RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2022
Matt Opatrny
Matt Opatrny is an award-winning playwright, TV writer, performer, and teacher. He wrote eight episodes of DreamWorks’ preschool series “Not Quite Narwhal” soon to premiere on Netflix, and several episodes of Moonbug’s “CoComelon Story Time” podcast series out on Spotify. He is currently writing on an unannounced series for Moonbug and is head writer of “Daisy”, an independent production of a new science based live-action preschool series.
Matt writes stories that celebrate differences and elevate kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness. He is visually impaired and is currently developing a preschool animated series with a visually impaired protagonist that introduces kids to mindfulness meditation.
As a playwright, he has won multiple awards including the 2018 New York Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Play for “The Snow Queen” (for children and family audiences, based on H.C. Andersen). His eleven full-length plays have been performed in New York City, across the country, and on international tours. He has taught numerous workshops to students from elementary school to university graduate level, earning a Special Commendation from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. He was a co-founder of Blessed Unrest, an award-winning physical theatre ensemble based in New York City. As a performer, he has appeared extensively Off-Broadway, on international tours, and on stage at The Moth storytelling events. He is a graduate of Clemson University, was selected as a 2022 RespectAbility Lab fellow, and owes much of who he is to the sea turtles of Costa Rica.
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After an extensive search and interview process, 18 individuals and one writing duo were invited to participate in the Virtual Cohort of RespectAbility’s 2022 Entertainment Lab taking place August 16 – September 22, 2022. This 6-week, 18-session Lab aims to further develop and elevate the talent pipeline of diverse professionals with disabilities working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming. Participants include people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and other disabilities ranging in age from people in their 20’s through their 50’s. The Lab is a recipient of The Roddenberry Foundation Impact Award.
The Virtual Cohort of the 2022 Entertainment Lab is made possible with support by:
- Platinum Sponsors: Murray/Reese Foundation and Netflix
- Gold Sponsors: The Harnisch Foundation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company
- Silver Sponsors: Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and NBCUniversal
