The iO Theater, birthplace of comedic stars such as Tina Fey and Chris Farley, is announcing its Pilot Script Competition, a national search to finance the next great comedic TV or web series writer.
“I want to marry America’s next brilliant comedy writer with iO’s visibility and industry connections. Discovering untapped talent, both on and off stage, is what I love most,” said iO Artistic Director, Charna Halpern, who this summer The New York Times called the “hidden architect of modern comedy”.
The national contest will be produced by iO’s digital platform, The iO Comedy Network, a popular source of sketch comedy on Facebook video. Through December 12th, contestants from across the US can enter their original 3-15 page pilot script or unscripted pilot outline for a chance to have it fully produced by The iOCN. Completed pilots will be included in industry pitch meetings with television and digital distributors. Pilots will also be entered into industry showcases and festivals. The judging and selection process will be overseen by former Saturday Night Live writer, Michael McCarthy. The early deadline is October 31st.
Those interested in entering the Pilot Script Competition can submit and find rules right here.
The iO Theater was founded in 1982 by Halpern and the late Del Close. Over the last 34 years the one-time underground comedy institution has given rise to such stars as Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Adam McKay, Seth Meyers, and recent SNL hire, Alex Moffat, among countless others. iO Chicago and her sister location in Los Angeles, iO West, boast 7 stages with nightly shows. The iO Training Center offers improv and writing classes to thousands of students a year. For more information head here.
