Brian Yorkey Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Brian Yorkey is an American playwright, lyricist, and screenwriter, celebrated for his impactful storytelling in both theater and television. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Issaquah, Washington, Yorkey's early exposure to theater through local programs like Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE ignited his passion for the arts. He honed his craft at Columbia University, where he served as the Artistic Director of the Varsity Show, and further developed his skills at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Yorkey's breakthrough came with the musical Next to Normal, which he co-wrote with composer Tom Kitt. The production, originally titled Feeling Electric, began as a short piece inspired by a segment on electroconvulsive therapy. Over several years, it evolved into a full-length rock musical that premiered Off-Broadway in 2008 before moving to Broadway in 2009. The show received critical acclaim, winning the 2009 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was only the eighth musical in history to receive the Pulitzer Prize, recognized for its bold exploration of mental illness and family dynamics. Following the success of Next to Normal, Yorkey continued to collaborate with Kitt on various projects. They co-created If/Then, a musical starring Idina Menzel that opened on Broadway in 2014 and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score. Yorkey also worked with Sting and John Logan on The Last Ship, which debuted on Broadway in 2014. Additionally, he adapted Disney's Freaky Friday into a musical, which premiered in 2016 and later became a Disney Channel Original Movie. In television, Yorkey gained widespread recognition as the creator, executive producer, and showrunner of Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, a series that delves into complex issues such as mental health, suicide, and bullying. The show ran for four seasons from 2017 to 2020, sparking significant conversation and debate. He is also the executive producer and co-showrunner of the Netflix limited series Echoes, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Yorkey has remained committed to exploring challenging themes through his work, earning him a reputation as a thoughtful and innovative voice in contemporary theater and television.