8th Annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival | Recap

Broadway Stages is proud to say that the 8th annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival was a grand success! On July 27, nearly a thousand people came together at the one-of-a-kind setting of wildflower meadows stretching over 30,000 square feet across the rooftops of Broadway Stages' film and television studios. 

The free, family-friendly festival celebrates Broadway Stages’ Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center and its mission of community benefit through environmental sustainability and the arts. Thanks to partners Alive Structures and the Newtown Creek Alliance, attendees could explore the green rooftops and area along Newtown Creek and learn about native wildlife and ecology. While another partner, NOoSPHERE Arts, brought art installations, performances, and live music to the day. Several local community organizations were also on hand to share helpful information, and food and drink were available from several local vendors.

The art installation "Peace Party with Peace Gorilla” with Noa Bornstein and Shana Fruchter proved popular with festival goers, young and old, as it welcomed all with an arm extended for a high five. Daniela Serna, Andrea Chavarro, Katherine Ocampo, and Lina Fernanda Silva of LaManga filled the air with sounds from Colombia's Caribbean coast, such as Bullerengue, Cumbia, and Tambora. Their rhythm-driven sounds were a celebration of life through storytelling and dance music.

Hivewild, a dance company directed by Katherine Maxwell, used movement across the rooftop to affirm human value and emotion. Their contemporary approach to dance was both entertaining and contemplative. Meanwhile, Dancer/Creator/Aerialist John Trunfio captivated attendees with his choreography.

Broadway Stages is proud to host the annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival in cooperation with our green and arts partners.  We take pride in being a responsible neighbor and actively supporting economic, social, and environmental initiatives that benefit our community.

“At Broadway Stages, we strive to connect people to the environment and the arts. We are excited to welcome the community to our green rooftop to learn more about sustainability, the creative industry, and how we can flourish together.”

— Gina Argento, President and CEO, Broadway Stages

If you want to learn more or lend a helping hand, consider joining the staff at Kingsland Wildflowers for their Summer Open Hours or the Greenhouse Gang. For more information, click here. Regardless of whether or not you were able to attend this year’s Festival, please enjoy a few photos of the event. Looking forward to next year!

Industry Jobs | Production Accountant

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing 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. Still, 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 Production Accountant.

What Is a Production Accountant?

When most people think of a Film or TV production, their thoughts typically go to the cast and crew on a set or a sound studio. However, there is a support team that keeps the production running smoothly, and one of the critical members of that team is the Production Accountant.

The Production Accountant works closely with the producer and the production office from the beginning to the end of production. Depending on the size of the production, the size of the accounting team will vary. In addition to the key accountant, there may be a first assistant accountant, second assistant accountant, a payroll assistant, clerks, and one or more payroll accountants, who also work with the payroll coordinator at the payroll company responsible for processing the paychecks.

What Does a Production Accountant Do?

The job of a Production Accountant is demanding. Often, a Production Accountant works freelance and on multiple productions simultaneously. So communication, multitasking, and time management are crucial to success in this role.

Their work starts before filming begins, with calculating finances, determining the cost of a production, and coordinating details with the completion guarantor (an insurance policy to ensure the film is delivered on time and on budget). As production gets underway, they stay busy approving requests, checking receipts, and meeting regularly with producers to keep them updated on how spending is tracked.

They will finalize all financial records relating to the production and may also have to arrange an independent audit. Sometimes, Production Accountants collaborate with financial controllers, who are often permanently employed by production companies, and with other studio finance executives.

For a deeper dive into the role of a Production Accountant, check out this interview with Nigel Wood, Film Production Accountant at the ScreenSkills 101 Film series. Also, the article “5 Things to Know Before Becoming a Film and TV Production Accountant,” from Greenslate, has some excellent information as well.

How Do I Become a Production Accountant?

