MEET ASHER, THE
Award-Winning Comedian & Screenwriter
From a staffed writer to leading his own writers’ rooms, Asher O’Briant’s an advocate for bringing anyone’s authentic storytelling to life. As a professional comedian, he’s toured shows from New York City to Anchorage Alaska! His award-winning writing not only graces local and national stages, but his published pieces are still accessible to read today from anywhere. Along with a bachelor’s in screenwriting, Asher trained under Rich Talico of “Key & Peele” and directly with Emmy winning sketch writer Richard Hawkins of the “Carol Burnett Show.” Asher’s clear dedication to a mixed media artistic expression caught the attention of the Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory Abstract Art Museum alike, where they utilized his scripts and showcased his short films. His drive to uplift new comedic voices and artists earned him a position at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council as an accessibility & inclusion advisor. You can catch Asher O’Briant’s art and activism at diverse venues nationwide, including as the main stage MC for Pittsburgh’s Pride celebration.
Experience
Social Media Coordinator & Award Winning Campaign Marketer @ Arcade Comedy Theater & Asso. Penny Arcade
Top 6% of Global Screenplays on Coverfly’s “The Red List”
Social Media Management & Content Creator @ the Andy Warhol Museum & Asso. Pop District
Featured Short Film @ The “Mattress Factory” Abstract & Contemporary Art Museum
Published Article Writer @ QBURGH Publication
Sketch Writing & Stand Up Comedy Teacher @ Arcade Comedy Theater
Creative Consultant for Accessibility & Inclusion @ Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
Featured Performer/EMCEE in Pittsburgh Pride’s Festival 2022-2024
Host & Producer of Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Comedy Festival “Queer We Go” @ the Steel City Arts Foundation
Winner of Alaska’s B4UDie “Speed Dating” Comedy Competition Show
Writer & Producer of a family-friendly Mr. Rogers drag show “Wanda B. Meighnaybor” @ touring venues
Creator, Writer, & Director for the traveling theater troupe “Fridge Art Sketch Show” @ touring venues
Playwright & Producer of “The Whole Shebang” @ the Scratch Theater
Gold in Screenwriting from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Performed as Brad & Frank in Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Casts from Seattle to Pittsburgh
Trained in Stand-Up by Comedian Steve Hofstetter, learned Sketch from Peabody Award-Winning Writer Rich Talico, and studied Screenwriting under Emmy Award-Winning Screenwriter Richard Hawkins
