THE WORKSHOP

I am a huge proponent of UCB style game. I think it fundamentally helps any improvised scene get funnier faster. That being said, I also think game has a lot of pressure put on it, that there are many misconceptions surrounding it, and that there are ways to view it as a tool in your toolbox instead of a goal to be accomplished.

In this workshop we'll look at easy ways to get to game, ways game creates a shared common language for those on stage, and how game can serve as a diagnostic tool that helps all of our scenes, especially in making strong starts and clear beginnings part of our muscle memory as improvisers. 

The three workshops taught by Chris Gethard at this festival will largely be the same, so while flattering to have repeat attendees, know that the instructor's goal is to crush a three hour workshop for as many people as want to take it over the weekend and should you attend twice you will repeat some exercises. 

Prerequisite: It's highly recommended you have familiarity with the concept of UCB style game before attending this workshop. For beginners, this will help demystify the process of finding and establish clear games. For veterans, this will fine tune game play while applying it firmly to the beginning sections of our scenes in a nerdy and technical way.

About the leader: Chris Gethard is currently the host of the Beautiful/Anonymous podcast, formerly the host of the underground cult talk show "The Chris Gethard Show", and once wrote and starred in a critically praised HBO special called Career Suicide. As an actor he's been on shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation, Broad City, and more. He's also been in films like The Other Guys, The Heat, Class Action Park, Anchorman 2, and a movie about improv called Don't Think Twice. In terms of improv bonafides, Chris started at the Upright Citizens Brigade New York in the year 2000 at the age of 19. He performed with many great groups and performers over the years, was a mainstay teacher, and wrote a number of the original curriculums used by UCBs school. In 2023, Chris co-founded Laughing Together, a non-profit organization that sends improv into schools as a social emotional learning tool.

TICKETS

Saturday 7th March 2026 

13:10 (3 hours) in MB4

£50

FURTHER INFO

Accessibility: Full accessibility information for all our venues can be found on our website. Alternatively, please contact our Box Office with any access questions.

MONKEY BARREL COMEDY

Monkey Barrel Comedy has been ‘Scotland’s Best Comedy Venue’ since 2020 (Chortle Awards) and was described by The List as “a year-round Edinburgh institution”. It has over 500 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, making it one of the city’s top-rated year-round attractions.

The club was home to both of 2022's Edinburgh Comedy Awards winners, Best Comedy Show 2023 and Best Comedy Show and Best Newcomer 2024. It has been described as the "Beating Heart" of the Fringe by The Telegraph and “the best comedy club in the world” by comedian Olga Koch. 

“What a comedy club you’ve got there, Edinburgh!” (Kevin Bridges)

“Down there at the Monkey Barrel, there's something in the water, AND I CAN'T STOP DRINKING IT!” (Sam Campbell)

"Fringe Heroes" (The Metro)

"Redefining what weekend comedy can and should be" (British Comedy Guide

5.0★★★★★ Trip Advisor | 4.7★★★★ Google | 4.5★★★★ Facebook 

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