There are few institutions as deeply engrained in the modern comedy scene as The Upright Citizens Brigade, the bi-coastal network of theaters and training centers that began as a grassroots labor of love from co-founders Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. The starting grounds for dozens of comics currently starring in network comedies and box office hits, the UCB is a breeding ground for innovative, eclectic talent; its also known as a supportive community for fledgling and famed performers alike, a home for experimental acts to develop and for acclaimed shows to reach comedy-savvy crowds.

On Monday, March 11 at the Esther's Follies stage presented by TuneIn, The Upright Citizens Brigade is hosting two showcases spotlighting some of the theater's most talented improvisers and standups.

SXSW Comedy's official poster is here, and it's amazing - designed by Austin artist Todd Slater, the image is symbolic and striking, full of rainbow hues and the dizzying attention to detail that punctuates the artist's work.

(Scroll over the image for a larger view)

On his inspiration behind the design, which is bordered by SXSW Comedy's 2013 lineup, Slater says:

Photo via FX Networks

W. Kamau Bell’s FX show, Totally Biased, highlights the host’s aptitude for on-point, observational humor, making it one of the network's edgiest and most intelligent comedies. As they take an honest look at current events (and less important, but equally amazing, pop culture moments), Bell and his all-star cast of comic contributors are a force to be reckoned with.

I listen to Rory Scovel a fair amount vis a vis Doug Loves Movies, and I'm psyched he'll be here for the most excellent SXSW Comedy programming, which I've watched grow from having pretty much my own private Marc Maron show (which was f'ing amazes) into this THING that is big and groovy thanks to Charlie Sotelo who books this stuff like nobody's business.

The Creek and The Cave has made New York City funnier; dubbed "the deserving gem of the Queens comedy scene" by TimeOut New York, The Creek's stellar programming and warm atmosphere have made it a favorite place for both fans and performers. Since 2007, owner Rebecca Trent has been highlighting exciting, emerging and established comics, and this year she's bringing a bit of New York to Austin with two standup showcases, The Creek and The Cave Presents. 

There are lots of you-had-to-be-there moments at SXSW; when so many people from the film, interactive, music and comedy worlds hang out in the same place, amazing things happen. If only there was some way to record it all...

Whether you love reality shows, or you love to hate reality shows, Burning Love is for you. A scathing, smart, sincerely hilarious parody of Bachelor-style dating shows, Burning Love begins with the familiar premise: what happens when a bunch of lonely, slightly crazy people fight for the chance at the love of their dreams? The web series delivers all the unexpected, over-the-top moments you’d expect from its all-star comic cast, and they are bringing the love to SXSW Comedy: Burning Love Showcase.

Robert Kelly at SXSW 2012, Photo by Cassie Wright

From March 9-16, SXSW Comedy is proud to present a packed schedule of standup, improv, sketch showcases, live podcast recordings, comedy-focused panels, and parties at venues across downtown Austin. For six years, SXSW Comedy events - open to all SXSW registrants - have brought some of the world’s funniest acts to the festival’s diverse audience. We’re excited to announce the 2013 preliminary lineup and schedule, and will be adding more shows and performers as the festival approaches - visit SXSW.com/comedy for the latest news.