Bastion pal and Chicago comedy vet Matt Braunger confirms that he has joined the cast of MADtv. Braunger was recently featured on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham and, as Robert Buscemi told us in a special report from the road, he won Best of Fest at the recent Rooftop Aspen Comedy Festival.

We touched base with Braunger earlier today.

Yes, I did get hired as a cast member. I just found out two days ago right before I was about to go onstage at the Great American Comedy Festival in Nebraska. Would have jumped for joy, but am on crutches from hurting my knee (nothing serious). I auditioned several times, first for the casting people, then for the producers, then finally for the people at the network. They had me bring in several characters, then read scenes with other actors in the later auditions. I start in August, but will go in a week or two early to hang out with the writers and give them any input they want.

My developmental comedy period was in Chicago, so I feel hugely indebted to that city and the people in it.

Braunger will be recording a CD at the Fake Gallery in Los Angeles on July 11th.

Braunger's "Unattractive Man" Blerds video:

-Elizabeth McQuern