Writing Their Own Story: Twin Brothers Aaron and Neiman Outlen '15 Go From Disney Writing Program to ABC TV Series Wednesday, September 16, 2026
(L-R) Neiman and Aaron Outlen.
Meet Aaron and Neiman Outlen '15
Job title and employer: Staff Writers, ABC's "Will Trent"
Major: Theatre Arts
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
High School: Baltimore School for the Arts
Why did you choose Point Park University?
Neiman: Several students from our high school went to Point Park, so it was naturally on our list. The theatre program is also very respected and that was something important to us.
Aaron: The reputation of the school was definitely a factor. We wanted to go somewhere that felt impactful.
Which faculty members and courses had a significant impact on you and why?
A: This is tough because all of our instructors were amazing. That being said, Philip Winters and Monica Payne (IYKYK) were both so kind and extremely talented at the craft. Their classes transformed you as a person first — everything else came after.
N: My sophomore year I took Curtis Jackson's Solo Performance class. We wrote, memorized and performed new material each week. It was intense, but it changed how I saw myself and helped me realize how creative I could be. I also have to shout out John McManus, who taught acting. His class taught me to find freedom and joy in the work.
You recently participated in the 2026 Disney Entertainment Television Writing Program. What were some of the highlights of that experience?
N: The program was truly life-changing. It's essentially a pipeline that prepares you to write for any of Disney's shows across all their networks.
A: They also help to sharpen your voice and what it is you want to say as a writer. These are things you might think you know in theory, but putting it into practice requires a deeper level of self-evaluation.
Tell us about your current role as writers on ABC’s "Will Trent."
N: As staff writers on "Will Trent," we contribute to the creative process by writing our own episode and pitching story ideas for the room. Support our show when it airs this January and be on the lookout for our episode!
A: What's most enjoyable is the permission to show up as your authentic self every day. This isn't the type of role where you hide your personal life, passions and hobbies. Those things make you who you are as a writer— it's the POV that makes you special.
How did your Point Park experience prepare you for this role with ABC?
N: We were actors at Point Park, but we continue to lean on that training even now as writers. Performance is a huge part of the pitching process when deciding which stories to tell. You have to convince your audience why a particular story is interesting, so your pitch can't be boring!
A: 100% agree. All writers are performers (even if they don't know it).
What are your career goals?
N: The simple goal at this point is to keep working and growing. The industry is changing so much that it's hard to predict what the future will look like.
A: It would also be great to create and sell an original television show like Shonda Rhimes did with "Grey's Anatomy" (an amazing show btw).
What advice would you offer a prospective student considering Point Park?
N: Continue to think about how your degree will be useful once you've graduated. Do what makes sense for you and your goals.
A: That advice is even more relevant now since things are changing so fast. For example, some degrees may be less impactful now than they were 10 years ago. Try to think about your future as much as possible, but stay present.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
N: It's important to try to relax in between building your career. We are still very much on that path and taking things day by day.
A: And remember that life isn't always linear. What you do today might not be what you do tomorrow — and that's okay.