Sesame Workshop Unveils Writers’ Room Fellowship

NEW YORK: Sesame Workshop has launched Sesame Street Writers’ Room, a fellowship program meant to discover, nurture and increase the presence of writers with diverse voices in children’s media.

Sesame Street Writers’ Room is taking place at Sesame Workshop’s office in New York City. During the intensive six-week program, participants will meet weekly with industry writers, producers, agents and executives, and are expected to complete at least one script. The two participants whose script has the most potential will be offered creative development deals and mentored by Sesame Workshop execs.

The fellowship is open to writers 21 and older who have not written more than 13 episodes for network or cable shows. Applicants can submit an 11-minute script, based on a specific assignment, which will be evaluated by industry executives. More info can be found on the Sesame Street Writers’ Room website.

“Since its inception, Sesame Street has represented the diversity of our world through our inclusive cast and rich variety of stories,” said Brown Johnson, the executive VP and creative director of Sesame Workshop. “Studies show that kids engage and learn more fully when they see themselves reflected onscreen, and having a diverse writing team is an important part of the process. We are excited to introduce Sesame Street Writers’ Room to recognize new voices and provide a venue for their creative talent to shine.”

“Sesame Street Writers’ Room will help talented and diverse writers gain access to industry decision-makers,” added Kay Wilson Stallings, the senior VP of creative development at Sesame Workshop. “We want to get them in the room where they can be heard, and further develop the skills needed to create compelling characters and stories that engage and inspire young viewers on various media platforms.”