One popular misconception in the industry is that to be a production accountant you have to come from the accounting industry. A background or education in finance and accounting can be helpful, but it isn’t necessary. In addition to the skills mentioned earlier, such as communication, multitasking, and time management, you need to be inclined toward business and finance. Many times, these roles are filled by those fresh out of high school or college who have a love for the entertainment industry.

In this LA Times article about the Production Accountant role, Mark Goldstein, president and CEO of the film production services company Entertainment Partners, said, “The CPAs of the world are dealing with generally accepted accounting principles. The production accountant on the set is really just managing the budget that’s related to it and the expenditures that are being spent against it.”

While some projects are non-union, most large films and series will only hire union workers. So, you may want to join a union (the two big ones are IATSE 161 and 871).

Typically, your first six months will involve shadowing and learning the ropes as a clerk, also known as a third assistant accountant. From there, it’s all about doing solid work, building rapport with producers, and making sure they think of you for their next project.

As you pay your dues as a third, second, and first accountant, you will have the opportunity to work as the key production accountant, and that’s where you start managing the budget, maintaining financial records, and ensuring the entire production is going to come in on time and on budget.

If you are interested in learning more as you pursue this role, the California Film Commission’s Pilot Skills Training program offers an Entry Level Production Accounting Course that you may want to consider.

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 our blogs about many of the jobs that make a production come to life.

2024 Kingsland Wildflowers Festival

On the rooftop of Broadway Stages’ studios located at 520 Kingsland Avenue, Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and Community Engagement Center overlooks the iconic New York City skyline in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This one-of-a-kind setting of wildflower meadows stretches across 25,000 square feet. On Saturday, July 27, from 2 pm to 8 pm, you can explore the green rooftop and area along Newtown Creek.

The 8th annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival will give the public the opportunity to learn about native wildlife and ecology, engage with the arts, and partake in food and beverages from local vendors.

Those in attendance will learn more about the local environment, culture, and other community focused matters from Billion Oyster Project, NYCDEC Education, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm Project, Greenpoint YMCA, Queens Public Library, North Brooklyn Community Boathouse, NYC Bird Alliance, Clean Bushwick Initiative, Urban Soils Institute, New York Microscopical Society, the Polish & Slavic Center, and others.

The day will include several ways for everyone to indulge their artistic sensibilities. For the young ones, Asia Sztencel will offer a painting workshop. Noa Bornstein and Shana Fruchter will present "Peace Party with Peace Gorilla," and our friend Sol Kjøk will exhibit some of her paintings.

Several art installations will also be on display, including an interactive work by Cal Fish and video projections by Marita Isobel Solberg. A featured work will be "Resonant Nature," created explicitly for the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof by the recipient of the 2024 Broadway Stages' Arts Residency Award @ Kingsland Wildflowers, Seema Lisa Pandya.

Performing at the Festival will be the dance troupe Hivewild; the all-female Colombian culture lab, LaManga; aerialist John Trunfio; and spoken word and live percussion by the Bongo Brothers.

Finally, the day will not be complete until you fill your tummy with food and drink from The Shack, Healthy as a Motha, Adi's Empanadas, Greenpoint Beer & Ale, and more.

The event is free, and tickets are not required, but registration to attend or volunteer is appreciated. You can also follow Kingsland Wildflowers on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Broadway Stages is proud to sponsor the Kingsland Wildflowers Festival and its commitment to expanding natural habitat and green corridors for bird and wildlife populations. We are thrilled to collaborate with our amazings partners including Newtown Creek Alliance, NOoSPHERE Arts, and Alive Structures. Our collective efforts help to support initiatives that provide community value. We encourage you to come by on Saturday, July 27, to celebrate Greenpoint's environmental and arts renaissance and enjoy a day of fun and uninterrupted panorama of Manhattan across the East River, Queens, and North Brooklyn.

The Long and Hilarious History of The Second City

Founded in Chicago in 1959, improv troupe The Second City is responsible for launching the careers of countless iconic comedians and actors. The troupe recently expanded into New York City – a bit ironic considering the origin of Chicago's "Second City" nickname, which was coined by a journalist from The New Yorker who meant it as an insult to Chicago in comparison to New York City.

