Coat Drive Kicks Off in the Heat of the Summer

Broadway Stages is hosting their second annual coat drive.  We know it’s still hot outside but the holiday season is less than four months away so it’s not too soon to think about keeping warm.  The coat drive will run from August 30 until November 25. We will once again parther with the NYPD 79th Precinct for the coat give-away on Wednesday, December 4. Details about the distribution will be provided on our website and FaceBook page. In the meantime, please consider donating gently used or new coats for adults and children of all ages.  

A special thank you to our friends who are supporting this effort and helping us to collect coats at various drop off locations — Greenpoint YMCA, Queens Brewery and the Park Deli. As they say “it takes a village” and we are grateful to be a part of it. For more information and to make arrangements for large pickups please send an e-mail to: Monica@Broadway-Stages.com

Annual Community Resource Fair Hosted by Assemblywoman Davila

Maria Hernandez Park was abuzz with activity on Saturday, August 24 where Assemblywoman Davila hosted her annual Bushwick and Williamsburg CommUNITY Resource Fair in partnership with El Puente. Take a look at the Assemblywoman's Facebook page and see for yourself the community resources and fun she brought to her constituents. Broadway Stages is proud to be a part of this community, and honored to be among the sponsors of this important community event. Congratulations to Assemblywoman Davila, her staff and El Puente for another successful Resource Fair!

Ujima Community 8th Annual Stop the Violence Event in Bushwick

Bushwick was the place to be this weekend as Ujima Community Working Together, Inc. hosted their 8th annual Stop the Violence event that included family friendly activities such as giant Jenga, checkers and more. Broadway Stages joined the group of sponsors and supporters, including members of the NYPD’s 83rd precinct, and provided school supplies and drawstring backpacks. The event taught kids about sustainable alternatives to violence with an emphasis on education, the arts and the importance of having a positive relationship with the local NYPD. Read more about this event in the article written by Rachel Baron in the Bushwick Daily and look at the photos below and see for yourself the fun that was experienced by those who attended.

Celebrate Women's Equality Day | August 26

Today is Women’s Equality Day. We celebrate to remember the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which gave women the right to vote. We celebrate to honor all women and the strides they have made to fight for equality in the years since. We salute the women who carry on the struggle today, such as the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and their fight for equal pay. We celebrate recent progress such as the equal pay legislation New York Governor Cuomo recently signed into law at the team’s World Cup victory parade. We continue our commitment to advancing opportunities for women and minorities in the television and film industry through membership in New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), an organization that promotes equality for women — whether in front of or behind the camera and in every stage of their careers — and works to make a difference through initiatives that recognize talents and provide opportunities for women throughout the industry. Join us in recognizing this special day and having a commitment to seeking equality for women – everyday.

Fall TV Preview ー Take our Poll: Which Shows Are You Most Excited About?

It is almost that time. The sun is setting earlier each day, and before you know it, the leaves will start changing color. That means it will soon be time for your favorite TV shows to return for a new season! It also means that new shows are making their debuts while fan favorites are coming to an end.

Broadway Stages is excited to see our sound stages and filming locations back on the small screen. We would love to know:  which show filmed at Broadway Stages you most looking forward to watching? Let us know in the comments section after reading about the 10 shows listed below.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga (Hulu)

On Wednesday, September 4 check out the new miniseries "Wu-Tang: An American Saga" on Hulu. The 10-episode miniseries tracks the influential hip hop group's rise to fame. Watch the trailer below and tune in next month to hang out with Method Man, The RZA, Ghostface Killah, and the rest of the clan.

Bull (CBS)

On Monday, September 23 "Bull" will return to CBS for its fourth and final season. Last season ended with Benny and Bull in fisticuffs, leaving the future of Trial Analysis Corporation (TAC) in doubt. Will Benny ever speak to Bull again? Find out when the show returns next month, and get ready by rewatching the fight below.

FBI (CBS), New Amsterdam (NBC)

On Tuesday, September 24 two drama series return for their second seasons: "FBI" on CBS and "New Amsterdam" on NBC. We are so glad that both shows chose to film right here in New York, creating economic growth for local businesses. We are particularly happy that they selected our sound stages as filming locations and hope that both shows have successful sophomore seasons. In case you missed season one of "FBI," watch the trailer to prepare for season two.

