TOSketchFestBlog
International Women’s Day at TOsketchfest 2025 is something special.
On Saturday, March 8th, we’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate our 20th anniversary with a day packed full of hilarious and inspiring programming featuring incredible female and non-binary sketch comedians and industry experts from across North America. From Learning + Fun to the shows—even our stage management and production team—this day is powered by women and non-binary artists and arts workers.
We’re thrilled to partner with Firecracker Department, an international community of artistic women and non-binary folk empowering each other to take creative action through education, positive support by providing more platforms for our voices and stories.
Check out the incredible featured programming below—and don’t miss out on our festival series shows on March 8th, where every single troupe on stage is female or non-binary. It’s a moment. And it’s going to be unforgettable.
Pitch Panel – International Women’s Day
Saturday, March 8 at 12:00pm – Franco Boni Theatre, The Theatre Centre
Presented in partnership with Firecracker Department
Join hosts Naomi Snieckus and Rena Taylor for an inspiring Pitch Panel featuring industry experts Nelu Handa, Lauren MacKinlay, and Wendy Litner. This dynamic session kicks off with a panel discussion on storytelling, industry insights, and the art of pitching.
In the second half, audience members will have the opportunity to share a 30-45 second pitch about a project they’re working on and receive constructive feedback from our panel of industry professionals. Whether you’re developing a script, a show idea, or another creative concept, this is a unique chance to refine your pitch and gain valuable industry perspective.
A must-attend session for creators looking to sharpen their ideas and connect with industry leaders!
Firecracker Department Podcast: Live Recording
Saturday, March 8 at 4:00pm – Franco Boni Theatre, The Theatre Centre
Award-winning actor Naomi Snieckus (Second City, Mr.D, Big Stuff, Disney’s Zombies) gets real with fellow artists about their struggles, successes, and everything in between. Attend a live recording of an episode and listen as Naomi Snieckus and her guest, Julie Nolke, dive deep.
Julie Nolke is an award-winning Actor, Writer, Filmmaker and the creator of her self-titled comedy YouTube channel (~1 million subscribers). She’s been nominated for two Streamy Awards, won three Webby Awards, and in both 2019 and 2023 won Excellence in Writing at Toronto’s prestigious Buffer Festival. Julie is best known for her viral online series Explaining the Pandemic to my Past Self (~65 million views).
While writing, producing, editing and acting in content for the web, Julie also works in film and TV. Recent credits include: starring in The Wedding Rule (W Network), recurring in Run the ‘Burbs (CBC/Hulu), What We Do in the Shadows (FX), and the Emmy Award winning Workin’ Moms (CBC/Netflix). She is also fresh off the debut of her sold out one woman sketch show: Dying on the Outside.
Firecracker Department Comedy Café
Saturday, March 8 at 7:30pm – Franco Boni Theatre, The Theatre Centre
A monthly variety comedy show hosted by Naomi Snieckus and Stephanie McLarty. This Sketchfest special edition will feature a lineup of incredible comedy guest stars (stay tuned!). Firecracker Department Comedy Café is always packed with laughter and fresh perspectives from some of the best female and non-binary comedians in our community!
