upright citizens brigade x coldtowne theater

1. UCB’s curriculum includes more hours of instruction and is slightly different in style of play (e.g. more of a focus on “finding the funny” faster via emphasis on Game, Harold structures). Classes are still 8 weeks long and just like ColdTowne’s current system, each class includes a showcase performance. UCB classes are three hours long. 
2. UCB’s curriculum focuses on the game of the scene and on the Harold. UCB’s curriculum is tried and true. It has been tested on both coasts, and has been tweaked and honed over 20+ years. ColdTowne’s current curriculum teaches game and the Harold, but also incorporates different formats and styles of play that are less game-focused. 
3. Because ColdTowne’s current curriculum has many similarities to UCB’s (especially at the beginner and intermediate levels), we are writing a new ColdTowne curriculum that will debut in late fall. That means that we are entering a transitional period where no new ColdTowne level 1 classes will be posted; the only ColdTowne classes available will be for students currently enrolled in our program.

• Since Harold and Game are the core of UCB’s curriculum, ColdTowne classes will not teach game or Harold. All new students will begin with UCB 101, so everyone will get a foundational understanding of the game of the scene. After that, students can choose to continue down a game and premise focused path, switch to the new ColdTowne classes, slide to sketch or characters or musical improv, or do all of the above.
• We are working on how to best organize Coldtowne classes and plan to have that unveiled in October.

Current ColdTowne students who have completed level 3 or above will be eligible to start at UCB 201. Anyone who has only completed levels 1 and 2 will need to begin at UCB 101. 

No student, regardless of experience or ability level, will be allowed to begin any higher than level 201.

• UCB also offers disciplines (sketch, standup, musical improv, and character, clowning, etc) as well as advanced studies courses. We will add these to the Austin curriculum over time.
• UCB 101 is a requirement for most disciplines (standup, clowning and pilot writing do not have prerequisites) . UCB 401 is the prerequisite for advanced study improv classes.

• UCB classes are $450. Since the classes are 3 hours long, this works out to $18.75/ hour. This is the same as ColdTowne’s rate of $18.75/hour (excluding fees).
• There will be steep discounts (beginning at 50% and as high as 78%) available for ColdTowne alumni and current students. Make sure you read our newsletter and keep an eye on (or join!) the ColdTowne Community Discord to stay updated about discounts and classes up for sale. 

Anyone who is currently enrolled in ColdTowne classes and would like to continue with our current curriculum may do so as long as classes continue to meet the minimum registration requirements. If fewer than 6 people register for a class, the class will be canceled, and that level will not be offered in that timeslot again. 

Nope! That is not even how it works at UCB in New York or LA. Certain shows, like Harold Night, will have a requirement of completion of UCB 401, but choosing not to take UCB classes will not bar you from being cast in shows, or being able to submit your indie team to the schedule.

While much of our programming will look the same, we will be able to add UCB-branded shows to our schedule, timeline TBD. Stay tuned for future updates about Harold Night and other UCB-branded shows.

Yes. We do not currently expect to make any major changes to our internship program.

Reach out to Conservatory Director Abby Lincoln at  conservatory@coldtownetheater.com