Del Close Marathon

Overview

The Del Close Marathon (DCM) is a multi-day, nonstop improv marathon produced by the Upright Citizens Brigade. Named after improv teacher Del Close, the marathon was founded in 1999 by UCB co-founders Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh following Close's death. The format features roughly 56 hours of continuous improv across multiple stages and venues.

DCM ran annually in New York City from 1999 to 2018, moved to Los Angeles for its 21st edition in 2019, then went on hiatus during the COVID era and UCB closures. With UCB NYC's reopening at 242 East 14th Street in September 2024, the 22nd edition (publicly branded "DCM '26") brings the marathon back to New York. This edition also expands beyond pure improv for the first time, welcoming stand-up, podcasts, sketch comedy, and alternative programming alongside the traditional improv lineup.

The 2026 festival spans six stages across two walkable venues: UCBNY (Stages 1-2, the Marathon HQ) and Theater for the New City on 1st Avenue (Stages 3-6, used primarily for headliner showcases).

Headliners

A week of pre-festival headliner shows runs June 8-11 ahead of the 56-hour main marathon (Friday June 12 at 4 PM through Sunday June 14 at midnight).

Pre-festival highlights include Improv with My Friends from Work, Play Date, Solving Your Problems with Chloe Troast, Patti Harrison, Edi Patterson's Playgirl, What's in the Dumpster? with Chris Gethard and Paul Scheer, Adam Conover & Friends, George Lucas Talk Show Improv Show, and Please Don't Destroy Live.

Marathon weekend headliner shows include Baby Wants Candy, Rory Scovel, Big Grande, Bigger! w/ Brennan Lee Mulligan and Izzy Roland, Improv4humans with Matt Besser, Tim & Eric, Yeti, The Big Team, Dinosaur w/ Paul Scheer, Black ASSSSCAT, Mystery Team, Astronomy Club, Soundtrack, Phantoms (improv from the cast of Ghosts), Two Man Movie, the 10th Anniversary of Asian AF, Gianmarco Soresi, Gabrus Force Live, and Holy Shit Improv.

Festival passes (before service fees):

• $60 single day with one headliner
• $65 three-day badge
• $90 three-day badge with one headliner, plus 15% off additional headliner tickets

Seating is first come, first served. Headliner selection opens after purchase, subject to availability.

Submissions

Submissions opened February 2 and closed February 28, 2026. Categories included improv teams, improv show formats, late-night bit show pitches, and non-improv/alternative programming. Submission fee was $15 ($5 for late-night bit shows), with waivers available. Current Harold teams on both coasts were contacted directly.

Sources

• UCB Comedy - DCM '26
• UCB Comedy - DCM '26 Festival Pass Options
• UCB Comedy - DCM Submissions
• LAist - UCB Moved Its 55-Hour Improv Marathon to LA
• IRC Improv Wiki - Del Close Marathon
• Flaunt - UCB Del Close Marathon