Ep 1 – Comedy Writing and Improv Masterclass | Ian Roberts

Comedy writing and improv masterclass with Upright Citizens Brigade founder Ian Roberts who currently Exec Produces Comedy Central’s Key & Peele. Ian and Natalie share war stories on depression, question why there are so few women comedy writers, and explore how sexual orientation can yield opportunities in showbiz. Ian not only brilliantly dissects the craft of comedy, but also shares a deeply insightful viewpoint on what it takes to be successful in comedy, in Hollywood, and in life.

You can listen to this episode of The Gray Escape with Natalie Gray below, download it (arrow in square), embed it on your own site (slash in brackets), share it (symbol on right!) or listen and Subscribe on iTunes.

Below, Natalie in front of the Upright Citizens Brigade Training Centre and Theatre on Sunset Blvd. in L.A., Natalie and UCB founder Ian Roberts at the offices of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele, fellow UCB founder Amy Poehler and Key & Peele.

Courtesy of UCB Comedy:

As one of the founding members of THE UPRIGHT CITIZEN’S BRIGADE (UCB), Ian Roberts is no stranger to comedy and comedy writing. He has appeared in such shows as Reno 911!, Parks & Recreation, and Arrested Development, as well as a dozen features, including THE GOODS: LIVE HARD, SELL HARD, I LOVE YOU, MAN, and STEP BROTHERS.
He and writing partner Jay Martel sold their spec DAD CAN’T LOSE to Paramount. Director Adam McKay hired the duo to employ their comedy writing skills and script CEO for DreamWorks. The two have since written and sold WORST FRIENDS to Warner Bros., AIR GUITAR to DreamWorks, ME TIME to Fox, to which Jim Carrey is attached to star, and GET HARD to Warner Bros. with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart attached to star. Ian is currently an Executive Producer on Comedy Central’s sketch comedy show Key & Peele, which is in its fifth season.