Jamie Tarses Fund Honors TV Pioneer in LA Schools

A nonprofit organization in Los Angeles, Young Storytellers, has created a fund in memory of the late television executive and producer Jamie Tarses. This fund is designated to bolster the organization's existing programs within Los Angeles public schools.

The initiative aims to facilitate volunteer mentors working directly with students. Their goal is to guide young people in writing original scripts. These scripts are then brought to life on stage by professional actors, showcasing the students' creativity.

Jamie Tarses was a significant figure in the television industry, with early career roles at "Saturday Night Live" and NBC, where she contributed to the development of hit shows like "Friends" and "Frasier." She later became the first woman to lead a network entertainment division as president of ABC Entertainment.

Her brother, Matt Tarses, highlighted her passion for assisting writers and her guidance, which greatly benefited those she worked with. He noted that Tarses encouraged them to extend this support to children through Young Storytellers, a cause that brought them immense joy.

Tarses, who passed away in 2021, was a founding board member of Young Storytellers, joining in 2003. The Jamie Tarses Fund will be recognized at the organization's annual event, "The Biggest Show," scheduled for October 29 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.