERAL

The UCB Training Center believes in every student's right to learn and practice their craft in an open, non-threatening, creative environment free of misconduct, harassment and discrimination.

No student of the UCB Training Center should ever be made to feel uncomfortable or non-included due to his or her race, gender, gender identity, sexual preference, religious beliefs, nationality, age or disability.

The UCB Training Center also believes in their facility and their craft as a true forum for the open exchange of ideas. All students should be encouraged to express themselves without fear of censorship or judgment.

The UCB Training Center encourages the exploration of content dealing with race, gender, sexuality, etc, to be done in a truly creative, intelligent manner and never in the spirit of hurtfulness, disrespect or mockery.

UCB Training Center is committed to providing an environment that is free of misconduct, discrimination and harassment (which includes stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual assault). The UCB Training Center community is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment in which every member of the community can realize her or his fullest potential.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

Nothing in this policy shall abridge freedom of expression or the UCB Training Center's educational mission.

However, Students and Teachers shouldn't mistake this freedom as an allowance to say or take actions that fall under the following categories of misconduct, harassment, or sexual harassment.

DEFINITIONS

MISCONDUCT

"Misconduct" shall mean any of the following actions:

Actions which endanger the life or safety of another person, negligent or otherwise;
Unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives or weapons of any kind on UCB Training Center property, premises or places of operation;
Engaging in criminal conduct or acts of violence or making threats of violence toward anyone on the premises or when representing the UCB Training Center;
Demonstrating a violent propensity through behavior, conduct or threats of such whether on or off the UCB Training Center premises;
Fighting (or provoking of fights), horseplay, or damage to the UCB Training Center property, whether negligent or otherwise;
Threatening, intimidating or coercing any faculty member, staff, employee, independent contractor, performer or student on the UCB Training Center premises;
Causing the destruction or damage of property, or the property of fellow faculty, staff, employees, independent contractors, performers, students or visitors in any manner, whether negligent or otherwise;
Violation of security or safety rules, failure to observe safety rules or safety practices, and/or tampering with safety equipment;
Theft of the UCB Training Center's property or the property of fellow faculty, staff, employees, independent contractors, performers or students, including the unauthorized possession/removal of property (such as documents), from the premises without prior permission from management, the unauthorized use of equipment or property for personal reasons, and/or using the UCB Training Center's equipment for profit;
Any use by a faculty member of their position and authority for personal gain, be it financial, business, political or otherwise, including, without limitation requiring students to volunteer or participate on projects outside of the school as an overt or implied condition of their education;
Being intoxicated while in a class, a class rehearsal or during a class performance;
Any romantic and/or sexual relationship between a student and teacher where he/she is currently instructing such student in a course.
Any form of retaliation for filing a complaint under this policy or for assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing.

STUDENT MISCONDUCT POLICY

"Student" shall mean (i) a Currently Enrolled Student; and (ii) an Inactive Student. A "Currently Enrolled Student" means any individual currently enrolled in any course offered by the UCB Training Center, including but not limited to through the time of the occurrence of the course's last class or the graduation show (if any) for such course. The status of Currently Enrolled Student shall continue for two (2) months after the course's last class or graduation show. An "Inactive Student" means any former Currently Enrolled Student during the time period beginning two (2) months after the course's last class or graduation show and for a period of six (6) months thereafter.

HARASSMENT

Harassment is verbal or physical conduct, including written, spoken or visual material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, sex, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, handicap, disability, citizenship, sexual orientation, veteran, or marital status, or that of his/her relatives, friends or associates, and that:

Creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, educational or performance environment;
Adversely affects an individual's employment, educational or performance opportunities.

Harassment includes sexual harassment and Stalking (as defined below); however, Harassment can take many forms, and is not necessarily sexual in nature. The following could be considered harassment and therefore constitutes prohibited conduct:

Offensive comments, jokes, innuendoes, and other derogatory statements that are hurtful towards an above named protected category. This could include downloading, copying, storing, creating, transmitting or distributing any pornographic, offensive, defamatory, obscene or discriminatory information;
Visual conduct such as derogatory and/or sexually-oriented material defined towards an individual including: posters, photography, cartoons, drawings or gestures including those accessed or sent via E-mail, social network or other physical and/or digital means;
Any conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Retaliation for having reasonably and in good faith reported or threatened to report harassment.

