Industry Jobs | Showrunner

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the changing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a Showrunner.

What Is a Showrunner?

In our Industry Jobs series, we have highlighted many leadership roles in the Film and TV industry. In this series installment, we focus on the Showrunner. In a television production, each department head is tasked with developing and executing their respective department’s plan throughout various stages of production, including staying on schedule and on budget. Moreover, the director brings the creative vision for the production to life while the line producer oversees the logistics and budget. The Showrunner is a leadership role with overall creative authority and management responsibility for a television program. They are essentially the ‘captain of the ship.’ Often, they also work with the writers for the series and are credited as Executive Producers (EPs).

What Does a Showrunner Do?

Because the Showrunner provides the overall creative vision for the production, in many cases, they are the ones who pitch the idea to the television network or studios. They continue in the role of a liaison with the network or studios throughout the show’s life. After the production is given the green light, the Showrunner selects or approves the department heads and on-screen talent.

An essential task of the Showrunner is managing the writer’s room. They will often function as a writer themselves and ensure each script maintains a consistent “voice” and tone for the series. All the while, the Showrunner ensures that production stays within budget and makes any ongoing personnel decisions.

For a deeper dive into the job of Showrunner, see this StudioBinder article and watch this video from the Producers Guild of America. In addition, this article from Shonda Rhimes’s MasterClass is a valuable resource from one of the industry’s best. 

How Do I Become a Showrunner?

So do you want to join the ranks of Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, Bridgerton, etc.), Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story, American Crime Story, etc.), and Jon Favreau (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, etc.)?

Well, start writing! Most Showrunners work their way up from the writing room. A typical path would begin in the writer’s room and include time as a story editor. From there, the path includes working in various producer roles, such as co-producer and supervising producer.

But there is no substitute for practice. Begin writing today to hone your skills. Create a speculative screenplay or spec script. This is an uncommissioned or solicited script. It differs from a shooting script in that it’s meant to tell a story and highlight the writer’s voice, so technical details are less important. Most spec scripts don’t make it to production, but as is often the case, the journey is as important as the destination. For more information on writing a spec script, check out this article from ScreenCraft.

While no formal education is required for this role, the Writer’s Guild of America has a Showrunner Training Program for members with a “supervising producer” credit or above on a current TV series. If you are still in the writer’s room or just interested in getting started, StudioBinder has a free masterclass that may interest you.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides:

●     Information about industry-focused job posting sites.

●     Links to general recruiting sites.

●     Education and training programs.

●     State, city, and borough industry information.

We also include a link to all the blogs created about the various jobs that make a production come to life.

Women Leading Change | Evelyn Heilbron

Over 1 million New York City residents face food insecurity every day. But there are those among us who are dedicated to helping their neighbors overcome it. Broadway Stages is happy to highlight women who passionately work to ensure everyone has food on their table at the end of each day. Today, we present Evelyn Heilbron of Community Center Services Organization Corp (CCSO).

Since 2020, Evelyn Heilbron has helped those in need. She started by handing out food and clothing on 34th Avenue with the help of the organization 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition. That is when she formed the nonprofit Community Center Services Organization Corp. CCSO offers support and services for the entire community without discrimination, including immigration, taxes, food distribution, and advice to disfranchised families and individuals.

In 2023, she opened the Corona Food Bank, located at 92-21 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, New York. This 4,200 square foot facility serves as a food collection and distribution facility. The 12-month no-cost lease and facility modifications, valued at over $210K, were donated by Broadway Stages. Today, Heilbron and her 60 volunteers pass out up to 800 packages of non-perishables and fresh vegetables from the facility per week.

Our president, Gina Argento, said, “The CCSO represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together to help those in need. At Broadway Stages, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community and foster equitable growth. We are proud to support this initiative and are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

CCSO’s mission is to work endlessly until there are no more hungry families. You can help by donating at this link. Volunteers are also always needed. As Heilbron said, “Volunteering saves lives!” To volunteer, call CCSO at 332-228-8525 or email them at communitycsorg.c@gmail.com.

The Corona Food Bank is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can follow their good work on Instagram and Facebook.

