Sony Pictures Television Sets Elevate Actors Fellowship Class of 2026
Sony Pictures Television has announced its Elevate Actors Fellowship Class of 2026, selecting 10 emerging performers out of more than 5,400 applicants. Starting August 10 on the Culver City studio lot, the six-week professional development program pairs intensive training and industry access with masterclasses led by casting directors, showrunners, and producers.
The Bottom Line
- The Scale: Ten fellows were chosen from a massive pool of over 5,400 applicants for the intensive six-week incubator on the Sony studio lot in Culver City.
- The Roster: The 2026 cohort features rising talent with credits spanning network television, indie cinema, voiceover, and stage work, including Alita LaShae, Anish Chandak, Haley Lohrli, Ivan Mok, Jackie Tien, JJ Maley, Laurie Magers, Omete Anassi, Vincent Rutley, and Yasmin Kassim.
- The Pipeline: The program bridges the gap between raw artistry and television industry access, concluding with a showcase for agents, managers, and showrunners.
Inside the 2026 Elevate Cohort
The Sony Pictures Television Elevate Actors Fellowship is designed to develop emerging talent. Out of an overwhelming field of more than 5,400 applicants, studio executives narrowed the 2026 class down to 10 participants, according to Deadline.
Kicking off on August 10, the six-week initiative operates directly out of the Sony studio lot in Culver City. It is designed to give participants a comprehensive look at both the creative and corporate mechanics of the television business. Fellows collaborate directly with working showrunners, studio executives, casting directors, and guest instructors.
The 2026 Fellows Roster
The selected group brings a set of credits ranging from independent features to streaming series. According to reporting from Deadline, the complete Class of 2026 features:
- Alita LaShae: Seen in SPT’s S.W.A.T.
- Anish Chandak: NBC’s New Amsterdam guest star and lead of independent films including Indian in a Box and Birdie Cricket.
- Haley Lohrli: Lifetime’s Murder at the Merriweather lead, as well as writer, director, and star of the short film Here’s to You.
- Ivan Mok: Recognized for recurring roles on The Americans and Young Sheldon, alongside appearances in Grey’s Anatomy, FBI: International, Leverage: Redemption, and extensive voiceover work.
- Jackie Tien: Amazon’s Panic and independent films like The Shot You Don’t Take, American Romantic, and Liftoff.
- JJ Maley: Series regular on Steven Soderbergh’s Command Z, a Tony-winning producer for A Strange Loop, and a four-time Tony nominee.
- Laurie Magers: Actor, writer, and comedian seen in SPT’s Obliterated on Netflix and Mating Season, and a former SPT Diverse Writers Program fellow.
- Omete Anassi: Juilliard-trained actor from Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building and the Slamdance Audience Award-winning feature African Giants.
- Vincent Rutley: Winner of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge 2026 Best Actor award, with lead roles in independent films like Neighborhood Watch and Step Buddies and voice work for Sony Pictures Animation.
- Yasmin Kassim: Australian actor, writer, and stand-up comedian seen in Netflix’s You, Always, Anaconda, FingI, Spa Weekend, The Get Out, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Neighbours.
| Metric / Detail | Fellowship Specification |
|---|---|
| Applicant Pool | More than 5,400 applicants |
| Selected Fellows | 10 participants |
| Program Start Date | August 10, 2026 |
| Location | Sony studio lot in Culver City |
| Duration | 6 weeks of rigorous training and industry immersion |
| Culmination | Studio showcase for casting directors, agents, managers, and showrunners |
Bridging Artistry and Industry Access
The program concludes with a showcase right on the Sony lot. For the participating actors, it represents a direct line to the decision-makers who greenlight shows, cast series regulars, and shape the next generation of television.
