Rising Stars
An emerging talent showcase celebrating the next generation of creative voices.
The Rising Stars Lab is a six-month comedy television screenwriting program designed to build foundational skills in scriptwriting, writers’ room collaboration, and pitch development.
A cohort of eight emerging Indigenous comedic writers will take part in a weekend scriptwriting intensive, followed by a one-week simulated writers’ room workshop, and an extended mentorship and development phase. Through hands-on learning with industry professionals and working writers, participants will refine their comedic voice, strengthen their storytelling craft, and gain real-world experience writing for television.
Rising Stars also creates space for meaningful connection with industry professionals including writers, producers, and showrunners, supporting long-term pathways into film and television.
Application Window
Applications for the Rising Stars TV Comedy Scriptwriting Lab open May 12, 2026 and close May 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CT).
All submissions must be completed through a google form.
Applicants are asked to submit the following:
Writing Sample (Required)
Short fiction, nonfiction, narrative essays, or other work that best demonstrates your storytelling ability.
Maximum length: 5 pages
Optional Media (Optional)
Stand-up clips, performances, TED Talks, or other recorded work.
Not required, but may strengthen your application.
Experience Questions
- Writing experience: Briefly describe any previous writing experience
- If new to writing: Share why you are interested in the program and what you hope to gain
Story Prompt / Short Story (Required)
Applicants will submit a 2-page short story in response to a prompt provided in the application portal.
Applications Open
May 12 – 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CT)
Application Review Period
June 1 – 19, 2026
(Jury review and selection process)
Jury Panel:
Meg MacKay
Amber-Sekowan Daniels
Tim Fontaine (TBD)
Shawn Cuthand
Danny Knight
Final Selection
Participant selection begins early June, 2026.
Final confirmations by June 26, 2026
Mentorship + Development Phase
Applicants must:
- Identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or otherwise Indigenous
- Be 18+ and based in Canada
(priority given to underrepresented and northern communities) - Be an emerging writer or comedian interested in television writing
- Demonstrate a strong interest in comedy, storytelling, or screenwriting
(including stage, video content, stand-up, or written formats) - Be ready to develop original material for television
- Commit to full participation in all program activities, including workshops, writers’ room sessions, and mentorship phases
- Submit a writing sample, short bio, and statement of interest
All applications are reviewed through a blind selection process, with identifying information removed from writing samples during initial assessment.
Submissions are evaluated based on:
- Storytelling ability
- Originality and voice
- Creative potential
- Readiness for writers’ room development
Weekend Scriptwriting Intensive (In-person, Winnipeg)
July 24–25, 2026
Writers’ Room Simulation
July 27–31, 2026
Mentorship + Development Phase
Participants continue development through guided mentorship and structured writing milestones:
- August 4: Pitch Deck Development Workshop
- August 18: Group Pitch Feedback Session
- September 8: Final Script Due
- September 12–19: Script Read-Through Sessions
Pitch Session (TBD Location)
First week of December
If you have any questions please email us at submissions@miskoway.com
In Support with
Build the Stories That Carry Us Forward
Every writer starts somewhere. Rising Stars is a space to shape your voice, build your craft, and bring your stories to the screen through mentorship, collaboration, and comedy storytelling.