Broadway Stages asks you to join us in supporting Evelyn Heilbron and the volunteers at Community Center Services Organization Corp so they can continue their fight. Together, we can make a difference! And check back next week when we highlight another local woman leading the fight against hunger, Dr. Melony Samuels of The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH).

The Second City: Chicago Comedy Titans Bring It to Brooklyn

Brooklyn's vibrant cultural scene just got a whole lot funnier with the arrival of The Second City, the legendary comedy troupe that has birthed some of the biggest names in comedy. Earlier this year, The Second City kicked off its residency at a facility owned by one of Broadway Stages’ affiliates. The Second City converted the former record shop and club into a 200-seat mainstage, a 60-seat second stage, several classrooms where improv and comedy writing are taught, and a restaurant. But wait, there’s more! The Second City also offers creative professional development services via Second City Works that use the same methods pioneered on their stages to drive individual growth and organizational improvement.

For decades, The Second City has been synonymous with cutting-edge comedy. From the early days that saw the likes of Bill Murray and Tina Fey grace its stages to the current era that boasts talents like Keegan-Michael Key and Stephen Colbert, The Second City has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined the art of sketch comedy and improvisation. Audiences can expect nothing short of wild laughs and bold sketch comedy. From uproarious antics of seasoned performers or the fresh, innovative humor of rising stars, there's something for everyone at The Second City. And let's not forget their world-famous improvisation, where quick wit and on-the-spot creativity reign supreme, ensuring that no two shows are ever alike.

In a city known for its hustle and bustle, The Second City offers a welcome respite — a chance to laugh, create, and connect in the heart of Brooklyn. So, get your tickets, spread the word, and get ready to embark on a comedic journey like no other. The Second City has arrived, and they're here to make you laugh like never before! For information about tickets, the restaurant, classes and professional services, click here.

Learn About a Few Up-and-Coming Black Filmmakers

In celebration of Black History Month, we are shining a light on up-and-coming Black filmmakers. We are especially excited to highlight the work of an independent filmmaker who shot a short film at our Arthur Kill campus facility on Staten Island.

Born and raised in Harlem, Lynn Dow directed the 2020 short film "Compassionate Release," which highlights the prison program that enables elderly and terminally ill inmates to obtain parole. Dow's uncle spent time at Arthur Kill, and she used to visit him there with her grandmother when she was younger. He was released early as part of the compassionate release program, a key event in her life that inspired her to make the film. We were happy to provide a filming location that held such personal meaning to her and her project. Dow recently completed her first feature film called "Bull Street," which premiered last week at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Many Black filmmakers are finding success this awards season, and Cord Jefferson is having a particularly remarkable run on the red carpet. Jefferson directed, wrote, and co-produced the satirical drama "American Fiction," which is nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Quite the feat for a first-time filmmaker! "American Fiction" won the Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award in the fall and made many critics associations year-end top 10 lists. We can't wait to see what he does next.

Another director finding recognition for their directorial feature film debut is A.V. Rockwell, born and raised in Queens. Her film "A Thousand and One," which she also wrote, won the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Set in Harlem in the 1990s and 2000s, the film follows a single mother who kidnaps her son out of the foster care system to raise him herself. Rockwell recently won the Breakthrough Director Award at this year's Gotham Awards, and we expect to see her back on the awards circuit soon.

Rapper, record producer, and filmmaker Blitz Bazawule (also known as Blitz the Ambassador) is also having a very good year. The Ghanaian artist directed the recent musical adaptation of "The Color Purple," which has received critical acclaim and several major award nominations. The musical drama is his second feature film following 2018's well-received "The Burial of Kojo." He also co-directed the musical film "Black Is King" with Beyoncé and several other filmmakers. "Black Is King" is available to stream on Disney+.

Juel Taylor had a breakthrough year with his feature film directorial debut "They Cloned Tyrone," released on Netflix last summer. The sci-fi comedy was a hit for the streaming service and its most popular film for a period in late July and early August. In the film, John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris play three friends who uncover a secret government conspiracy following a series of strange events. The film, which Taylor co-wrote with Tony Rettenmaier, was also a hit with critics. Before directing "They Cloned Tyrone," Taylor was known for penning several screenplays, including "Creed II" co-written with Sylvester Stallone and "Space Jam: A New Legacy" co-written with a team of writers.

