Online Fundraiser Emerges for Laid-Off UCB Comedy Club Staff

Following reports Thursday that comedy club Upright Citizens Brigade experienced mass layoffs at its Los Angeles and New York venues due to the coronavirus pandemic, an online fundraiser emerged on GoFundMe to help out staff in need.

Organized by UCB performer Pete Byrnes, the fundraiser is titled “Help the UCB LA Staff” and asks for $50,000 to assist staff affected by the layoffs. In the description, it notes that those affected include “baristas, bartenders, house managers, theater managers, security, teachers, coaches, techs.”

“This fundraiser is meant to give our people some support for paying bills, getting medication, rent, food, and general survival during this crazy time.” As of this time, the fundraiser has raised over $45,700 of its goal. 

Comedian Paul Scheer recently tweeted the link to the fundraiser, writing, “It’s overwhelming to hear about friends, co-workers, and staff at your favorite spots getting laid off. I wanted to start a thread of go fund me and/or charities that are helping out. If you have the means reply with one you like.” He has kept the thread going with additional places where people can direct funds to organizations in need.

More information on the GoFundMe page can be found here. 

Effective immediately, all UCBTLA operations will be suspended. We will resume operations when it has been deemed safe to do so, hopefully sooner than later! Stay safe & wash your hands! pic.twitter.com/8BBG7t0Kqg

— UCB Theatre LA (@ucbtla) March 12, 2020