Sesame Workshop characters in a group

Writers’ Room

Let’s bring more voices to the table.

Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU!

Fresh new writing talent that reflects our vast audience. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other children’s entertainment and media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids’ concept. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more! Application window opens September 7th to October 5th, 2026.

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Applications are Currently Closed
This year’s Writer’s Room application period has ended. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the Sesame Workshop Writer’s Room program.

About the Program

What Are the Requirements?

Application information when available will be posted here along with a link to the application. See Terms and Conditions and FAQ for any additional questions or contact us at writersroom@sesame.org.

Application Check List
Application form: Application must be submitted by October 5th, 2026 12PM EST. Applications for the 2027 Fellowship Program will open on Monday, September 7th, 2026.Original script sample: 12-page maximum; should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property;  can be an excerpt from a larger piece  wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and be kid-friendly content for viewers up to age 12…we’re looking for great characters and stories that inspire kids to be smarter, stronger and kinder! Please submit only one script with your initial application. If you advance to the second round, you may receive an email with instructions on submitting a second script sample at that time.
Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified.More info on your script: what’s the bigger picture/idea of your script sample? (up to 100 words)
Personal statement: tell us about yourself, for example, why you want to write for children’s educational media, and how your lived experiences influence the stories you want to tell in children’s media, etc. (up to 250 words)
Eligibility Check List
Participants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent residentNo extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than six episodes for a produced network or streaming scripted/narrative series
Participants must be 21+ years oldParticipants must be able to attend and complete writing assignments for all 11 sessions, and attend the 15 office hours sessions, which will be held virtually from February 2027 to June 2027. The final session and showcase will be held in-person in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room?

Subscribe to the Writers’ Room mailing list to get an update on when the next years application will be open. Once the application is available, we will add the link to this site.
When are the Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room applications due?

Applications will be due on October 5th, 2026.
What are the script sample and resume requirements for Writers’ Room?

Original script sample: ONE professionally formatted script with a 12-page maximum Anything longer will be disqualified. The Script should NOT contain Sesame Street elements, characters, or intellectual property; can be an excerpt from a larger piece wholly written by the applicant; must model a 3 act story structure; and be kid-friendly content intended for viewers up to age 12…we’re looking for great characters and stories that inspire kids to be smarter, stronger and kinder!

Please submit only one script with your initial application — submitting two initially will put you over the 12-page maximum. If you advance to the second round, you’ll receive an email with instructions on submitting a second script sample at that time. That script must be completely different from your first (though it can be part of the same world), and the same criteria apply

Resumes: 2-page maximum. Anything longer will be disqualified.
What makes a good children’s script?

The same elements that make any good script or story—clear structure (a beginning, middle and end), character development, and a little bit of kid-friendly conflict. Humor is also a huge plus. Just make sure it’s all age-appropriate material.
Can a writing pair apply to Writers’ Room?

No, we can only accept individual writers to the program. If you are in a writing pair, you must submit a script that you wrote by yourself.
Can I submit a short story or manuscript to Writers’ Room?

No, for this fellowship we can only accept writing that is in a script format. That said, it can be a script for a play, television, film, etc.
Can I submit multiple applications, featuring different scripts to Writers’ Room?

No — only one application will be accepted per person.
Will I have to work on the script from my application during the fellowship?

No, you are free to continue working on your application’s script during the fellowship, or you can work on another idea you have.
Should applicants have writing experience?

No, writing experience is not necessary to apply—what is most important is that applicants show a passion for writing. Our goal is to identify and nurture new writers that reflect our vast audience for children’s educational media. Therefore, applicants cannot have extensive media writing experience, such as having written more than 6 episodes for a produced network or streaming series.
I am not a US citizen or permanent resident – can I apply to Writers’ Room?

No, we can only accept applications from those with US citizenship or permanent residency.
Do participants have to pay for the Writers’ Room fellowship?

The fellowship is free of charge to apply and to participate.
When will interviews be held?

January 2027.
What days/times will the sessions be held?

The exact details have not been confirmed, but the 8 three-hour instructive sessions, 3 one-hour mentoring sessions with Sesame Street writer, and 15 one-hour office hours sessions, will be virtual and will likely take place over weeknight evenings EST from February 2027 to June 2027. Please be advised that the final session and showcase will be held in-person in New York City.

 
Where Can I Find the Writer’s Room Application Terms and Conditions?

Please review the terms and conditions here.

2025 Fellows

2025 Writers’ Room Fellows

The Sesame Workshop Writer’s Room is an 8 week writing intensive program for writers who reflecting our vast audience. The 2024 Writing Fellows each develop and workshop their own original children’s television concept and script, with guidance from a wide range of industry leaders. Select fellows will have their work featured in a staged reading and will be awarded developmental deals from Sesame Workshop.