STALKING

Stalking is defined as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking involves repeated and continued harassment made against the expressed wishes of another individual, which causes the targeted individual to feel emotional distress, including fear and apprehension. Stalking behaviors may include:

Pursuing or following;
Non-consensual (unwanted) communication or contact - including face-to-face, telephone calls, voice messages, electronic messages, text messages, written letters, social media messages, etc.;
Sending unwanted gifts (such as flowers);
Trespassing, property damage;
Surveillance or other types of observation including invasion of online privacy.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Is defined as any non-consensual, intentional physical contact of a sexual nature, such as unwelcome physical contact with a person's genitals, buttocks, or breasts. Sexual assault occurs when the act is committed by: a) physical force, violence, threat, or intimidation; b) ignoring the objections of another person; c) causing another's intoxication or impairment through the use of alcohol or other drugs; and/or d) taking advantage of another person's incapacitation, helplessness, or other inability to consent.

EXAMPLES OF MISCONDUCT

The following list is not exhaustive, but attempts to provide some simple examples of misconduct to illustrate severity and the category the behavior falls into.

Misconduct:

Pulling out an actual folding knife in character during a scene.
Throwing a chair against a wall.
Forcing your way into another persons car or cab when leaving a rehearsal, a show, or after socializing after those events.

Harassment:

Repeated reference to a performers actual race regardless of the race of their character.
Writing sketches and providing situations referencing faculty or actual students (non-public figures) in a derogatory or insulting manner.
Retaliation for filing of a formal complaint.

Stalking:

Videotaping and photographing someone without consent.
Following someone else home from class, rehearsal audition or a show.

Sexual Harassment:

Pressure for a date or a romantic or intimate relationship.
Unnecessary and unwelcome references to various parts of the body.
Belittling remarks about a person's gender or belittling remarks about a person's sexual orientation based in gender-stereotyping.
Obscene gestures of a sexual or gender-based nature.
Unwelcome touching, kissing, hugging, or massaging.

Sexual Assault:

Non-consensual, intentional physical contact of a sexual nature

REPORTING INCIDENTS OF MISCONDUCT

The UCB Training Center encourages reporting misconduct to HR Administrators, Academic Directors or Managing Directors immediately so that the UCB Training Center can properly address the allegations and take appropriate steps to prevent the conduct from escalating and/or to eliminate the harassing conduct.

All Managers are obligated to act on any report of alleged Misconduct.

Complainants report should be specific and truthful. It is expected that the specific charges, details of the incident or incidents, names of the individuals involved, the names of any witnesses and any other evidence in support thereof are important.

In any case where there is a reasonable suspicion that criminal actions may have occurred or are occurring, in addition to the reporting process described herein, faculty, staff and employees of the UCB Training Center, including without limitation, Support and Counseling and the Academic Director, may be obligated to report such actions to applicable law enforcement authority and to forward all applicable evidence to such law enforcement authority with respect to such actions.

Anonymous Complaints

The Training Center cannot fully investigate anonymous complaints. However, UCB will utilize best efforts to investigate all such claims. UCB encourages Students to feel comfortable reporting misconduct

Third Party Reports

UCB will make reasonable efforts to address all third-party complaints.

Timeframe

The UCB Training Center does not limit the timeframe for filing a report of Misconduct. Reports can be submitted at any time following an incident, although the UCB Training Center's ability to take any action may be limited by the status of the alleged respondent as a Student or not (See definition of "Student").

Complainant Request for Confidentiality/Privacy

All complaints are handled in a discrete manner and maintained as confidential as possible during any investigation. UCB Training Center staff and faculty will not publicly discuss in open forums (including public spaces, social media and other forums) a complaint

A complainant may make a request for confidentiality/privacy at any point. This type of request means that the complainant does not want her/his identity known to the respondent and witnesses. UCB Training Center will make all reasonable attempts to comply with a request for privacy or the withdrawal of a report.

