Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program

Application GUIDELINES

Your one-stop-shop for information about the WASSTP admissions process.

Applications are currently closed.

Click here to sign up for updates about the next admissions cycle.

OVERVIEW

The program’s mission is to provide writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50, with tools and education to become a writers’ assistant and script coordinator, ultimately resulting in meaningful employment opportunities. These positions have historically been an invaluable way to learn the writing process first-hand, with the ultimate goal of getting a writing job.

This program is not a writing fellowship. Its purpose is to provide support staff training for emerging writers who are typically excluded from writers’ rooms. You must be interested in pursuing employment as a Writers' Assistant or Script Coordinator to be considered.

Approximately 16 applicants are accepted each cycle.

Please subscribe to our email list to receive updates about the program and application process.

 

ELIGIBILITY 

This program is designed to support the inclusion and employment of underrepresented groups in the television industry. Writers who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled writers, and writers over the age of 50 are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be:

  • At least 18 years of age. 

  • Eligible to work in the U.S. 

  • Able to demonstrate meaningful ongoing efforts to break in as a TV writer.  

  • Interested in pursuing employment in a support staff role. 

  • Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements. 

  • Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors. 

WGF will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or national origin. Participants who violate this rule will be immediately removed from consideration for the program at the discretion of WGF staff.

Please note: Applicants who have previously worked as a writers’ assistant or script coordinator are NOT eligible.

  • No, professional writing experience is not required.

    However, we do expect that all applicants are well-versed in the fundamentals of writing for the screen prior to their participation in the program. As previously stated, this program is not a writing fellowship. It is a professional training program that focuses specifically on support staff roles.

  • Yes, former Writers' PAs and Showrunner's Assistants are eligible for the program.

  • No, this program is reserved for applicants who have not previously worked as a WA or SC in a writers' room.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Applications are collected via Submittable.

If you intend to apply, please be ready to share the following information: 

  • A summary of your writing experience or education

  • Your preferred genres and creative influences

  • Essay question responses

  • A brief personal statement (400 words or less)

  • Your professional resume

Please note: Applicants may not use AI to create or edit their responses. Those who violate this rule will be removed from consideration.

Check out the FAQs below for details on each requirement.  

  • Your personal statement should describe who you are, your interest in writing for the screen, and what you hope to gain from this program. We encourage you to describe how your identity, experiences, culture, or background informs your writing.  

    Statements are limited to a maximum of 400 words.

  • The personal statement is a key component of the admissions process. This is your opportunity to convey who you are as a writer and what makes you unique.  

    Why have you chosen this path? What challenges have you overcome to get here? Who inspired you? Consider these prompts as you start writing.

    Authenticity is strongly encouraged.  

  • No, you may submit a standard resume for this program. Previous professional writing experience is not required.  

  • Your choice of genre will influence your area of focus through the program and subsequent hiring outreach upon graduation. If you share equal interest in multiple genres, please make a note of this on your application.

TIMELINE 

The application window for the 2025 cycle closed on September 5, 2024. Information about the next session will be posted at a later date. In the meantime, we encourage you to read through the following FAQs and watch the program info session to better prepare for next year.

QUESTIONS?

If your inquiry is not addressed above, please contact WGF staff by completing the form below. We ask that you allow at least 3-5 days fpr a response due to our staff’s limited capacity.