Enabling Success for More Than 55 Years: Kingsborough Community College

Broadway Stages actively supports education in our community, with a focus on the arts, the environment, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Local students can further their knowledge of these subjects and more at one of Brooklyn's outstanding educational institutions — Kingsborough Community College (KCC). Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), KCC has been a vital part of the community for more than 55 years, offering students a variety of educational options, including continuing education, certificates, degrees, and a path to four-year universities – all important steps to enabling individual dreams and success. 

Broadway Stages is proud to support KCC's educational programming and to sit on its Foundation Board. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recognized KCC as one of the nation's top community colleges. Learn more about KCC and its programs at www.kbcc.cuny.edu.

Calling All Young Artists: Eckford Street Studio Summer Art Workshop

The Eckford Street Studio Summer Art Workshop for Kids is underway! Brought to you by ESS Community Projects, this weekly workshop runs through the end of August. At the workshop, young artists entering kindergarten to second and third to fifth grades explore various themes through media including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and more. Guided by teaching artists, the kids collaborate and participate in projects, gaining important artistic and life skills. More information, including the full schedule and registration link, can be found on the workshop website.

Broadway Stages is excited to show our commitment to local community education through continued support to ESS Community Projects, which brings high-quality art education to all members of the North Brooklyn community, regardless of income or experience.

New Green Roof Teacher's Guide Now Available

Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages has recently released a green roof teacher's guide aimed at grades pre-K through five. In our changing world, it's important that at a young age, students learn about the environment and how they can do their part to create a positive impact. Green rooftops are a great way to introduce children to ecosystems and offer an opportunity to learn about their functionality and importance in the metropolitan area.

The guide itself breaks down the lessons by grade to accurately and effectively engage and enlighten students about the benefits of sustainability. Created by local STEM teacher Vicki Sando, the guide will first be implemented by her current school, PS 41. We encourage educators from all over the city to inquire about the green roof teacher's guide for use in their own curricula! For more information, contact the NYC Audubon or the Newtown Creek Alliance.

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations' Gala in Gotham

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) held its annual Gala in Gotham on June 13 to celebrate the achievements of its programs, graduates, and partners who work together to connect thousands of low-income New Yorkers with training for in-demand careers. As one of the sponsors of this event, Broadway Stages congratulates BWI and its partners for their efforts in creating new possibilities for career success and supporting the television and film industry of New York.

Of the eight training programs provided by BWI, two specifically support the television and film industry — the "Made in NY" Production Assistant and Post Production training programs. A collaboration between BWI and the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, their mission is to give unemployed and low-income New Yorkers a chance to work in the dynamic field of film and television production whether on-set or in post-production editing video or creating visual effects. BWI helps to provide skilled labor needed to support the ever-growing industry and New York economy. Skilled labor needed to continue to attract networks to film their productions and complete post-production work in NYC.

We also congratulate those who were honored at the Gala for their role in supporting BWI's mission, including:

• EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORTER Post New York Alliance

• OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER Crewforce

• OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER Total Transportation

• OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER Picture Farm

• CATALYTIC PARTNER Innovation Lab Partners

• INSPIRATIONAL GRADUATE Kareem Edwards

2019 Kingsborough Community College Gala and Auction

Kingsborough Community College (KCC) is hosting their 14th Annual Seaside Splash Gala and Silent Auction. This year's theme, Garden of Dreams, will whisk you away to a magical evening in support of student scholarships. As a trustee of KCC, Broadway Stages encourages you to attend, enjoy a memorable evening, and support higher education. For more information about the event, click here.

NY Sun Works Youth Conference 2019

NY Sun Works (NYSW), a non-profit organization that builds innovative science labs in urban schools, held its eighth annual Youth Conference on May 20. Through its Greenhouse Project Initiative, NYSW use hydroponic farming technology to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability. The Youth Conference offers a platform for students to share their scientific creativity while celebrating the Greenhouse Project, which promotes urban sustainability through science education and approaches sustainability science by studying the interaction between humans, technology, and the environment.

As a company committed to community, education, and environmental sustainability, Broadway Stages is proud to support this initiative and hopes that it will serve to encourage a "...generation of environmental innovators, empowered to create solutions to global resource challenges."

