Here's why I agree that UCB is a huge influence. Even though I'm incredibly biased, I think I have something to say about this.
The most important thing that UCBT does for longform improvisation is the 9:30 ASSSSCAT and all the free ASSSSCATs at Solo Arts before it. Free theater in NYC? Free theater that's not an open mike? Amazing!!!
The fact that people in New York can come to UCBT any night and pay an incredibly low price for a show is wonderful. It means that college students and other hard-working, underpaid schlubs can come and see something rewarding. This is where the "community" begins.
Creating a community in NYC is very rare. We're a city of people who don't like to make eye contact. The UCBT creates a space where people can enjoy themselves and meet people and allow themselves to be vulnerable in a safe space.
Yes, the UCB are relatively young by Chicago standards, but they ventured out and did new things, influenced new people, created new forms and styles, and have always tipped the hat to their roots.
Leaving Chicago and bringing longform to New York was a huge thing for longform across the US. They have exposed many more people to longform here than they ever could have if they had stayed in Chicago.
Besides, giving people a place to see Brian Stack improvise should qualify them for the Nobel Prize.
The most important thing that UCBT does for longform improvisation is the 9:30 ASSSSCAT and all the free ASSSSCATs at Solo Arts before it. Free theater in NYC? Free theater that's not an open mike? Amazing!!!
The fact that people in New York can come to UCBT any night and pay an incredibly low price for a show is wonderful. It means that college students and other hard-working, underpaid schlubs can come and see something rewarding. This is where the "community" begins.
Creating a community in NYC is very rare. We're a city of people who don't like to make eye contact. The UCBT creates a space where people can enjoy themselves and meet people and allow themselves to be vulnerable in a safe space.
Yes, the UCB are relatively young by Chicago standards, but they ventured out and did new things, influenced new people, created new forms and styles, and have always tipped the hat to their roots.
Leaving Chicago and bringing longform to New York was a huge thing for longform across the US. They have exposed many more people to longform here than they ever could have if they had stayed in Chicago.
Besides, giving people a place to see Brian Stack improvise should qualify them for the Nobel Prize.
