Pitch-prov: Where Pitching Meets Improv. Pitching a Shark — A Lesson in Flexibility & Knowing Your Audience
🎤 Pitch-prov
Where pitching meets improv — and practice beats perfection
Pitch-prov is a live, low-pressure pitch and storytelling experience designed to help people practice communicating ideas in front of real people, for real situations.
It blends short, informal pitches with improv-inspired elements to make learning feel approachable, human, and even fun. No polished decks. No memorized scripts. Just ideas, clarity, and learning by doing.
Agenda:
5:00 PM - Welcome
5:15 PM - Expert Lesson
5:40 PM - 5 Open Mic Pitches
6:10 PM - Intermission
6:25 PM - 5 Open Mic Pitches
7:00 PM - Close & Networking
Cast:
MC / Host - John Bruton
Expert Storyteller - McKelvey Packard
Executive Producer:
Big Kitty Labs
Associate Producer:
OneThirtyFive
Beverage Partner:
The Old G Gin
Production Partner:
Pierced Poets' Productions
Underwritten by:
The Ohio Startup Network
Venue:
The Brother's Lounge
This is not a pitch competition.
Pitch-prov intentionally steers away from the traditional model where the most rehearsed performance wins and founders end up stuck on the pitch circuit. Instead, it opens the floor to a broader, more diverse group of people—founders, creatives, operators, and anyone with an idea they want to articulate more clearly.
How it works:
Each Pitch-prov session begins with a short “expert lesson,” where an experienced communicator shares (and acts out) one of their biggest real-world lessons from pitching, selling, or storytelling.
That lesson becomes the theme for the night.
From there, the mic opens up. Participants apply the lesson in real time, test ideas out loud, and experiment with how they communicate—supported by light audience interaction and a welcoming, low-stakes environment.
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to get clearer, more confident, and more effective over time.
Want to pitch?
Open-mic pitchers sign up in advance rather than standing up at the event.
Pitch spots are first-come, first-served, with newcomers always prioritized. There’s no selection committee and no judging criteria—this isn’t about curation or competition.
Short, informal pitches are encouraged. Early ideas, half-formed thoughts, and things you’re still figuring out are all welcome. The focus is on practice over polish.
The show (and your pitches) will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube page. We will share a recording of your pitch with you afterward.
Who it’s for
Founders and aspiring founders
Creatives, operators, and builders
People early in an idea—or deep into one
Anyone who wants to communicate more clearly in real situations
You don’t need a finished product. You don’t need a perfect story. You just need a willingness to try.
Practice over performance. Progress over polish. People learning together—out loud.
Event Disclaimer
Alcohol may be served. Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. By attending, you assume all risk and release the event organizers and partners from liability for any incidents.
By registering, you consent to photography/video recording and the public use of your likeness, and agree to receive periodic email communications (you may unsubscribe at any time).