Check out a live stream of the event here and a photo gallery below.

Futures in Education Angels Reception Brings Students and Donors Together

Futures in Education 2018-19 Angel Program Recipients

The New York Hall of Science in Queens was buzzing with excitement last night! Futures in Education held their Angel Program reception that was attended by hundreds of students, their families, and Angel sponsors. It was an amazing opportunity to bring the students and their donors together to meet face to face.

Broadway Stages has been a longtime supporter of the Futures in Education Angel Program that allows less fortunate children in Brooklyn and Queens to receive a Catholic education. This year, Gina Argento was the Angel to four children, subsidizing the cost of their Catholic grammar school tuition.

"It's a privilege to play a role in the lives of these children, and helping them expand their knowledge and love of learning," Gina said. The Angel Program provides access to an excellent education for those who need a helping hand."

Any family with a child or children grades K-8 registered in a Catholic elementary school or academy in Brooklyn or Queens that can demonstrate financial need of tuition assistance may apply. To learn more about Futures in Education and the Angel Program, click here.

Celebrating Black History Month and Local Hero #42 Jackie Robinson

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Hosts Jackie Robinson Essay Contest
The first two months of the new year have special significance – in January we recognize the 100th birthday of a local hero, Jackie Roosevelt Robinson, and in February we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Black History Month.

On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson became the first black athlete to play Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era, playing first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in the Flatbush neighborhood of New York. From pioneering integration of professional athletics in America to playing a critical role in the Civil Rights movement, Robinson helped change the landscape of race relations in the United States. But his influence goes beyond the baseball field. Robinson was also the first black television analyst in MLB and the first black vice president of a major American corporation, Chock full o'Nuts. In addition, in the 1960s, he helped establish the Freedom National Bank, an African American-owned financial institution based in Harlem, New York. Robinson passed away in 1972 at the age of 53, but his memory continues to be celebrated.

On January 31, 2019, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, together with Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, kicked off Black History Month with a tribute to Jackie Robinson. At a celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall, a proclamation and posthumous "Key to Brooklyn" were presented to the family of Jackie Robinson (accepted by his granddaughter Sonya Pankey) on what would have been the 100th birthday of the hall of famer. In addition, the winners of an essay contest acknowledging the character and achievements of Jackie Robinson were recognized. The essay contest was held at three local schools named after the famous baseball player and civil rights leader. The schools involved in the essay contest were M.S. 352 - Brooklyn, P.S. 375 – Brooklyn, and P.S. 15 - Queens.   

Judges for the essay contest included community leaders, educators, a Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice, an attorney, and Gina Argento, President and CEO of Broadway Stages. As a company with local roots, Broadway Stages is committed to giving back and welcomed the opportunity to join in the celebration and serve as a judge for the essay contest. Gina applauds the efforts of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo for kicking off Black History Month with this ceremonial event. "Celebrating culture, and accomplishments, helps build awareness, and reminds us all of the value that our diverse experiences and talents bring to our world," Gina said. Broadway Stages congratulates all the students who participated in the essay contest and recognizes the winners on a job well done.

M.S. 352, Ebbets Field Middle P.S. 375, Jackie Robinson Primary          P.S. 15, Jackie Robinson Primary
1st  – Merlik Alleyne 1st – Kamryn Bennett                      1st – Anaelle Pierre Charles
2nd – Ragiyata Bah   2nd – Victoria Rolon             2nd – Madison St. Claire
3rd – Brianna Pettiford     3rd – N/A             3rd – Jasmine Jackson

For information about the Jackie Robinson Foundation, click here. To view the award ceremony at Brooklyn Borough Hall, click here. 

Broadway Stages Supports Futures in Education Angel Scholarship Program

As advocates for education, Broadway Stages seeks to support organizations and programs that promote student achievement, offer the opportunity for students to expand their knowledge, and provide equal access to education. One of many programs that we support is the Futures in Education Angel Scholarship Program. This year we had the opportunity to sponsor four children who will have their tuition subsidized by Broadway Stages. Without the help from donors, many of our less fortunate children in Brooklyn and Queens would be denied the value of a Catholic education. Any family with a child or children grades K-8 registered in a Catholic Elementary school or academy in Brooklyn or Queens that can demonstrate financial need of tuition assistance may apply.