Caleb Schilly | Charlotte, NC

Caleb leverages his backgrounds in astrophysics and music to craft family-oriented comedies that promote curiosity and creativity. A former child himself, he writes to encourage kids to ask big questions and think critically about the world around them.

Jailyn Feliz | New York, NY

Jailyn is a writer/actor, who after getting her degree in Drama from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, completed a 9-month long tour of Schoolhouse Rock Live! with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Even after moving to NYC to pursue acting, the children’s media bug was still on her. Now, she is determined to write stories for kids who lack access and representation and give them curious characters to aspire to.

Julia Guillen | Los Angeles, CA

Julia Guillen is a production professional with a passion for TV, film and service. She is interested in working on projects that are diverse, character-driven and have comedy and heart.

PJ Fahrenkrug | Los Angeles, CA

PJ is a former weird kid turned funny queer adult, who tells comedic and inclusive stories for young audiences. A recent graduate of Northwestern University’s Radio/TV/Film program, they’ve performed improv and sketch at The Second City in Chicago and The Pack Theater in LA, channeling their goofy sense of humor for the next generation of oddballs.

Tara Motamedi | Los Angeles, CA

Tara Motamedi is an Iranian American writer and director who grew up in Tehran, and moved to the U.S. to pursue filmmaking at 18. She’s driven to create magical children’s series filled with joy, resilience, and culture—allowing Middle Eastern children to see themselves in a positive light.

2024 Fellows

2024 Writers’ Room Fellows

The Sesame Workshop Writer’s Room is an 8 week writing intensive program for writers who reflecting our vast audience. The 2024 Writing Fellows each develop and workshop their own original children’s television concept and script, with guidance from a wide range of industry leaders. Select fellows will have their work featured in a staged reading and will be awarded developmental deals from Sesame Workshop.

Jen Bosworth-Ramirez | Ventura, CA

Originally from Chicago, Jen Bosworth-Ramirez is the daughter of a fierce Colombian immigrant mom, and a used car salesman turned psychologist father. A former therapist herself, Jen writes bold, grounded, and funny television for young folks and their families. Her stories primarily focus on using humor and compassion to destigmatize mental illness, especially within BIPOC communities. When not writing, Jen works with young people with autism spectrum disorder and lives in Ventura, Ca with her husband and their very recalcitrant dog, Doris.

Rebecca Chu | Santa Monica, CA

Hailing from Irvine, California, Rebecca Chu is an international, award-winning writer and film producer who loves fostering connection among disparate communities through her work. She is the co-founder of Moonbeam Literary & Media, a diverse children’s storytelling company that spans books, film, television and digital media. A mother to three young children, Rebecca recently earned her MFA from the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, after originally building her career as a business leader in tech and entertainment.

Marc Morales | Los Angeles, CA

Marc is a Puerto Rican writer/director with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emerson College. Based in Los Angeles, his work straddles both drama and comedy, exploring themes of existentialism, coming of age, and identity.

Batoul Mourad | New York, NY

Batoul is a writer from New York City. She studied History Education at NYU and has taught children grades pre-K to 12th grade. She now writes, primarily comedy, and is passionate about the storytelling inherent in our histories, whether global, national, or local. She is also a 2024 fellow at the Moonshot Pilot Accelerator Program where she will be pitching her original half-hour comedy to companies like HBO, Hulu, and Netflix.

Natasha Tarpley | Chicago, IL

Natasha Tarpley is an acclaimed children’s book author and content creator whose work affirms the richness of Black life, and the power of kids to choose who and what they want to be. She is the author of the classic bestselling picture book, I Love My Hair!, the award-winning picture book, The Me I Choose To Be, the new Keyana Loves…picture book series, and the middle grade novel, The Harlem Charade. Natasha is also the writer and Co-Creator of the award-winning children’s mystery podcast, Opal Watson: Private Eye. She lives in Chicago with her family.

Dejen Tesfagiorgis | Brooklyn, NY

Dejen (Day-Jin) is a Brooklyn-based screenwriter and comedian. He’s a former PBS Kids Writing for Animation fellow and sales engineer at Microsoft, and has performed in videos for Disney+, NBC News Digital, Cosmo, Bleacher Report, the Harlem Film Festival, NY Sketchfest, and in a national TV spot for Cortizone-10. Dejen writes/performs sketch comedy monthly at UCB Theater, and produces ~6 sketches a month to his YouTube channel, @DejaDejaComedy, currently at 5k fickle followers.

2023 Fellows

2023 Writers’ Room Fellows

The Sesame Workshop Writer’s Room is an 8 week writing intensive program for writers who reflecting our vast audience. The 2023 Writing Fellows each develop and workshop their own original children’s television concept and script, with guidance from a wide range of industry leaders. Select fellows will have their work featured in a staged reading and will be awarded developmental deals from Sesame Workshop.