The troupe's theater space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is owned by one of Broadway Stages' affiliates and was once a record shop and club. Today, it is a 12,000 square-foot facility that includes a 200-seat mainstage, 60-seat second stage, several classrooms, and a restaurant.

While the six current players are making new history in Brooklyn, the original troupe's origins go back nearly seven decades and include a brief stint in the Big Apple.

Howard Alk, Bernie Sahlins, and Paul Sills, the University of Chicago students who founded The Second City, began their improv careers with The Compass Players (named after the bar where they first performed in 1955). Members of The Compass Players included future EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner Mike Nichols and his comedy partner Elaine May, the husband-and-wife comedy team of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and future six-time Emmy Award winner Alan Alda.

By 1959, the troupe was performing as The Second City in a new location near Lincoln Park. Two years later, members of the ensemble (including future Oscar winner Alan Arkin) performed the musical "From the Second City" at the Royale Theatre on Broadway (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre). The production ran for 87 performances and earned two Tony Award nominations. That same year, future comedy legend Joan Rivers joined the troupe and made her sole appearance in its seventh revue, "Alarums and Excursions."

In 1973, the theater company opened its first location outside of Chicago, at "The Old Fire Hall" in Toronto. Many future comedy stars would go on to perform there, including "Saturday Night Live" alums Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Mike Myers, and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" regulars Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie.

In 1976, members of the Toronto outpost established the sketch comedy show "Second City Television" (also known as "SCTV"), which launched the careers of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Martin Short, and Dave Thomas, among others.

Over the decades, the original Chicago location drew the likes of future "Saturday Night Live" stars John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Tim Meadows, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, and Aidy Bryant, as well as beloved comedic performers Fred Willard, Harold Ramis, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Bob Odenkirk, Richard Kind, Amy Sedaris, Jane Lynch, and Keegan-Michael Key. Even "Cheers" alums George Wendt and Shelley Long performed with the troupe in the 1970s.

We are so excited to support the next generation of comedy legends by playing a role in bringing the group to Brooklyn. The troupe is currently performing "Ruthless Acts of Kindness" on the mainstage, and tickets can be purchased here. If you'd like to learn more about the history of The Second City and its legendary alums, click here.

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.

Women's Stories Come to Life on Film | Part I

For Women's History Month, we are sharing the stories of real women who lived extraordinary lives, changed history, or made the world a better place. As a film and television studio production company, we naturally love to learn and share these stories via film. Learn about the lives of entertainers, writers, artists, athletes, activists, and more women by checking out these acclaimed biopics, many of which are available to rent on streaming services.

"Hilary and Jackie" (1998)

British sisters Jacqueline (Jackie) and Hilary du Pré both excelled in music at a very young age, with Jackie on the cello and Hilary on the flute. Younger sister Jackie proved to be a virtuoso and was playing packed concert halls as a teenager and earning international acclaim by the time she was 20. While Jackie toured Europe, Hilary remained in London and started a family.

Tragedy struck as Jackie developed multiple sclerosis in her late 20s, which slowly robbed her of her motor skills. She died in 1987 at the age of 42. She is considered to be one of the greatest cellists of all time.

The film "Hilary and Jackie" recounts the lives of the two sisters as they find fame and overcome tragedy. The film earned positive reviews, and Emily Watson and Rachel Griffiths each earned Academy Award nominations for portraying Jackie and Hilary, respectively.

Learn about other entertainers and musicians by watching: "Respect" (2021), "Being the Ricardos" (2021), "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" (2020), "Judy" (2019), "La Vie en Rose" (2007), "Selena" (1997), "What's Love Got to Do With It" (1993), "Coal Miner's Daughter" (1980), "Lady Sings the Blues" (1972), "Funny Girl" (1968)

"Madame Curie" (1943)

While Marie Curie may be a household name, few people know much about her beyond her discoveries of radioactive elements. "Madame Curie" chronicles her life as she begins sharing a laboratory with French physicist Pierre Curie, who she would later marry. They won the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics (along with physicist Henri Becquerel) for their work developing the theory of radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and in 1911 she became the first person to win two when she won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her discovery of the elements polonium and radium.