Evil (CBS)

On Thursday, September 26 CBS's terrifying new show "Evil" will premiere. The pilot episode aired at San Diego Comic Con last month, and those lucky enough to be in attendance said it was genuinely scary. Find out more about the psychological mystery by reading our blog post about its debut at Comic Con, and get a first look at "Evil" in the video below.

Blue Bloods (CBS)

Friday September 27 marks the highly anticipated return of "Blue Bloods" for its 10th season. Season nine culminated in the long-awaited wedding of Jamie and Eddie. We have a long-standing relationship with the cast and crew of this CBS drama, and we can’t wait to see their hard work come together again next month. Congratulations on 10 seasons! What a milestone! Relive the happy couple's wedding day below, and tune in on September 26 to see what's next for the Reagans and their friends.

Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)

On Sunday, September 29 the crime drama series "Godfather of Harlem" will premiere on EPIX. With Academy-Award winner Forest Whitaker starring, this show should not be missed. It tells the true story of crime boss Bumpy Johnson who took on the Italian mob in New York in the 1960s. Get a sneak peek in the trailer below.

Almost Family (FOX)

On Wednesday, October 2 another new drama will premiere. "Almost Family," based on the Australian show "Sisters," will air on FOX this fall. The show tells the story of an only child Julia Bechley, who finds out that her father, a fertility doctor, used his own sperm to conceive as many as 100 children. Learn more about the show in the trailer below.

The Blacklist (NBC)

On Friday, October 4 "The Blacklist" will return for its seventh season. Season six was a rollercoaster full of twists and turns, and season seven will no doubt continue the ride. Check out a clip from last season's finale, and tune in to find out Red's fate.

Madam Secretary (CBS)

The sixth and final season of "Madam Secretary" will debut on CBS on Sunday, October 6. The big news from the season five finale is that Elizabeth McCord is officially running for president. Will she win? Find out soon when the show returns in October, and check out the clip below from the season six finale in which Elizabeth announced her candidacy.

Which show filmed at Broadway Stages are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments section!

"Pose" Wraps Up its Second Season Tonight

When "Pose" concludes its second season tonight, viewers will have plenty of questions on their minds. Will Blanca get revenge against Frederica? Will the police discover what's hiding in Elektra's closet? Will Ricky and Damon reconcile? Tune in to FX tonight to find out what's in store for your favorite housemates.

"Pose" is groundbreaking in its portrayal of LGBTQ culture. The show explores the New York City ballroom culture of the late '80s and early '90s and includes five transgender actresses of color in its main cast. We are proud that the creators of "Pose" chose to film scenes of their final season-two episode at our Staten Island location last spring. Our waterfront area was used to portray a graveyard; see if you can spot the location while you watch the season finale tonight. What an honor to work with such a talented team. We can't wait for season three to begin filming.

Did you know that "Pose" is up for several Emmys next month, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Billy Porter? Well now you know, so be sure to catch the Emmys on September 22 on FOX. Best of luck to the cast and crew, and thank you for being a part of the Broadway Stages family!

Cooper Day Celebration was Sensational

What a sensational day! Residents from Greenpoint and Williamsburg gathered on Kingsland Avenue this past Saturday, August 17 to celebrate community and enjoy the summer day. Amazing music by Grupo JJ Band Los Duros del Swing, food and fellowship were on the agenda and everyone had a great time. Thanks to all who helped make this such a special event - sponsors, volunteers and residents. Broadway Stages is proud to support our local community and honored to have been a part of this celebration.

Fun Fun Fun at Canarsie Park

Canarsie Park was the place to be on August 15th.  Senator Persaud hosted Family Fun Day and she definitely delivered, even the weather was perfect!  The community was in full force as they enjoyed the family friendly games — proudly sponsored by Broadway Stages — including giant connect four, giant UNO, corn hole and other activities. There was even a storytelling station led by Kamla Millwood, children’s book author and Founder/CEO of Palatial Publishing, LLC, who inspired the children and captured their attention with her storytelling prowess.  Also in attendance were representatives from the four NYPD Precincts [63rd, 69th, 73rd and 75th] that serve Senate District 19.  

