Nickelodeon has announced the seven emerging writers and artists who have made the cut for its annual talent incubator program.

This year’s batch of writers includes Disha Manocha, a comedy writer from India who specializes in themes of identity, community and family; Marcus Perkins Bejarano, a Bolivian-American writer who has had success on YouTube and is passionate about creating Latino characters; and Teddy Sevilla, a writer-comedian with experience in stand-up comedy and TikTok sketches.

All three will get a chance to sit in on working writers rooms at Nick, and they’ll also be invited to participate in networking opportunities, executive mentorship and tailored workshops hosted by program alumni. 

The artist’s program (which offers three streams) will welcome two storyboard-focused participants—Wes Smith, who wants to create animation for all ages using traditional and digital techniques; and Anthony Hernandez, a Mexican-American story artist looking to contribute to diverse and impactful storytelling. Lauren Bird, an Alaskan-raised designer/illustrator who counts on crayons, zaniness, and sincerity, was chosen for the visual development stream. And for the CG animation stream, Lisa Bird is a CG artist who grew up in a half-Japanese, half-American household in Colorado and was influenced by both Western cartoons and anime. (Note: Lisa and Lauren are not related.)

These four emerging artists will join a production team for the next six months, working with a senior artist mentor and a peer mentor who has already completed the same program.

Notable alumni include writer/storyboard artist Najja Porter (Craig of the Creek), character designer Keiko Murayama (Inside Out 2), writer/producer Jessica Gao (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and writer/producer Travis Braun (Pupstruction).

Featured image (left to right): Teddy Sevilla, Marcus Perkins Bejarano, Disha Manocha, Lisa Bird, Wes Smith, Lauren Bird and Anthony Hernandez.