Your Once-a-Year Chance to Get Your Script in Front of the Gatekeepers of Great Comedy is Here!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my years in development, it’s this: comedy is one of the hardest genres to nail, but when it works, it’s magic. It’s what keeps audiences coming back, what gives actors iconic careers, and what turns unknown writers into household names.

And that’s exactly why I’m thrilled to announce the return of Stage 32’s Signature Comedy Pitchfest, happening August 9–10, 2025. This annual event is a rare, curated moment in the industry calendar, and if you’re a writer with a bold, fresh comedic voice, this is your best opportunity to pitch directly to the executives who actually make things happen.

We’ve assembled a powerhouse lineup of comedy decision-makers—names behind hits like VEEP, 2 BROKE GIRLS, LIKE FATHER, SEX AND THE CITY: AND JUST LIKE THAT, and more. These are Emmy winners, showrunners, producers, and reps actively shaping the future of film and television comedy across Netflix, HBO Max, CBS, Focus Features, and beyond.

This exclusive event only happens once a year, and slots are limited. These execs are not open to unsolicited material outside of events like this, making it a truly rare chance to get your pitch seen by professionals who can say “yes.”

Why This Pitchfest Matters

Let’s be honest—comedy is more important than ever. In uncertain times, we need voices that can bring joy, offer perspective, and hold up a mirror to the world in clever, unexpected ways. Whether you’re developing the next great half-hour series, a heartfelt dramedy, or a feature comedy with big laughs and bigger heart, this Pitchfest is your moment to step forward.

We’re talking about two full days, eight sessions, and direct access to decision-makers whose taste, credits, and vision have shaped the comedy landscape we know today.

Here’s who’s coming to the table...

Saturday, August 9

Jennifer Ray, Producer/Co-Founder, Lylas Pictures

10:00am – 12:30pm

Credits: Netflix’s LIKE FATHER, Focus Features’ FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL, and the upcoming TANGLES starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Abbi Jacobson, and Bryan Cranston

Patrick Callan, Director of Development, Mandalay Pictures

10:00am – 12:30pm

Credits: LOVE LOVE, starring Haley Joel Osment, Beck Bennett, Chris Elliott, and Penelope Ann Miller

Whitney Davis, VP, Hemingway Productions

11:00am – 1:30pm

Credits: MIKE (Hulu), TRUE LIES (CBS)

Joe Wiggins, Co-Head of Development, Elevate Entertainment

12:00pm – 2:30pm

Credits: EINSTEIN (CBS), ESCAPE (NBC), CONNECT (FOX), and adaptations of popular IPs including a Dark Horse graphic novel and a NYT bestseller

Marsy Robinson, Producer

12:00pm – 2:30pm

Credits: SEX AND THE CITY: AND JUST LIKE THAT, 2 BROKE GIRLS, THE COMEBACK, A.J. AND THE QUEEN

Allen Eckhouse, Literary Manager, Logical Talent Management

2:30pm – 5:00pm

Credits: Clients have worked on VEEP, THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, GENIUS, and CONAN

Sunday, August 10

Nikki Bohm, Producer/Director

9:00am – 11:30am

Credits: HAMMURABI, Casting on THE WIRE, LAW & ORDER: SVU

Kourosh Ahari, Director/Producer, Co-Founder, Mammoth Pictures

1:30pm – 4:00pm

Credits: THE NIGHT, PARALLEL (Vertical), debut short GENERATIONS executive produced by Tom Hanks

What You Can Expect

At Stage 32, we know how hard it is to break through the noise. That’s why we do more than just connect you, we curate the experience. We bring in execs who are genuinely open to fresh voices, and we build pitchfests that are focused, genre-specific, and full of opportunity.

With the Comedy Pitchfest, we’ve designed each session to maximize your chances of making a real connection. You’ll receive live feedback, build lasting relationships, and get a genuine shot at development, representation, or packaging support.

This isn’t a general cattle call. It’s a targeted, high-caliber opportunity to move your comedy career forward.

Why Now?

Because the comedy world is shifting fast, the door is open for more diverse voices, more daring stories, and more unique perspectives than ever before. But those doors don’t stay open forever. If you’re a comedy writer with something to say and the chops to say it with style, this is your moment to walk through.

This lineup won’t be back until 2026.

Don’t wait.

Don’t self-reject.

Don’t miss your shot.

Registration is now open. Secure your pitch spot by clicking HERE!

Let’s make ‘em laugh.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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