TOSketchFestBlog
Ontario Sketch Comedy Creators: Get Recommended for Funding!
Halloween isn’t over, and we know that one of the most intimidating costumes to see can be a grant to apply for funding. It’s time to put that behind you and dive into grant-writing without fear!
If you’ve got a brilliant idea for a new sketch comedy show, this might be your sign from the comedy gods (and the Ontario Arts Council): TOsketchfest is a recommender organization for the OAC’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program.
That means we get to recommend artists for funding to develop new comedy projects. Yes, you could get paid to create your next show.
What This Program Is
Think of this as the development phase of your next big thing. That inspired show premise that has been sitting lonely on your notes app. Or maybe it’s even a little more structured and mapped out in your google drive. This is the grant for that project.
The OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators exist to help artists and companies develop original work for the stage. It’s about the writing, the workshops, the creative sparks, and all the weird wonderful stuff that happens before an audience sees it. It’s not about producing a full show yet, so start at the beginning.
Pro tip: This program funds creation only, not performance or production. It’s your creative lab time, funded.
Learn more about the program on the OAC website.
What TOsketchfest Is Looking For
We’re recommending comedy projects only and specifically sketch comedy or related short-form scripted comedy intended for the stage. That includes:
- Sketch comedy by existing troupes
- Collaborative projects between comedians
- Solo sketch, clown, musical short-form comedy, or comedic drag
We’re not recommending improv, stand-up, or existing scripted plays.
We’re especially excited to support artists based in Toronto and Eastern Ontario (with a soft spot for Hastings and Prince Edward County).
We encourage applications from artists who self-identify as members of OAC priority groups.
Click here for a list of all 2025 Recommenders and their priorities.
How to Apply
Applications are made through the OAC Nova portal. Create your profile today!
Deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 1:00pm ET.
You’ll need to choose Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival as your recommender when submitting.
Find the full program details and eligibility here:
OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators
If you’re new to applying, don’t sweat it. You don’t need fancy credentials or a theatre company, just a great idea for a sketch project and a clear sense of what you want to create.
Questions? Reach out to Virginia Woodall at virginia@torontosketchfest.com. She’s happy to help you figure out if your idea fits.
What You’ll Be Asked (No Secrets Here)
If you’ve never filled out an OAC application before, don’t worry, it’s not a test! It’s a conversation about your idea. Here’s what the form will ask you to describe (see the exact list of questions on the OAC website):
- Your project idea: What do you want to create? What’s it about?
- Your artistic goals: Why is this project important to you, and what are you exploring?
- Your creation plan: How will you develop the work? What are your steps and timeline?
- Your collaborators: Who else is involved, and what are their roles?
- Your budget: How will you use the funds (e.g. writing time, rehearsal space, collaborators, materials)?
- Your background: Tell us a bit about your artistic experience and practice.
That’s it! No secret handshake, no jargon test. Just an honest outline of what you’re creating and why it matters.
If you can describe your idea clearly to a friend, you can write a great grant application.
How TOsketchfest Reviews Applications
Your proposal will be reviewed by a team of sketch comedy experts with deep roots in the Ontario comedy scene. We’ll assess each project using criteria inspired by the OAC’s evaluation rubric, including:
- Artistic Merit
- Impact
- Viability (does your plan make sense?)
- Your experience and clarity of vision
We’re not looking for polished perfection. We’re looking for exciting, funny, original ideas that deserve time and support to grow.
Meet Last Year’s Recommended Projects
In 2024, TOsketchfest recommended an incredible lineup of comedy creators. Their projects ranged from all-trans sketch revues to giant puppet experiments to musical comedies about bike thieves (yes, really).
Here are a few highlights:
- Big Chick Energy Presents: Big Chick Lethargy?! – exploring frustration and empowerment through comedy.
- Clocked! An All Trans Sketch Show – developing an hour-long revue written and performed entirely by transgender comedians.
- Legally Brown: The Sketch Comedy Show – refining their craft and creating an inclusive comedy and community experience.
- The Bicycle Thief of Queen Street: A Musical Comedy – a satirical musical inspired by Toronto’s bike culture.
- Short Attention Spa’s Giant Puppet Sketch Revue – pushing the boundaries of sketch with large-scale cardboard puppetry.
You can read more about them here.
Why You Should Apply (Even If You’re Nervous)
We know applying for grants can feel intimidating. But this program is meant for you, for artists in the middle of making, discovering, or experimenting. You don’t need a full script. You don’t need a track record of winning grants. You just need a great idea for something funny and theatrical that deserves to exist.
This is your chance to carve out paid time to write, collaborate, and grow as a comedy creator.
So go ahead: make your case, tell us your idea, and let’s see if we can help make it happen.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the OAC Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators page, choose Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival as your recommender, and get your application in by November 7 at 1pm ET.
We can’t wait to read what you’re cooking up.
Because the next great sketch show? It might just be yours.
Questions about what TOsketchfest is looking for? Email virginia@torontosketchfest.com
Questions about OAC’s application portal (Nova)? Get in touch with OAC Program Administrator: Lucy Gouveia | lgouveia@arts.on.ca | 416-969-7432 | Toll-free in Ontario: 1-800-387-0058
