Sketch Writing Team Submissions

Hello Comedy Writers!

We are now accepting submissions for the 2026 Writers’ Room, part of The 12th Annual Hawai‘i Comedy Festival Fall Showcase.

We are looking for funny, smart, supportive humans who are excited to build an original comedy show from the ground up. This is a highly collaborative environment where writers will pitch ideas, develop sketches, participate in table reads, and work together through revisions and edits.

The writers’ room will be led by Hawai‘i Comedy Festival producers Kimee Balmilero → and Ixchel Lopez-Durant →.

Writers should be comfortable working as part of a team, bringing big comedic ideas to the table, and taking notes and direction with flexibility and professionalism.

Submission deadline:

  • Monday, May 18th, 2026, 11:59 PM HST

Submission requirements:

  • Submission fee: $50
    (The submission fee is non-refundable. If selected, you will receive one comp ticket for a guest.)
  • Sample of your work:
    One completed comedy sketch no longer than 10 pages. Examples can be found here →.
    (Note: We are especially interested in comedy and sketches that highlight local Hawai‘i perspectives and topical humor.)
  • Writer bio – Tell us about yourself!
  • Notifications: All applicants will be notified via email, no matter the outcome.

Key dates and expectations:

  • May 25 – Writers Room Kick Off Day!
  • May 26 – June 28 – Writers Room Meetings
    (Exact dates TBD. Sessions may take place in person or on Zoom, depending on availability.)
  • June 29 – Actors table read
  • June 30 – July 5 – Writers Room Meetings
    (Exact dates TBD. Sessions may take place in person or on Zoom, depending on availability.)
  • July 6 – Final sketch selection
  • July 13 – Cast sketches
  • August 13* – Tech rehearsal at Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA)
  • August 14* – Show night at HoMA
  • August 15* – Show night at HoMA

*Writers are welcome but not required to attend

If you are excited to collaborate, create original work, and be part of a supportive and driven creative process, we encourage you to apply!

Thank you for your interest. We hope to work with you soon!

2026 Writing Team Submission

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About You

Legal Name*
Stage Name (as you would like it to appear in the program)*
ex: she/her
Tell us about yourself!

Scheduling

Required Dates*
Please add any scheduling CONFLICTS (days/times you are unavailable) from May 29th – July 27th. If none, please write “none” Example: Sunday, August 24th 11am – 1pm

Your Sketches

Log line example: “A Christmas Elf goes to New York City in search of his biological father, knowing nothing about life outside of the North Pole.”
Max. file size: 50 MB.
ONE completed comedy sketch (5-10 pages max)
View Examples → (opens in a new window)

Disclosures

I understand that should my material be selected for The Hawai‘i Comedy Festival, I acknowledge that The Hawai‘i Comedy Festival may use my material for live performances or video production in perpetuity, provided that I am credited as a writer.*
I understand that should my material be selected for the Hawai‘i Comedy Festival, I acknowledge that any materials submitted for the HICF Writing Team mentorship may be reviewed and edited by HICF mentors, team members, directors, and producers.*
By selecting "Yes" I grant The Hawai‘i Comedy Festival permission to use my image and likeness for promotional purposes across all marketing channels, including but not limited to social media, email campaigns, and other advertising platforms.*
I confirm that the sketch submitted is my own original work*
I have read and understand the commitments required of me as a writer*
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