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As SNL gets ready for its 35th season premiere (with host Megan Fox), several new writers have been hired by the show in recent weeks. Michael Patrick O'Brien, a member of the Second City mainstage cast in Chicago, has been added to the show's writing staff (Interestingly, it appears he auditioned for the show with a typical 5 minute cast member-style audition - the standard set of characters and impersonations sketch comedians usually prepare for the show. However, he was hired only as a writer). Fellow Chicago native and standup comedian Hannibal Buress has also been hired by the show. For a taste of his standup (which may be familiar to East Coast ASTers since his move to New York last year), check out his recent performance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Finally, UCB Theatre LA performer and "Funny Or Die" writer Ryan Perez has also been hired by the show.
The show's writing staff start work on Monday, Aug. 31st. (Remember, although the show doesn't premiere until September 26th, "SNL Weekend Update Thursday" starts Sept. 17th). The lack of any cast announcements so far seems to imply that the show's cast will remain relatively unchanged this season, with the exception of Darrell Hammond leaving the show (Although no official announcement has been made about this, it seems likely considering the "saying goodbye" quality of his appearance on last season's final show). So far, Fred Armisen, Abby Elliott, Will Forte, Bill Hader, Seth Meyers, Bobby Moynihan, Andy Samberg, and Kristen Wiig are all confirmed as returning to the show. That leaves Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson, Michaela Watkins, and Casey Wilson as unconfirmed right now.
SNL Hires New Writing Talent for 2009-2010 Season - AST Forums