We hope you enjoy the work of these artists. Follow our blog to learn more about how Broadway Stages is celebrating Black History Month.

Inaugural Toy Giveaway | CCSO - Food Bank of Corona

As the holiday season unfolded, the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) - Food Bank of Corona wrapped up the year with a heartwarming event that spread joy and festive cheer throughout the community. On Friday, December 22, CCSO held its inaugural toy giveaway. This remarkable organization has become a beacon of hope for the residents of Queens, thanks to the commitment and dedication of its founder, Evelyn Heilbron. The roots of this heartening event trace back to Spring of this year when we gifted a brick-and-mortar facility to Food Bank of Corona to use free of charge for a year.  Established in 2020, CCSO has become an integral part of the Queens community, fostering a spirit of fellowship and support.

Heilbron’s dedication to giving back to the community has been unwavering, and her gift has become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of many. Under her direction, CCSO has brought together a dedicated team of more than 50 volunteers and sponsors including local restaurant Latino Bites, State Senator Jessica Ramos, Steve Cohen, owner of the NY Mets, Broadway Stages and many more who provide everything from food and water for the volunteers, balloons, toys, coats, food for distribution, and the list goes on and on.  Just look at the robust list of sponsors included on the official banner!

The atmosphere on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst was filled with compassion, warmth and joy as families gathered to receive gifts for their children, ensuring that every child who attended could experience the magic of the holiday season.  Not only were there toys, but also four live reindeer, two Santa’s, face painting, a DJ, the NY Mets’ mascots, Christmas carols sung by the IS 227 – Louis Armstrong Middle School Glee Club (under the direction of Luis Riveron), and happy helpers throughout. 

The toy giveaway event serves as a powerful testimony to the true meaning of the holiday season. It exemplifies how the actions of one person, supported by a team of compassionate individuals, can create a ripple effect of generosity and goodwill. The efforts of CCSO - Food Bank of Corona remind us that the holiday season is not just about receiving but, more importantly, about giving and spreading kindness to those who need it most.

As the year comes to a close, the CCSO - Food Bank of Corona's inaugural toy giveaway event stands as a shining example of the impact that a community can have when united for a common cause. The dedication of Evelyn Heilbron and the collaborative efforts of volunteers and sponsors have not only brought smiles to the faces of children, but also have left an indelible mark on the community, reinforcing the belief that the spirit of giving is truly the heart of the holiday season. 

Please enjoy just a few of our favorite photos from the CCSO - Food Bank Corona Inaugural Toy Giveaway!

94th NYPD Precinct and Broadway Stages Join Forces for Community Christmas Party

In a heartwarming collaboration, the NYPD 94th Precinct Community Council and Broadway Stages joined forces to host a festive Christmas party on Saturday, December 9. Santa and his cheerful companions brought smiles to both young and old, making it a memorable occasion for the entire community. The event, a delightful blend of holiday spirit and community camaraderie, featured a generous toy giveaway from Santa himself. Families and children eagerly received gifts, creating magical moments that will be cherished long after the holiday season.

Throughout the celebration, lively characters added to the merriment, spreading joy and laughter. The holiday crafts station provided a creative outlet for attendees to express their festive spirit, while yummy treats delighted guests and added a touch of sweetness to the occasion.

As we express our gratitude, a special thank you goes out to the President of the NYPD 94th Precinct, Betty Hulsen, the team of volunteers, and the dedicated officers across the city. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of our community and fostering fellowship is truly commendable. This Christmas party exemplifies the power of collaboration and community spirit, making it a shining example of what the holiday season is all about. Wishing everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

A Deep Dive Into the Costumes of HBO's "The Gilded Age"

HBO spares no expense in costuming the stars and designing the sets of "The Gilded Age." Currently in its second season, the period drama is filmed in locations across the state of New York, including a Broadway Stages set that serves as the beautiful interior of the van Rhijn/Brook brownstone. The new season took more than 100 days to film, and the production pumped more than $100 million into the local economy, supported more than 250 local businesses, and employed more than 1,500 people.

The New York Governor's Office of Motion Picture and Television Development and Warner Bros. Discovery recently hosted a webinar in which lead costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone and members of her team discussed all of the hard work that goes into designing and creating the luxury threads that embodied the age of opulence in New York City in the late 19th century.