Confidentiality/Privacy & Non-Retaliation Policy

UCB Training Center prohibits any form of retaliation against any student, teacher or employee for filing a complaint under this policy or for assisting or participating in an investigation, proceeding or hearing. Anyone who files a complaint or cooperates in an investigation of a complaint under this policy will be protected from any retaliatory action as a result of filing such a complaint or cooperating in an investigation.

Investigation

Local HR Administrators and/or the Academic Directors shall be responsible for investigating all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations of this Misconduct Policy. If the Academic Director is subject of the complaint, the Managing Director shall investigate in place of the Academic Director.

Following the receipt of a complaint, the respondent will be notified that a complaint has been filed and he/she will have the opportunity to submit a written statement within five calendar days, whenever possible. The office of Support and Counseling is available as a resource to assist all involved parties, but will not act in an investigative capacity.

If a student makes a specific complaint about a faculty member, the Employee Handbook will control the investigation and outcome of such complaint.

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS TRAINING

Advanced standing allows experienced students to skip improvisation level 101 and begin the program in 201. The vocabulary and core concepts taught in improv 201 are unique to the UCB Training Center and every student in our student body must take it.

Advanced standing will only be granted to students who have studied extensively at institutions the UCB Training Center deems to have a similar style and comedic vision. The institutions in question must meet the same standards of quality and educational integrity we strive for at the UCB Training Center. Currently, the UCBT offers advanced standing to students who have studied at IO Chicago and IO West. Additionally advanced standing may be granted to students who have exhibited a high level of proficiency at long form improvisation. We do not accept credits from other institutions, and all students, other than those who have specific permission, start at Improv or Sketch 101.

The UCB Training Center reserves the right to contact the administrative staff of those other institutions that students cite when applying for advanced standing to seek reports and opinions on the student's previous experiences.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES

If a student wishes to withdraw from a course, they should inform the Training Center Manager immediately. Refunds may be issued for courses upon student withdrawal under the following provisions:

8 WEEK COURSES

A full refund (minus the $35 processing fee) is available only when withdrawal notification is received by noon (12pm) three days prior to the start of the course. For example, refund requests for a Monday night class must be received by Wednesday at noon. Requests for Saturday or Sunday classes would have to be received by Tuesday at noon.
Withdrawal from a course between noon three days prior to the start of the course and noon of the preceding business day will incur an additional rush processing fee of $25. For example, if you request a refund for a Monday night class on the preceding Wednesday night, you will receive a refund for the cost of the course minus $60 ($35 processing fee + $25 rush fee).
Withdrawal from a course after noon of the preceding business day will incur an additional emergency rush processing fee of $85. For example, if you request withdrawal from a Monday night course on Friday at 3pm, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the course minus $120 ($35 processing fee + $85 rush fee).
For withdrawal after the start of the first session of the class, students will receive 60% of the cost of the course.
For withdrawal after the start of the second session of the class, students will receive 45% of the cost of the course.
For withdrawal after the start of the third session of the class, students will receive 30% of the cost of the course.
After the fourth class, there are NO Refunds or Partial Credits.

INTENSIVES AND ACADEMY

A full refund (minus the $35 processing fee) is available only when withdrawal notification is received by noon (12pm) three days prior to the start of the course. For example, refund requests for a Monday night class must be received by Wednesday at noon. Requests for Saturday or Sunday classes would have to be received by Tuesday at noon.
Withdrawal from a course between noon three days prior to the start of the course and noon of the preceding business day will incur an additional rush processing fee of $25. For example, if you request a refund for a Monday night class on the preceding Wednesday night, you will receive a refund for the cost of the course minus $60 ($35 processing fee + $25 rush fee).
THERE IS NO REFUND AVAILABLE if you request a withdrawal from a course after noon of the preceding business day to the start of class. Withdrawal requests for weekend classes must be received by noon on the preceding Friday.

