Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre has affordable, comedy shows seven nights a week in NYC and LA. Watch the best improv, sketch and standup in the country. Our original comedy video productions have garnered the national spotlight. We also run the first nationally accredited improv and sketch comedy school in the country. For information on our courses, visit the Training Center.
LA Weekly names Dominic Dierkes, Drew Droege, DC Pierson, Walsh Brothers "Comedy Acts to Watch"
LA Weekly January 6, 201210 Comedy Acts to Watch in 2012
by Julie Seabaugh
They've got the talent, the credits and the buzz, and all are poised to make the leap to the comedic Big Leagues in 2012. Here are the individuals, groups and projects that will have Los Angeles talking -- and more important, laughing -- next year. Some are our picks, but some are selections from those in the know.
10. Jerrod Carmichael
9. The Walsh Brothers
Picked by Jake Kroeger, TheComedyBureau.com, who says: "Do not blame The Walsh Brothers for bringing planking to the U.S. Yes, they were pretty much the first Stateside plankers in a viral video they released earlier this year, but like so much of what siblings Chris and David Walsh do with their absurdist, prankster-driven comedy, it was just an act of unfiltered fun made to bring mirth to everyone watching. In their monthly UCB comedy-variety show they have had audience plants, "Surprise Disco," a band with just five bassists, "The Blue Angels Walking Squad" and more hysterical pandemonium. Whenever or wherever you see them, it's an unforgettable experience."
8. Katie Crown
7. Rob O'Reilly
6. Drew Droege
The Groundlings and UCB fixture's characters speak in schizophrenic lists, often require heavy makeup and are always brilliant; none combines these traits as effectively or has made such an impact as his Chloe Sevigny "impressions." In dozens of videos, Droege, as the name-dropping, accent-tripping actress, keeps "America" up to date on her birthday gifts (imitation pants, a high-heeled purse, permission to never speak to Jeanne Tripplehorn again), her vacation options ("Shall I traverse the whistling wheat fields of Wichita? The bustling and violent streets of Bejing, really the only place to get a duck-embryo taco? Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina, featuring Mountain Dew Margaritas, Deep-Friend Dorito Burger Sandwiches, and Cherry Ranch?") and even her budding comedy career ("Knock knock." "Who's there?" "Natasha Lyonne." "Natasha Lyonne who?" "Just kidding, she's in the hospital with Hepatitis C...is this thing on?"). The work speaks -- haughtily and hilariously -- for itself.
5. Dominic Dierkes and DC Pierson
Picked by Emily Gordon, booker/producer at Meltdown Comics' Nerdist Theater: "I see a lot of comedy, and the comics that get me the most excited about standup are Dominic Dierkes and DC Pierson. They are two-fifths of the sketch group DERRICK, but in the past year, they've proven that they are formidable standups as well. Dominic tells relatable, hilarious stories about miscommunication and rocks falling, DC does well-written bits about how bitter his imagination is now that porn is so readily available, but what both of these comics have is that rare, hilarious-in-the-moment quality. They're charming, they're smart, and you can tell they love being on stage."
4. Melissa Villasenor
3. Eric Andre
2. Ari Shaffir
1. Action Figure Therapy
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