The film "Madame Curie" earned seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Greer Garson, and Best Actor for Walter Pidgeon.

Learn about other women who excelled in scientific, mathematical, and medical fields by watching: "Hidden Figures" (2016), "Gorillas in the Mist" (1988), "Temple Grandin" (2010), "The Lady With a Lamp" (1951), "Nurse Edith Cavell" (1939)

"Nyad" (2023)

Diana Nyad made history in 2013 when, at the age of 64, she swam from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida without the use of a shark cage. She had first attempted this 110-mile swim in 1978 in a shark cage, but had to stop after swimming 76 miles in 42 hours due to large swells and high winds. Throughout the decade she set several open-water swimming world records.

From 2011 to 2013, Nyad made five attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida and eventually completed the trek with a protective jellyfish suit and electronic shark repellent devices. She also had a large support team of navigators, doctors, and trainers that accompanied her in a boat, including her best friend Bonnie Sue Stoll, an athletic trainer and businesswoman.

Streaming on Netflix, "Nyad" shows the treacherous hurdles that Nyad had to face to make history and highlights the powerful friendship of Nyad and Stoll, portrayed by Annette Bening and Jodie Foster respectively. Both actresses earned Academy Award nominations for their performances.

Learn about other female athletes by watching: "Battle of the Sexes" (2017), "Queen of Katwe" (2016), "As One" (2012), "From the Rough" (2011), "A League of Their Own" (1992) – a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, "Heart Like a Wheel" (1983), "Little Mo" (1978), "The Other Side of the Mountain" (1975)

"Philomena" (2013)

Philomena Lee spent five decades trying to find her son who she was forced to give up for adoption in the 1950s. As a pregnant teenager in Ireland, she was sent to live in an abbey (a Magdalene Laundry run by nuns) that housed unwed mothers. At the abbey, she gave birth to a son then spent several years working unpaid. When she was 22, the nuns sold her three-year-old son to a family in the United States for adoption, against her wishes.

She later married and had several more children, but she kept her son a secret for nearly 50 years. In 2003, she revealed her secret to her family, and her daughter connected her with a journalist who helped her track down her son.

Today, she is an advocate and spokesperson for adoption rights. She established The Philomena Project in 2014 to raise awareness about adoption laws and encourage their improvement.

Judi Dench earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Philomena," and the film earned three additional nominations, including Best Picture.

Learn about other female activists, advocates, and leaders by watching: "Shirley" (2024) – coming to Netflix on March 22, "Till" (2022), "On the Basis of Sex" (2018), "First They Killed My Father" (2017), "Woman in Gold" (2015), "Iron Lady" (2011), "Erin Brockovich" (2000), "Dead Man Walking" (1995), "Blossoms in the Dust" (1941)

"The Lost King" (2023)

Philippa Langley is a British writer and scholar who led the project to locate the long-lost remains of King Richard III, the final ruler of the Plantagenet dynasty. He was killed in 1485 during the Wars of the Roses and buried in a simple church plot. The exact location of his tomb was lost when the church disbanded in the 1530s.

Langley spent more than a decade learning about the king and visiting potential sites of his burial. In 2012, she contracted a team of archeologists to exhume his body from under a parking lot in Leicester, England, where it had been buried more than five centuries earlier.

"The Lost King" chronicles the challenges Langley (played by Sally Hawkins) overcame in trying to convince historians and scholars to support the project.

Learn about other female writers and journalists by watching: "Boston Strangler" (2023), "She Said" (2022), "A Private War" (2018), "The Zookeeper's Wife" (2017), "10 Days in a Madhouse" (2015), "Wild" (2014), "A Mighty Heart" (2007), "Veronica Guerin" (2003), "Born Free" (1966)

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.