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.

Attend Greenpoint Y’s 7th Annual "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction | October 9

For more than 138 years, the YMCA has been in Greenpoint to empower the youth, improve health, and strengthen the community. And it has not been alone in this effort, a fact that will be celebrated at the 7th Annual "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction, taking place on October 9, 2024, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at Giando on the Water in Brooklyn.

The YMCA provides life-changing programs to our community's vulnerable children and families. This award gives the Y the chance to recognize others who have made a positive and impactful contribution to the community. This year, the honorees are Charley Ryan (Co-owner of Brooklyn Bowl), Donna Siafakas (Co-owner of Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop), and IATSE Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics, represented by Business Representative Kevin Gilligan.

Broadway Stages is a proud sponsor of this celebration. We invite you to join us this year by donating to the auction or sponsoring or attending the event. You can do so by clicking here. Proceeds will benefit the children and families in the communities of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. If you are not able to attend but would like to make a donation, click here.

Broadway Stages knows the Greenpoint YMCA is more than just a state-of-the-art gym. Their family programs, education classes, and comprehensive childcare create a community committed to helping our neighbors achieve their goals. This is why we have had a longstanding relationship with them. In fact, our President and CEO Gina Argento has been an active board member for years. Please consider supporting this year's "Spirit of Community" Service Awards Dinner and Auction. We hope to see you there!

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!

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)