Symone Baptiste is a comic’s director.
Shaped in part by her African-American/Antiguan roots, Symone has always gravitated to stories told by diverse voices with unique perspectives in this world. It's what led her to years of producing stand-up comedy shows where she developed a knack for elevating performances with carefully curated lineups and fostering environments where artists feel free to get weird and crank up the funny. These experiences continue to influence Symone's directing, understanding that any great comedy is a marriage of incisively human writing and undeniably honest performances. By watching a rising class of stand-up comedy stars develop their craft first hand, Symone learned how to speak their language - giving talent the greenlight to GO BIG and try improvised bits and unleash physical comedy for the screen. The rules of the comedy club apply on Symone’s set: if the bit gets the crew laughing, it's a job well done!
Symone’s distinct and energetic directing style has received much praise. Her award-winning short directorial debut, “Sixteen Thousand Dollars,” was an official selection for several highly prestigious festivals including Slamdance, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New Orleans. Additionally, it has become something of a cult classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma and required viewing on university professors’ syllabi at universities like USC and Juilliard. For her sophomore short, Symone was tapped by Hulu's anthology series Your Attention Please, hosted by comedian and actor Craig Robinson. Titled “The Beetle,” this film was the first comedy the show featured and she was thrilled to shake up the season in a big way. She continues to excite and delight with her work, pushing boundaries and having lots of fun along the way.
Her next film, “Take Me to Your Merch,” will make its debut in 2024.