Broadway Stages Proudly Supports CCSO-Food Bank of Corona

Evelyn Heilbron is an inspiring woman on a mission. When her son was 13, he suffered a stroke that severely impacted his vision, finding himself practically blind. 

"At that moment, I felt like I died," she said. "My son didn’t have a history of illness. He had never been sick, and from one moment to the next, in 24 hours, my child went blind, and I didn't understand it, and no one gave me any hope," she told Queenslatino.com. Since then, he has been on a journey of recovery and has regained 60 percent of his vision.

Throughout the painful struggle to help her son heal, Heilbron found strength by giving back. In 2020, she formed the nonprofit Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) to help feed those who are hungry. Dedicated to her son’s recovery, Heilbron said "this organization has been inspired by children who want a better world and a better life."

Broadway Stages’ brother sister team, Tony and Gina Argento, at the 2023 CCSO Food Bank of Corona Christmas Toy Giveaway!

In 2023, with the help of Broadway Stages, she opened the Corona Food Bank at 93-15 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, New York. This 4,200-square-foot facility collects and distributes food, clothing, supplies, and offers other critical services. Broadway Stages has donated the facility for two years now at a value of over $210K per year.

At the ribbon cutting, Tony Argento, founder of Broadway Stages, said, "It's my honor to be able to do this. To donate this space to provide necessities to people who are in need. I hope other well-off people who are doing lots of business here in Elmhurst and Corona can step up and spend some money, donate some money, and make this happen for people in need."

This past August, two occasions exemplified CCSO's dedication to making a better world for the children of its community. On August 5, Paul Cia­fone, the 13-year-old son of Broadway Stages' President and CEO, Gina Argento, was recognized for his initiative to start and stock a free children's li­brary. He came up with the idea after a dis­cussion with Heilbron. The Paul Library, located in a section of the food bank, provides a safe space where children (and adults) can read and receive nourishment, as well as clothing, along with other services for adults and fami­lies in need. The library now has 3,000 books, in both English and Spanish.

"There are no bookstores in this Corona neighborhood, so we have created a nice, family-friendly space for new immigrants to come here and enjoy reading," Heibron told Queenslatino.com.

Later in the month, the CCSO held a Back to School event. The charity event was supported by Broadway Stages, State Senator Jessica Ramos' office, NYC Children, Emblem Health, American Red Cross, Colombia Nos Une, Urban Health, New York Life, NYC Health + Hospitals Elmhurst, Paul Library, American Cancer Society, 34th Ave Open Streets Jackson Heights, Elmhurst & Corona Family Enrichment Center, Abarrotera Central, MetroPlus Health, and Latino Bites. Almost 2,000 people attended and received clothes, shoes, hot food, school supplies, and toys. Broadway Stages donated 500 backpacks and a variety of school supplies for the occasion.

Our President and CEO, Gina Argento, told the Queens Gazette, "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." And the productions that call Broadway Stages home are also involved. Shows including “Blue Bloods,” “Long Bright River,” “City on Fire,” and others have donated clothing and other materials.

CCSO's mission is to work endlessly to ensure the people in its community live with health and dignity. You can help by donating here. 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. For updates on the Community Center Services Organization, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Donations are also accepted.

Their doors are open seven days a week. If you are in need or want to volunteer, take a look at the calendar of the standard weekly programs offered. 

Plans are already underway for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you are looking for some inspiration, take a look at some photos from last year’s Christmas celebration. Your gifts are welcome and needed. If you are unable to provide a financial contribution, you can volunteer or make an in-kind donation of gently used clothing and shoes. Thank you for your support. 

Actor Spotlight | Carrie Preston

At Broadway Stages, we are thrilled at the success of CBS's "Elsbeth" starring Carrie Preston. The show premiered in February and has been so well-received that the 10-episode first season is now available to watch in eight countries. The second season will expand to 20 episodes and premiere on Thursday, October 17. In this post we take a look at Preston's career, which includes a presence on our stages for nearly 15 years.

Quick Facts:
Birthday: June 21, 1967 in Macon, Georgia
Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award
Broadway Stages Productions: "The Good Wife," "The Good Fight," "Elsbeth"

Preston began acting at a young age in theater productions in her hometown of Macon, Georgia. Shortly after graduating from Juilliard, she traveled to Montgomery, Alabama, to perform alongside her brother who was working at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. It was there that she met fellow actor Michael Emerson, who would later become her husband.

