Matt Walsh Takes You Inside His Del Close Marathon
While the season was wrapping up on Veep, Matt Walsh was wrapping the Del Close Marathon, the annual improv festival put on by the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, the little comedy school and theater he co-founded along with Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, and Ian Roberts. Over the course of 56 hours and 600 shows, the festival entertained thousands of people. Walsh himself performed in 12 shows. And Vulture was there, following along. Here is a photo and written diary of one day as one of the UCB 4, as the co-founders are affectionately called, performing and hanging out at the festival he co-created. (You can also read Sasheer Zamata’s, Thomas Middleditch’s, and Ellie Kemper’s diaries from past years.)
First show for DCM 18. Pre-show strategy meeting with Luca Jones, D'Arcy Carden, Mary Holland & Casey Feigh for This Show is Not Funny.
Mid-show, good stamina. Using my dramatic chops and solid mime work. I am holding a flashlight. Mary Holland clearly blown away by my skill.
DCMers lining up late night for the shows at UCB Chelsea. Real competitors these kids, they're hungry and want to be close to the action. Impress...
DCMers lining up late night for the shows at UCB Chelsea. Real competitors these kids, they're hungry and want to be close to the action. Impressive crowd.
Backstage trying to get on wifi to check heart rate and DCM18 app.
Improv for Humans 11pm UCB Chelsea with comedy marathoners Ben Schwartz, Jon Gemberling, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. All staying hydrated, ...
Improv for Humans 11pm UCB Chelsea with comedy marathoners Ben Schwartz, Jon Gemberling, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. All staying hydrated, all still funny.
Casting my vote. This year DCM was election themed, we had a mock vote for president. No clear winner but a lot of write in ballo...
Casting my vote. This year DCM was election themed, we had a mock vote for president. No clear winner but a lot of write in ballots for Beyonce, Frank Pun-derwoood and for a theater cleaning.
Hitting my stride during BroBroTime craziness. When others are delivering the funny, its a good time to coast and preserve energy. The laugh...
Hitting my stride during BroBroTime craziness. When others are delivering the funny, its a good time to coast and preserve energy. The laughter adds up though.
My old friend Matt Besser just dunked on me mid-marathon.
Getting tips backstage with the one and only Shannon O’Neil, she's the one who programmed every show in the marathon. A total festival die hard, ...
Getting tips backstage with the one and only Shannon O’Neil, she's the one who programmed every show in the marathon. A total festival die hard, she knows the schedule, she's in it to win it.
Back on stage with my buddy Jon Glazer for our show Apples & Oranges. We eat a meal, argue and laugh. Just like in life.
Comedy is all about preparation. Look at these old pros with me, Jon Glazer, Brian Stack, and my sister Ann (visiting from out of town) in the backgro...
Comedy is all about preparation. Look at these old pros with me, Jon Glazer, Brian Stack, and my sister Ann (visiting from out of town) in the background. We're ready for an OG show of The Upright Citizens Brigade. Basically time traveled back to '98 for this show with some of my favorite people.
My beautiful wife Morgan and I rushing off to grab food in between shows. She's like a human support vehicle for the Tour de Del Close. Literally the ...
My beautiful wife Morgan and I rushing off to grab food in between shows. She's like a human support vehicle for the Tour de Del Close. Literally the first time we'd seen daylight 24 hours.
Getting mic’d up before Kroll and Friends. Super inside look at how the sausage is made.
On stage with longtime DCM veteran Miriam Tolan: fatigue creeps in and comedy tempers flare.
Kroll & Friends. Just a world class pack of comedy athletes: Jason Mantzoukas, Jon Daly, Gil Ozeri, Jon Gemberling, Mary Holland, and Tami Sa...
Kroll & Friends. Just a world class pack of comedy athletes: Jason Mantzoukas, Jon Daly, Gil Ozeri, Jon Gemberling, Mary Holland, and Tami Sagher. Nick is saving energy by coasting on his good looks and storytelling.
Gotta finish strong. Sprinting off stage to get to UCB East on the other side of town for Ben Schwartz's show Director’s Commentar...
Gotta finish strong. Sprinting off stage to get to UCB East on the other side of town for Ben Schwartz's show Director’s Commentary.
I can cool down and walk. Ran into Ben who was also late to his own show.