A period drama with a large ensemble cast such as "The Gilded Age" requires a surfeit of custom-made lavish costumes and accessories. Across two seasons, Maimone and her team (with lots of help from local artisans) have carefully crafted more than 1,200 women's dresses, 1,000 men's suits, 750 women's hats, 400 men's hats, 100 tiaras, and 4,000 pairs of shoes.

Maimone said that the creative process always starts with the material. In the case of "The Gilded Age," series creator Julian Fellowes established the time period, place, and characters while the creative team, led by director Michael Engler, determined how best to approach that period. Maimone said the team's main inspiration for the visual approach came from paintings.

"We looked at endless amounts of paintings, and that created very quickly this key to the door of how to approach this period, because the painters naturally heightened the beauty, heightened the contrast, heightened the colors, and we needed that language of heightened reality for our story," she said. "We know that we are not making a documentary. We know that we are creating new material, a new story, that has to live within the framework of the period and be very much inspired by the period."

The production employs a researcher who created a library of about 36,000 images from the time period (around 1877 to 1900). The team also had digital access to museum collections of garments and dresses as well as fashion magazines from the period to provide additional inspiration.

Maimone created a distinct look for each character, keeping in mind that old-money aristocrats such as Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) would have a very different wardrobe than the nouveau riche Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon).

"Bertha for sure was definitely a fun character to design. She's a character who breaks some rules. I mean, she's trying to belong to the society. She's desperately trying to belong... At the same time, she challenges the society. So my framework was quite specific. It has to fit within the norms of the historical reality."

For Bertha's look, her team drew from the latest European fashion of the time and looked beyond the precise year of 1882 so she would stand out.

"Her persona is so different than the old guard," she said. "For the old guard I chose those classic jewel colors, the deep maroons, deep, deep navies, the jewel tones, and for Bertha, it was the colors of newness and the colors of freshness."

She also raised the point that the nouveau riche didn't just dress differently to stand out and flaunt their newfound wealth, but also because they lacked traditions (such as precious heirlooms passed down from their ancestors) and were looking to establish new ones.

"I always compare the two guards like two museums that are here in New York: Metropolitan and Whitney Museum," she said. "They exist at the same time. We experience them both, but it's a completely different collection of art," she said.

Once assistant costume designers Isabelle Simone and Caroline Spitzer receive Maimone's completed design, it can take four to six weeks to create one dress. Head Tailor Sue Bakula makes many of the pieces in-house, but the team also relies on the hard work of local artisans to ensure that every sleeve, bustle, and bow is just right, and every button, fabric, and pattern fits the time period. In fact, these local artisans play a key role in helping the team authentically capture the period. In the 1880s, each character would likely have had her own favorite dressmaker with whom she would work to build out her wardrobe.

"We sort of approach it that there's one maker per character for the most part… there's one person making her clothes so you can see consistency through her entire closet," Simone said regarding each character. "It also takes about three fittings per dress, maybe four with the actor to get everything ready to be seen on camera."

Aside from the dresses, no woman of high society would dare be seen in public without proper accessories, like intricate hats, elegant jewelry, stylish shoes, and long gloves. The team works with local jewelry makers to reproduce iconic pieces from the era and create custom looks for each character — even the hundreds of extras.

For the first season, the team focused on creating the characters and figuring out the logistics of designing all the pieces. The new season provided the team with the opportunity to dig deeper into the time period and the emotional journey of each character.

"It became this really beautiful discovery," Maimone said. "I'm surrounded by designers, each one of them has this incredible talent and what they bring to the table. It really is this beautiful collaboration that made the show happen."

If you haven't watched HBO's luxe period drama "The Gilded Age" yet, what are you waiting for? Take a trip back to the opulent days of Manhattan and Newport in the 1880s. Broadway Stages is thrilled to be part of this stunning production that supports New York's booming film and television industry.

CCSO - Food Bank of Corona Thanksgiving Celebration

In Corona, Queens, on a crisp, sunny November morning, the community came together for a remarkable Thanksgiving Celebration complete with hot meals, turkey distribution, and cloting giveaway. The event, hosted by the Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) aka Corona Avenue Food Bank on November 20, 2023, from 8 am to 12 pm, was a beacon of hope and compassion, showcasing the strength of unity within the neighborhood.

