Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual - Essential Guide

In this review of the Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual the bottom line is straightforward: this is a practical, methodical guide for anyone serious about learning the UCB approach to long form improv. Written by founders Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, the manual teaches the fundamentals of two person scene work and then moves into ensemble techniques and long form structures, making it the single best buy for students and performers wanting a clear path from basics to advanced play.

Key Features

• Founders' approach: Direct instruction from UCB creators provides authoritative insight into the companys specific style and priorities for comedy improvisation.
• Two person scene focus: Emphasizes finding the game of the scene so performers learn to identify and heighten what makes a scene funny.
• Long form structures: Explains ensemble work within long form formats like The Harold and The Movie so teams can build cohesive, extended performances.
• Practical exercises: Includes exercises throughout the book to practice each concept, making it useful as both a classroom text and personal workbook.
• Beginner-friendly: Written to be understood by readers with no previous improv experience while still offering depth for more experienced improvisors.

Who It's For

The Manual is best for students, classroom instructors, and early-career performers who want a structured path to learning the UCB style and mastering ensemble long form. It works well as a course text or a focused self-study resource because of its practical exercises and clear explanations.

Experienced improvisors who already practice long form will still find useful refinements and a cohesive articulation of UCB principles, though those seeking a deeply theoretical or historical treatise on improv may prefer supplementary titles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authoritative perspective from UCB founders makes the techniques reliable and field-tested.
• Clear progression from two person scene work to ensemble long form supports steady skill development.
• Exercises throughout the text offer actionable practice to internalize concepts.

Cons

• Focused specifically on the UCB method, so performers seeking alternative improv philosophies may find it narrow.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual is a pragmatic, well organized resource for anyone wanting to learn or teach the UCB approach to long form improv. Its mix of foundational scene work, ensemble strategy, and exercises makes it good value for students and performers looking for a single, practice-oriented manual to develop reliable improv skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience to use this manual?
No, the book is written for beginners but also offers depth for more advanced improvisors.

Does it teach long form formats?
Yes, it covers ensemble long form structures including The Harold and The Movie.

Is it useful for classroom instruction?
Yes, the practical exercises and clear progression make it suitable as a course text or workshop guide.