Being an Angel gives you a chance to become involved in a student's life in a positive, impactful way, and you can directly witness the positive influence of your donation. Broadway Stages encourages you to consider a donation to Futures in Education. Together we can change lives through the gift of education. Watch the Angel Program video here. We guarantee it will touch your heart.

Broadway Stages, Ltd., New York's premier television and film production company, manages over three million square feet of integrated space with more than 50 sound stages, unique locations, production services, and over seven acres of parking throughout three boroughs in New York City. As a responsible company with local roots, we actively support economic and social growth, education, community betterment, and environmental sustainability throughout Brooklyn and greater NYC. Through financial, in-kind, and volunteer resources we strive to make a difference in the communities where we work and live.

University Students Visit Broadway Stages

Earlier this month, Broadway Stages hosted a group of undergraduate students from Fordham University's Communications and Media Studies Department. Accompanied by Julie Fissinger, Senior Director of the President's Council at Fordham University, the students, who are studying theater and film production, welcomed the opportunity to tour Broadway Stages' sets, unique filming locations, and support spaces such as construction, scenic, wardrobe, and props. They were also treated to a discussion about the television and film production industry with Broadway Stages' President and CEO Gina Argento and founder Tony Argento, who have been in business for over 35 years.

Throughout the tour and working lunch, the discussion centered around careers in the industry, as well as interesting stories about the day-to-day operations of a television and film production company. The conversation included information about Broadway Stages' commitment to giving back to their community and its various outreach efforts in education and community betterment. In addition, we spoke about Broadway Stages' green initiatives, including 50,000 square feet of solar panels and urban agriculture on the rooftop of two of its soundstages – sustainable efforts that protect our environment.

Broadway Stages is proud to support the next generation of television and film production leaders and encourage continued education and vocational training that sustain the industry. We are hopeful to have inspired this group of university students to understand the importance of giving back to their community and implementing sustainable environmental programs as they work to achieve their professional goals.

St. Stanislaus' "Get to the Point" 5K Hits the Mark!

After carbo-loading at the pre-race "Pasta Party" on Saturday, October 13, participants in the St. Stanislaus "Get to the Point" 5K were raring and ready to go on race day. The autumnal nip in the air set the stage for a fun-filled Sunday that began with the children's dash races, followed by the 5K run/walk, and the award ceremony. As the photos show, it was a day of fun and fellowship. As title sponsor, Broadway Stages is grateful to those who participated and donated to the event; the money raised goes a long way in advancing education and building community.

Broadway Stages, New York's premier film and television production company, actively supports a variety of organizations, programs and initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to local economic and community growth, education, the arts, public safety, and the environment. Through financial, in-kind and volunteer resources we strive to make a difference in the communities where we work and live.

Broadway Stages Encourages Hydroponic Learning

Hydroponic systems have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with more New Yorkers joining in on the revolutionary urban agricultural era. The demand for fresh, high-quality produce by urban dwellers has helped drive innovation and technology in designing new urban hydroponic systems.

Hydroponic systems overcome traditional obstacles of large-scale agriculture by reimagining ways to utilize space, water, and nutrients for plants. One of the advantages of hydroponic farming is that it consumes up to 90 percent less water than traditional agricultural methods. The systems resemble connected channels in which nutrient-rich water flows through so it can be absorbed by plants.

Broadway Stages President Gina Argento is a big fan of the hydroponic movement. When first introduced to the concept, Gina was ecstatic to learn how she could help younger generations learn about the amazing innovations in healthier agriculture.

Her search led her to partner with NY Sun Works, an organization that works with educational institutions to teach young scholars about hydroponic systems, solar energy, and fish farms. Since 2016, Gina has worked with NY Sun Works by sponsoring various events and donating to promote its educational programs. Working with NY Sun Works has helped make it possible for dozens of schools across the five boroughs to have hydroponic system learning labs. Under the name Project Greenhouse, the hydroponic labs come fully equipped with modern technology and processes for growing plants. Students are able to learn hands-on with each one of them monitoring and nurturing their very own plant using the hydroponic system. The best part of the whole partnership as summed up by students is that the whole process lets them explore with their own hands! As long as the students are excited, Gina says she is excited to continue to support NY Sun Works and its green education!