Justin Douglas | Los Angeles, CA

Justin is a writer and comedian working in Development in Los Angeles. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he spent eleven years working in the Carnegie Museums, cultivating his passion for alternative learning environments and programs. Pittsburgh is also where he spent time as a professional mascot, entertaining and interacting with children of all ages. He earned his MFA in Comedic Screenwriting from DePaul University.

Frank Duci | Roseville, CA

Frank Duci is a creator and storyteller from California. Frank has carved out a unique identity, telling stories that speak to underdogs and outsiders. Currently, he works with The Media Lab, a program teaching adults with disabilities the fundamentals of media production. In his free time, he’s been a volunteer committee member for the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.

Brianna Ishibashi | Los Angeles, CA

Brianna is a 4th Gen Japanese American writer/performer who grew up backstage at rock concerts with her SoCal showbiz family. She is a Music Theatre honors program graduate of The Hartt School and a former Administrative Director of Medical Education for a NYC dermatopathology laboratory/academy. A return to the arts has led to an ensemble Audie Award nomination and multiple writing fellowships, including the TPT PBS Writer’s Program.

Kaley Morrison | Durham, NC

Kaley is an actor, writer, and comedian. With her work on stage and previous career in education she is passionate about finding the palpable connections that come from building a sense of community. She is an enrolled member of Waccamaw Siouan tribe and is deeply committed to furthering Indigenous representation and advocacy in media. Kaley was a recipient of the Saturday Night Live/PIT scholarship for both 2021 and 2022.

Tiffany Shan | Los Angeles, CA

Tiffany is a writer from Los Angeles. Prior to working in TV, she was a political data analyst and an associate producer on documentaries. She loves writing stories that center loveable weirdos and hopes to create shows that make people laugh and feel connected.

Lorin Williams | Los Angeles, CA

Lorin Williams is a Writer/producer from Saginaw, Michigan who loves writing stories about the conflict of individualism within community. After spending years producing unscripted televisions shows, she pivoted to animation working as a script coordinator for Nickelodeon. In addition to being a participant of the Black List X WIF’s 2023 Episodic lab and landing a producing mentorship with Effie Brown’s Gamechanger Films Nonprofit, she recently completed the Emerging Black Screenwriters Program held by the Metaphor Group.

2022 Fellows

2022 Writers’ Room Fellows

The Sesame Workshop Writer’s Room is an 8 week writing intensive program for writers who reflecting our vast audience. The 2022 Writing Fellows each develop and workshop their own original children’s television concept and script, with guidance from a wide range of industry leaders. Select fellows will have their work featured in a staged reading and will be awarded developmental deals from Sesame Workshop.

Danielle Eliska Lyle | Detroit MI

Danielle Eliska is a writer, filmmaker, photographer and educator from Detroit. She received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and was one of the inaugural grant recipients of the 2018 Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and New York Foundation for the Arts (MOME NYFA) ‘Made in NY’ Women’s Fund in Film.

Stephanie Kyung Sun Walters | Philadelphia, PA

Stephanie is a playwright, actor, and educator from Philadelphia where she serves as Lead Artist for Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists’ Playwrights Project, uplifting the voices of emerging AAPI playwrights. She has taught students in preschool through the collegiate level and is excited to bring those experiences to this unique storytelling medium. Stephanie is the recipient of the 2022 Terrence McNally Award from Philadelphia Theatre Company.

Veronica Reyes-How | New York, NY

Veronica is a writer/director/actor who, by pen, partnership, or performance, desires to elevate characters and stories that invite, encourage, and reassure the viewer they are seen, known, and loved. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Mathematics degree. Since changing careers to the arts, her pilots have been Finalists in the 2021 Screencraft Fellowship, The 2022 Orchard Project Episodic Lab, the 2021 Screencraft True Story Competition and 2021 The Stowe Story Lab.

Minna Lee | Brooklyn, NY

Minna (they/she) lives and works on Lenape land as a writer, animator, and performer. In their work, they explore themes of adolescence, queer joy, immigration, and anti-capitalism. Their mission is to nurture the growing hearts of young audiences by sharing authentic stories that portray more nuanced QTBIPOC characters.

Janice Chun | Los Angeles, CA

Janice is a storyboard artist and writer in Los Angeles and has worked for various studios such as Cartoon Network, Warner Bros, Netflix and South Park Studios. Her work explores the relatable humor and tragedy of everyday life and has been featured and awarded at several film festivals and the Vimeo Staff Pick selection.

Eric Tate | Pomona, CA

Eric is a teacher, traveler, and writer currently working in television production. A Southern California-native, he taught K-8 students in Berkeley, Seattle, and South Korea before returning home to get his MFA in screenwriting at LMU. He was recently a fellow of the PBS Kids Writing Program.