By the mid-'90s, the two were living in New York City and landing roles in shows on and off Broadway. In 1995, Preston secured her first Broadway gig as a standby for the part of Madeleine, a role originated by Cynthia Nixon, in the play "Indiscretions." Later that year she made her official Broadway debut as Miranda in a revival of "The Tempest" starring Patrick Stewart. Several years later she appeared on an episode of "Sex and the City" as an interior designer coincidentally named Madeline who was hired by Nixon's character – Miranda.

Preston's first mainstream film role came in 1997 when she played a bridesmaid in "My Best Friend's Wedding." Over the next decade she made guest appearances on various hit shows including "Spin City," "Arrested Development," "Desperate Housewives," and "Lost," playing the mother of her husband's character Benjamin Linus in a flashback.

In 2008 she landed her first role as a regular in a major series, playing waitress Arlene Fowler in HBO's hit vampire drama "True Blood." The cast was recognized with the Outstanding Television Ensemble award at the 2009 Satellite Awards.

In 2010 she began playing the quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni on CBS's "The Good Wife," appearing in two episodes of the first season. She returned for the third season in a recurring role and won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2013.

Around that time she also made several appearances on her husband's CBS show "Person of Interest," playing Grace Hendricks, the fiancée of Emerson's Harold Finch.

In 2017, she began playing a lead role on the TNT dramedy "Claws," which would go on to run for four seasons. That same year, "The Good Wife" spin-off series "The Good Fight" debuted, and Preston continued to play Tascioni on a recurring basis.

All seven seasons of "The Good Wife" and six seasons of "The Good Fight" were filmed at Broadway Stages facilities. In 2024, when Tascioni got her own spin-off, series creators Robert and Michelle King decided to stick with Broadway Stages. Outside of "The Good Wife" universe, another CBS original created by the Kings in 2019 was filmed at our facilities – the paranormal drama "Evil," featuring none other than Emerson in a leading role.

"Elsbeth" premiered this year to stellar reviews from critics and viewers alike. Several months before the show premiered, Preston found herself with another critically acclaimed hit, Alexander Payne's coming-of-age film "The Holdovers," which was nominated for five Oscars. She played Lydia Crane, the assistant to the school's headmaster who hosted a not-so-jolly Christmas party.

We are elated that Preston and Emerson have found so much success in the Big Apple and continue to support New York's film and television industry as part of the Broadway Stages family. We are also so proud of our 15+ years of collaboration with the Kings, a professional relationship that has produced, and continues to generate, acclaimed television programs filmed right here in New York City.

NCA Educational Programs Promote a Healthy Local Ecosystem

Since 2002, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has been working to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek. They have catalyzed effective community action on community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek.

One way the NCA strives to achieve these goals is by providing engaging, local-ecologically centered educational experiences for all ages. Through their multi-modal, hands-on activities and workshops, they bring the Creek into the classroom and the classroom out to the Creek.

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about the history and ecology of Newtown Creek and its surrounding watershed, the NCA offers four programs in two educational spaces, Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages and Queens Landing.

●       Kingsland Wildflowers Exploration

Participants can explore a wide variety of aspects that affect our urban ecology through activities such as plant walks, plant structures, pollination, insect identification, soil explorations, seed collecting, and flora and fauna identification. This 90-minute program on the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roofs is typically designed for 30 K-5 students but can be adapted to older groups as well.

●       Urban Waterways and Green Infrastructure Tour

The tour will start at the unique green infrastructure Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and proceed along the Newtown Creek Nature Walk next door, all the while learning about Newtown Creek and the importance of preserving and cultivating its ecosystem. This 90-120-minute program is best for up to 30 students in 4th grade and up as it includes a good amount of walking.

●       Marine Ecology Investigation

This 90-minute interactive program explores the variables involved in a healthy marine ecosystem. It takes place at the Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center and the shoreline of the Newtown Creek and East River in Hunters Point South Park. As it is a more in-depth experience, it is better suited for smaller groups.

●       Climate Change Adaptations Tour

The 120-minute tour begins and ends at the brand new Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center. From there, the group will set off on a walk through Hunters Point South Park, discussing how history, climate change, and the water cycle have influenced the park's design. Since there is a good amount of walking, the tour is best for ages 4th grade and up.

Broadway Stages loves living and working on the banks of Newtown Creek. Moreover, we are honored to partner with the Newtown Creek Alliance and all its hard-working staff and volunteers. They share our firm commitment to environmental initiatives and being a responsible neighbor. We encourage you to follow them on Instagram and Facebook and to keep an eye on their events calendar for future opportunities to learn and participate!

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.

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.

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!

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.