Craft. Creativity. Connection.
The Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab is a tuition-free, 6-month program for writers, actors, and aspiring creative executives to enhance their creative skillset through personalized instruction, workshops, professional development and networking opportunities.
Our Approach
Craft
A creative academy at its core–mentees learn the ins and outs of their trade through weekly instruction from working creatives and guest lecturers.
Industry
Navigating the world of entertainment is extremely challenging without inside knowledge. The lab convenes leading Hollywood creatives and executives to teach mentees how to navigate every stage of their career.
Practice
For the program's capstone, mentees from each track–writing, acting, and producing–collaborate to produce live table reads showcasing their work in front of industry leaders and executives.
Instructors
Michael Svoboda
Director of Writing Track
MICHAEL SVOBODA
Michael Svoboda left his small rural hometown to be the first in his family to attend college. After getting his English and Film degree at the University of Nebraska, Michael moved to Portland, Oregon, to pursue writing. There, he wrote for the satirical newspaper, The Portland Mercury, for 3 years. But writing for film and television was always calling his name, so he packed up and moved to Los Angeles.
Michael worked various positions on TV shows until he landed a writer’s assistant gig on The Walking Dead. Soon, he got his first TV script on the Netflix dramedy, Club de Cuervos. Michael was staffed the following year on the EPIX dramedy, Graves. Michael has made numerous short films and developed television shows with major production companies. He continues to write and develop, while seeking new and challenging work in writers’ rooms. Michael is a proud member of the WGA.
Michael has been the director of the writing track for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab since its inception in 2020. He has guided over one hundred people through the process of writing TV pilots and feature films as a private writing coach and instructor. He has also been teaching screenwriting at the University of Nebraska since 2018.
In his free time, Michael is a voracious reader of literary fiction. He also loves to watch movies and TV shows, spend time in his garden, bake gluten-free treats, and spend time with his partner.
Behzad Dabu
Director of Acting Track
BEHZAD DABU
Behzad Dabu is an actor, writer, and producer. He grew up in Syracuse, NY and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.
He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.
With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group. On screen, you can see him as 'Simon Drake' on How To Get Away With Murder on ABC, as 'Amir' on the Showtime series The Chi, on Disney’s The Lion Guard. He also appeared in episodes of All Rise, The Good Place, Chicago P.D., The Loud House, Drive Share, You're So Talented, and many more; as well as various indie features and shorts.
Behzad is the Director of Acting for the HillmanGrad Mentorship Lab, an instructor at The Last Acting Studio, the acting coach for Showtime’s The Chi, and an adjunct professor in the theatre department at Columbia College Chicago where he leads their Semester in LA program.
Behzad strives to be a strong advocate in regards to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.
Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Kyle Fong
Director of Executive Development Track
KYLE FONG
Kyle Fong is a Bay Area native and Director of Development at Adam Saunders' Footprint Features. He most recently worked on the first and second seasons of the Peabody Award winning Apple TV+ drama series PACHINKO based on the international best-selling novel. Before that, he was on the launch team of Disney+ where he worked on original scripted content across the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars brands.
Prior to joining the streamer, Fong worked at the Disney Live Action movie studio on films such as the live action remake of THE LION KING, JUNGLE CRUISE starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. Fong is also the Director of the Executive Track of Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad Foundation Mentorship Lab. He got his start working in the Books to Film group at CAA.
FAQ
Find answers about our programs and how to get involved
All applicants must submit a complete application by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 8, 2026. Applicants will be required to submit video answers for parts of the application. The videos may not exceed more than two (2) minutes.
Applicants for the television writing track will be required to submit a writing sample of an original television pilot. Applicants for the acting track will be required to submit two contrasting contemporary scenes or monologues from film, television, or theatre (90-seconds max each). Executive Development applicants will complete coverage on two scripts provided within the application and submit a resume.
Applicants will be notified via email at the end of March regarding the status of their application.
The Mentorship Lab will begin late March 2026.
To review the Terms and Conditions of the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab, refer to the submission form.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not a minor in the state or country of your residence at time of submission.
A maximum of eight (8) applicants will be accepted into the television writing track and a maximum of ten (10) applicants will be accepted into the acting track. A maximum of four (4) applicants will be accepted into the executive development track.
Applicants are not required to live in the Greater Los Angeles Area to participate in the Mentorship Lab. All classes will be offered virtually with the exception of three in-person workshops. Travel accommodations will be provided for mentees living outside of the Greater Los Angeles area.
Participation in the in-person workshops are mandatory.
If you have questions about withdrawal, please contact us at lab@hillmangrad.com for more details.
Writing teams are not eligible for consideration. Writing samples must be written and owned solely by the applicant.
There is no obligation for you to participate in the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab.
Applicants may only apply for one track.
Every story deserves to be told
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, our impact is made stronger by the generous support of individuals, foundation partners, and corporate sponsors.
If you prefer to donate by check, please mail your donation to: 15821 Ventura Blvd., Suite 370, Encino, CA 91436
The Hillman Grad Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.