It was a great way to spend a leisurely summer day — sun, fun and community fellowship! In her remarks to the community, Senator Persaud encouraged residents to buy the local newspaper, the Canarsie Courier, and to sign-up for her newsletter in order to stay informed about issues and activities in the community. Our own Monica Holowacz, Director of Community Relations, also addressed the crowd, thanking them for the opportunity to be part of the event and expressing Broadway Stages’ pride in being part of the Canarsie community.

Arthur Kill Prison┃ Associated Press YouTube Segment

One of the hottest filming locations is in our own backyard and was the recent focus of a YouTube segment by the Associated Press. The former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility at Staten Island Stages has been the backdrop for popular shows and films like “Orange is the New Black,” “Daredevil,” and “Oceans 8,” due to its authentic penitentiary look and feel. Check out the AP YouTube segment and see for yourself what it looks like inside the prison.

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The 69-acre Arthur Kill campus, located in the Charleston section of Staten Island, was acquired in 2017.  Plans are underway for upgrades and construction of additional sound stages. We’re excited to see the full potential of this facility and to realize the economic growth it will bring to Staten Island.   

Taking a Stand Against Climate Change One Rooftop at a Time

In an August 7 article, Thrive Global talks about Broadway Stages’ early commitment to environmental sustainability and how those efforts are serving to combat climate change.  For more than a decade Broadway Stages have been involved in the environmental sustainability crusade. Their first green rooftop, an organic produce farm at their Eagle Street studio, began their vision for a green corridor at their sprawling Brooklyn based campus.  Today, with the support of organizations like the New York City Audobon, Alive Structures, Goode Green, Growing Chefs, Solar Energy Systems and others, Broadway Stages boasts 50,000 square feet of solar panels and over 20,000 square feet of garden rooftops. And we are actively working on an additional 1.4 acres (or almost 61,000 square feet) of green rooftops made possible by a grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program — what we are calling the Broadway Stages Green Corridor project, being managed in cooperation with Alive Structures.  

We welcome you to learn more about our green rooftops at Kingsland Wildflowers and Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, and maybe even consider a visit — there’s an amazing view! 

“A deep-rooted commitment to community and environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of our business philosophy.  Through green infrastructure and renewable energy projects such as Kingsland Wildflowers, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, and our solar rooftop that spans 50,000 square feet, we are able to utilize our soundstages in a way that brings mutual value to our operations, our environment and our community.”  —  Gina Argento, President and CEO, Broadway Stages, Ltd.

Save the Date - Family Fun Day at Canarsie Park - August 15

You won’t want to miss Family Fun Day hosted by Senator Roxanne Persaud at Canarsie Park on Thursday, August 15 from noon to 6:00 pm. With fun, family-friendly activities you are sure to have an enjoyable summer day. As a sponsor of this free event, Broadway Stages, invites you to join us as we celebrate summer and community with Senator Persaud!

National Night Out - A Heartfelt Family Affair for Broadway Stages

Oh what a night!   On Tuesday, August 6 police departments around the nation came together with their community to celebrate the 25th annual National Night Out. Since 1984 this tradition has helped to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, and that’s exactly what happened in Greenpoint last night!  NYPD’s 94th precinct and community council hosted the celebration that Broadway Stages has proudly sponsored for almost a decade.  Around 400 neighbors enjoyed food, family friendly activities, games and community fellowship. Hear what Broadway Stages’ President and CEO, Gina Argento, had to say about the event and all who came out to help.  

“Thank you to everyone for all your hard work. This was truly a family affair for Broadway Stages. From our dedicated and talented staff, to our amazing vendor @WilsonCatering, even out-of-town family. And to my beloved brother and founder of Broadway Stages, Tony — thank you for your inspiration, your drive and dedication to our community, our family and our business; we are indebted to you for your vision, your compassion, and devotion. And of course to our community for whom we work so hard to support, our elected officials for their time and continued advocacy, and last but not least, the 94th precinct and community council — for your service, protection and community support, thank you!”  

You won’t want to miss National Night out 2020 so mark your calendars now for Tuesday, August 4!  See you again next year.