Yes, Also Yes, Also - Ian Roberts
Mar 3, 2026
Ian Roberts, veteran improviser and UCB co-founder, shares wild Chicago stunts and the birth of experimental shows. He recounts moving to New York, selling sketch work, and training under Del Close. Conversations dive into game-finding, tags, rehearsal methods, and why early creative freedom matters.
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College Troupe Sparked Ian's Improv Career
- Ian discovered improv at college after acting programs introduced it and he received unexpected praise for maturity.
- He joined a student improv/story-theater group (Proteus) that used improv to adapt fairy tales with no written scripts.
Milwaukee Detour Led To Chicago Improv
- After a depressive episode Ian moved to Milwaukee, found ComedySportz and took classes where his open/organic improv shone.
- That led him to see ImprovOlympic in Chicago, which convinced him to pursue scene improv seriously.
Say Yes To Weird Gigs Built UCB Bonds
- Ian joined the Family at ImprovOlympic and accepted on-the-fly gigs, describing himself as willing to do any weird performance.
- That eagerness led to collaborations with Adam McKay, Matt Besser and others who became UCB.