New School for Drama alums Deen (Playwriting ’06) and J. Julian Christopher (Acting ’05) both received 2009 Emerging Writer’s Fellowship awards from the Public Theater in New York City. The honor includes a $3,000 stipend, participation in the Public’s writers’ group, readings of their work at the Public, and master classes led by established playwrights. The Emerging Writers Group seeks to target playwrights at the earliest stages of their careers, and to create an artistic home for a diverse and exceptionally talented group of up-and-coming playwrights.

“Upon hearing that I was awarded the Public's 2009 Emerging Writers Fellowship, I was so happy I jumped up and down—repeatedly,” says Deen. “If there is any theater in New York City that I want to be affiliated with, it's the Public. It champions the kind of politically and culturally relevant theater that I want to make.”

Christopher is just as enthusiastic: “I am still beside myself since I heard that I was awarded the Fellowship. It's such a great opportunity, since I am just beginning my playwriting career. I am honored that I was given this chance and hope to become a staple in the Public Theater's community of artists.”