4 WEEK COURSE

A full refund (minus the $35 processing fee) is available only when withdrawal notification is received by noon (12pm) three days prior to the start of the course. For example, refund requests for a Monday class must be received by Friday at noon.
Withdrawal from a course between noon three days prior to the start of the course and noon of the preceding day will incur an additional rush processing fee of $25. For example, if you request a refund for a Monday night class on the preceding Saturday night, you will receive a refund for the cost of the course minus $60 ($35 processing fee + $25 rush fee).
Withdrawal from a course after noon of the preceding day will incur an emergency rush processing fee of $85. For example, if you request withdrawal from a Monday night course on Sunday at 3pm, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the course minus $120 ($35 processing fee + $85 rush fee).
Once a course starts there are NO refunds or Partial Credits.

1-2 DAY WORKSHOPS, PRACTICE SESSIONS

Because of their lower price, most workshops are non-refundable.

SWITCHING CLASSES

If a course has not started and the student wants to switch into a different section of the course that has also not started, the student may do so. The student will still be held to the provisions of the Refund Policy. In some circumstances, the student will have to pay a monetary penalty to switch.

A switch is not available within 3 business days from the start of the class.

Once the course has started the student cannot switch into a different section.

For extenuating circumstances concerning cancellation and refund policies, the student should contact the Training Center Manager.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

Any student who feels discriminated against or wronged in any way, be it by a fellow student, an instructor, or any employee of the training center has the right to file a written complaint within seven days of the alleged violation.

All complaints must be in writing.

The Academic Supervisor and Training Center Manager shall maintain a written record of each complaint that is made. The Academic Supervisor shall also send the complainant an e-mail acknowledging the complaint and requesting further information if necessary

The Academic Supervisor shall, within 14 days of receipt of such complaint, commence an investigation of the alleged violation and shall, within 30 days of the receipt of such written complaint, issue a written finding. The Academic Supervisor will interview all persons involved and, if necessary, disciplinary action will be taken against any faculty, staff members, or students involved and found in violation of school policy.

The Academic Supervisor shall furnish the findings of the investigation to the person who filed the complaint and to the staff members or other students cited in the complaint. Once a resolution is reached all parties involved will be notified.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A REFUND

All refund requests must be in writing.

Students seeking a refund or a partial refund, assuming that their withdrawal from class follows all provisions outlined in our Cancellation and Refund Policies, should either call or send an e-mail to the Registrar/Training Center Manager as soon as they have decided to withdrawal. The Registrar/Training Center Manager will act on each refund request within 30 days of such request.

CALENDAR

The NY Training Center is closed:
New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the following Friday and Saturday), and Christmas.

On some religious holidays, we do not offer classes but the Training Center is open for general student use and rentals.

The LA Training Center is closed:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day and the preceding weekend, Independence Day, Labor Day and the preceding weekend, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday & weekend, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Occasionally class graduation shows might be scheduled on the above holidays. Any exceptions will be noted on the specific course's registration page. The LA Training Center may be closed additional days surrounding holidays; please call 323.908.8702 if you have any questions or to confirm scheduling.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition for courses at the Training Center varies depending on a variety of factors that may induce extra costs. Most eight-week courses at the Training Center are offered at $450 for the eight-session courses.

One-day optional practice sessions, special workshops, seminars, and other events are priced based on the nature of the individual event. These prices will be announced upon confirmation of the event and will be made public at our facility and at our website.

In addition to the tuition payment, there is a $35 non-refundable registration processing fee and a $15 security fee to cover security services at our training center facility.

ADMINISTRATION

NEW YORK TRAINING CENTER
Kevin Hines, Associate Academic Director
Melissa Wacks, Director of Support and Counseling
Erik Tanouye, Training Center Manager
Joey Price, Registrar

LOS ANGELES TRAINING CENTER
Johnny Meeks, Academic Director
Lindsay Lefler, Training Center Manager
Shireen Oberman, Support and Counseling

FACULTY

Click here for a current list of our Training Center Faculty on our website.