The success of this heartwarming initiative was spearheaded by CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, and the generous support of lead sponsors New York State Senator Jessica Ramos, Broadway Stages, and local gem Latino Bites from Jackson Heights, Queens, demonstrating their mutual commitment to giving back. In addition, multiple other local organizations provided support to help CCSO provide a dignified helping hand to residents in need. In collaboration with over 100 volunteers the following organizations, and others, shared in the success of this day of Thanksgiving. 

●       34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition; Betty’s Catering; El Rey de la Birria; Evelia Tamales; Las Doña’s Academy; Metro Plus Health;

●       NY Mets Foundation; NYPD; Peruvian Civic Center; Productos Mexicanos La Guadalupanan; Queens Chamber of Commerce; and others.

A hot and delicious thanksgiving meal, prepared by Peruvian Chef John López, was offered, complete with turkey and all the trimmings.  And there were many other offerings including amazing homemade tacos, and tamales. In total, more than 1,000 meals were served.  Among the highlights of the day, was the distribution of 300+ turkeys, ensuring that families in Corona could enjoy a traditional and hearty holiday meal! The event truly resonated with the community, and the presence of a DJ added a festive atmosphere, turning the food giveaway into a celebration of unity and compassion.

The CCSO Thanksgiving celebration was more than just a charitable event, it was a testament to the strength of community spirit. We thank all who helped to make this happen and especially to CCSO Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, for her deep rooted commitment to community.  This initiative, and her daily community outreach offering food, clothing, coats and more, have made a lasting impact on those in need.   For that we are eternally grateful. 

As we reflect on the holiday season, may this heartwarming event serve as a reminder that together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, one act of kindness at a time. If you would like to donate to CCSO please click here. 

It’s Time to Donate Coats for Those in Need

As winter draws near, the cold becomes a stark reality for many in need. The plummeting temperatures often pose a significant challenge, especially for those without adequate protection against the weather. In the spirit of giving and community support, local organizations stand ready to collect and distribute coats and jackets to those who can use a helping hand during the cold season.

There are local coat drives that we will let you know about as the information is made available. In the meantime, here are three organizations that are accepting donations now to assist individuals in facing the harsh weather conditions that winter brings.

Community Center Services Organization (CCSO)

CCSO volunteers distribute coats TO THE NEEDY

CCSO began in the streets of NYC in 2020 with a mission to feed and clothe those in need. In early 2023, Broadway Stages donated a 4,200 square foot facility on Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens for a full year to serve as a food and clothing collection and distribution facility for CCSO. Since March 2023, CCSO has distributed more than 100,000 thousand pounds of clothing. CCSO accepts new or gently used winter clothing and coats for all ages every Monday between 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at 34th Avenue and 77th Streets in Jackson Heights, and every Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at 93-15 Corona Avenue in Queens. 

New York Cares

New York Cares has been at the forefront of numerous charitable initiatives, including their coat drive. They provide a platform for individuals to donate gently used coats, helping to ensure that the less fortunate can find warmth during the coldest months.

One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat, a national non-profit organization, focuses on providing free, warm coats to those in need. They partner with local agencies and businesses to make the process of donating coats more accessible and efficient.

This winter, it’s important to remember that a simple act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's life. Donating coats and jackets — whether gently used or new — can warm not only bodies, but also hearts. Each contribution brings the gift of comfort and protection to individuals who may be struggling to stay warm during the cold season.  Please join us in the lending a hand to our neighbors in need.

Sustainability in Action at Broadway Stages

Broadway Stages has been in film and television production studio business for forty years. In those four decades we have maintained our focus on meeting the demands of the industry and giving back to your community. Part of that commitment is our investments in environmentally sustainable initiatives, including being an early adopter of the green roof movement.

Broadway Stages boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of green rooftop infrastructure across its studios in Brooklyn. Together with our environmental and arts partners — Alive Structures, Growing Chefs, Newtown Creek Alliance, and NOoSPHERE Arts — Broadway Stages has established a green corridor providing ecosystem and cultural services critical to the habitat.

