Must-See: ASSSSCAT 3000, The Funniest Improv Show in New York

Photo: Francine Daveta

Every Sunday night at the Upright Citizen's Brigade (UCB) theater, in Chelsea, comedy gods and goddesses come together to bring a packed audience what arguably is the best long-form improv show in the city: ASSSSCAT 3000.

The latest show was particularly wheeze-inducing: Mike Birbiglia (creator of Sleepwalk With Me, and star of Thank God for Jokes, astandup comedy tour) opened with stories about wacky family reunions, weddings he would rather not attend, and the fact his grandparents might be second cousins(!). From there, it was an improv comedy extravaganza, featuring the stylings of its incredible cast -- Peter Grosz, Morgan Grace Jarrett, Brandon Scott Jones, Jason Mantzoukas, Shannon O'Neill, Connor Ratliff, Tami Sagher, Gavin Speiller, and Abra Tabak.

The UCB is actively involved with the LGBT community. Many performers identify as gay, and some recurring shows feature exclusively gay casts. For instance, Fucking Identical Twins is an all-gay musical sketch show, while Ass Wednesday is a queer improv show -- both showing on various days throughout the week, this week on Thursday.

"What's great about UCB is that it houses bomb ass comedy by and for everyone from all types backgrounds," says Brandon Scott Jones (@brandonsj), a regular cast member in ASSSSCAT 3000, who also starred in the web series Very Mary Kate. "It really celebrates you being you... And because of that it creates a totally rad space for LGBT performers and audiences and everyone really!!"

ASSSSCAT 3000 often features huge guest stars: Past performances have included the likes of Amy Poehler (who co-founded the group), Rachel Dratch, Amy Schumer, and cast members from Broad City, Orange is the New Black, Veep, and 30 Rock.

The show usually begins with a monologue from the guest comedian, and then riff off into completely improvised scenes based on suggestions from the audience. Since the 9:30PM Sunday show is always free, people can be seen lining up for hours before the show to get a seat in the cozy theater.

In addition, the Del Close Marathon, an annual improv festival hosted by UCB and featuring comedy troupes from all over the country, will happen later this month and features an all-star lineup including the Broad City cast, writers from The Daily Show, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Key and Peele, and more.

The DCM will also feature an exciting set titled The Gay Pride Improv Spectacular with an all gay cast including ASSSSCAT performer Brandon Scott Jones. Check out the full lineup of mainstage performers here.

For tickets to UCB shows and more information, visit UCBtheatre.com

Watch an archive of ASSSSCAT shows on YouTube.