Sesame Street Writers’ Room Fellowship Open for Entries

Applications are now being accepted for the second annual Sesame Street Writers’ Room Fellowship, giving emerging writers from underrepresented racial backgrounds the chance to receive development deals and mentorship.

This year’s program will be held at Sesame Workshop’s offices during the summer. Applicants can send in original scripts for consideration until February 4, with submissions evaluated by a panel of Sesame staff and other industry professionals in a series of blind readings and face-to-face interviews.

When seven to ten fellows are selected, the group will gather each week for hands-on workshopping and conversations with writers, producers, agents and execs in eight three-hour sessions. When the program ends, each fellow will have finished at least one script, and up to two winners will receive development deals from Sesame Workshop. The winning scripts will be performed in a staged reading at an industry networking event.

Last year’s winners, Monique Hall and Keion Jackson, are currently working on scripts for a number of Sesame Workshop projects.

“Since we first aired in 1969, Sesame Street has been committed to reflecting the rich diversity of our world,” said Brown Johnson, the executive VP and creative director of Sesame Workshop. “As we gear up for our 50th anniversary season—when our mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder seems more crucial than ever—it’s important that we help all kids see themselves represented both on- and off-screen.”

“By helping emerging writers from diverse backgrounds build industry experience and connections, programs like this one have the potential to change the children’s media landscape,” added Kay Wilson Stallings, the senior VP of creative development at Sesame Workshop. “It’s been a pleasure to work with Monique and Keion as they’ve developed scripts for us over the past six months, and I look forward to the energy and perspectives that our new class of fellows will bring to the Workshop this year.”