“Our investments are intended not only to meet the growing needs of the film and television industry, but also to nurture the equitable prosperity of our community — economically, socially, and environmentally — well into the future,” said Gina Argento, President and CEO of Broadway Stages.

Broadway Stages demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability through actionable support of initiatives that provide equitable access to engage in, learn from, and enjoy the local environment. Such investments include:

●       Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, New York City’s first-ever fully operational organic rooftop farm managed by Growing Chefs: A 6,000 square-foot green roof organic vegetable farm located atop a warehouse rooftop owned by Broadway Stages in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

●   Solar panels that generate 1.2 million kilowatts of energy annually: 50,000 square feet of solar electric facilities on five of our soundstage buildings throughout Brooklyn.

●   The acclaimed Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center: A 24,000-square-foot green roof habitat for native birds and pollinators that is managed by Newtown Creek Alliance that is based at no-cost at our Kingsland Wildflowers facility. 

●  Green Corridor: 30,000 + square-feet of green rooftops across our facilities in Brooklyn.

●  Construction of a facility for the North Brooklyn Community Boathouse: A community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to enabling safe, responsible, human-powered boating and educating residents to be stewards of the waterways of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Through green infrastructure investments, Broadway Stages is helping to enhance client and community awareness and understanding of the long-term contribution that sustainable business practices make to the health and well-being of our community.

Camp Brooklyn and the Bright Light Memorial Fund

Camp Brooklyn is dedicated to sending disadvantaged Brooklyn kids to sleep-away camp. Participants aren't just recipients of the camp magic, they actively contribute to its positive atmosphere, transforming lives along the way. In an effort to reach even more kids, Camp Brooklyn joined forces with funding collaborator VACAYA, and created the Bright Light Memorial Fund in memory of Camp Brooklyn Board member John Finen. This fund symbolizes community and collaboration by supporting LGBTQIA+ youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and providing them with affirming and empowering experiences at sleep-away camp.

The creation of the Bright Light Memorial Fund is being kicked off with a webinar series. The first will take place on September 18 and will feature the dynamic Rob Smith, Founder/CEO of the Phluid Project. You can register for the webinar here. 

In a world that still struggles with acceptance of diversity, these initiatives stand as beacons of hope, inclusivity, and transformation. Together, they create a brighter future for the LGBTQIA+ community — one filled with acceptance, joy, and boundless possibilities. Let's celebrate and support these efforts, lighting up the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth and paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Broadway Stages is proud to be on the board of Camp  Brooklyn and privileged to be a part of the change and opportunity offered to our kids.

CCSO Hero's Community Giveaway 2023 | Helping our Neighbors

The recent Hero's Community Giveaway held by the Community Center Services Organization Corporation (CCSO) in cooperation with the 83rd NYPD Precinct and the United States Marine Corp was a big success. A beacon of hope and support for the Queens Community District 4 that includes Elmnurst and Corona, this event not only provided essential resources, but also demonstrated how compassion and teamwork can create a positive impact. 

With the unwavering dedication of Executive Director, Evelyn Heilbron, CCSO is able to help uplift those facing challenging circumstances. And with the help of local businesses and a committed NY State Senator, CCSO has been able to expand their reach.

Earlier this year, Broadway Stages responded to a request by New York State Senator Jessica Ramos and provided CCSO with a 12-month, no-cost lease, offering CCSO a transitional brick-and-mortar facility that has allowed the organization to expand their outreach as they look toward acquiring a permanent home. In addition, a local restauranteur, John Bedoya, who owns Latino Bites, has also provided support to help ensure CCSO can continue their much needed outreach efforts.  

"The CCSO represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together to help those in need. At Broadway Stages, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community and foster equitable growth. We are proud to support this initiative and are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors," said Gina Argento, president and CEO of Broadway Stages.

"It is our hope that this effort inspires others to join us in the fight against food insecurity. We believe that creating a better world starts with investing in our local communities, and we are committed to doing our part to make a positive impact. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for all," said Tony Argento, founder of Broadway Stages.

We invite you to join us in supporting CCOS and helping the fight against food insecurity.  Take a look at the photos below that include the family and staff of our President and CEO. This display of hands-on commitment underscores the dedication of Broadway Stages and their actionable dedication to investing in the well-being of our local community.