MinKwon Center for Community Action

Korean Activist Yoon Han Bong (1947-2007) had a simple but profound personal philosophy: "Live Righteously, Know Your Roots, Live in Harmony." Living out this philosophy went far in his efforts to establish democratic rule in South Korea, but his impact stretched across the ocean as far as Flushing, Queens.

Yoon Han Bong also founded "madangjips," or community centers for Korean immigrants across North America. In 1984, he founded the Young Korean American Service and Education Center in New York. This would become the MinKwon Center for Community Action in Flushing, Queens.

This grassroots immigrant rights organization was founded to empower the Korean American community. But, as it grew, its mission has come to include marginalized community members, such as the elderly, recent immigrants, low-income residents, and residents with limited English proficiency.

As its name states, community action is central to its activities. In this action, the Center seeks to guide the development of long-term solutions to policy issues affecting lives by empowering low-income people, new immigrants, and community residents. Dovetailing with these efforts are the Center's programs for civic participation. MinKwon actively ensures the communities they represent are registered, informed, and motivated voters.

Moreover, the MinKwon Center is a vital source of social services for many. It offers a comprehensive range of free social and legal services related to immigration status, housing status, health insurance, and public benefits. To ensure their services are accessible, they provide all of their services in Korean and Chinese free of charge. Also, limited English-proficient, low-income immigrants and seniors get top priority for services such as tax preparation, applying for public resources, and legal representation.

Furthermore, the Center invests in the future through its Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), where teens learn about social justice and the role they play in it. They also offer The Organizing Committee (OC), a group of passionate young leaders working for development in their communities. These are just two activities and events (which also include rallies, teach-ins, workshops, and community events) that the Center hosts. Follow them @minkwonyouth to see what is happening next!

The success of this critical community resource depends on financial support. In this, the Center's 40th anniversary year, they have initiated the 40 Weeks For 40 Years campaign, during which they will commemorate forty years of community action with forty weeks of giving toward their fundraising goal of $400,000. The campaign started on March 11, 2024, and will run through December 16, 2024.

If you or someone you know would benefit from the MinKwon Center's services, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep informed.

Broadway Stages is proud to work in Queens, which has the fastest-growing Asian population in New York City. We are confident in Queens' future because the MinKwon Center is working for a just and equitable society where everyone can live in harmony, dream, and reach their full potential. As one of their satisfied consumers said, "I can see and feel that the Civil Rights Center helpers do their best to help, and we who are in a situation that needs help are always grateful."

Spotlight | Wen Zhou

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations of Asian and Pacific Island heritage. We invite you to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and contributions! Today, we shine the spotlight on the fabulous fashionista and philanthropist, Wen Zhou.

Wen Zhou grew up in the small town of Ningbo, China. Her father, a professor, and her mother, a seamstress, taught people in the village how to sew clothes.“The thing I remember from childhood is the soothing sound of my mother’s sewing machine putting me to sleep. I came from a town that had no plumbing, no heat, we were simply looking to survive. I wanted to do better.”

At the age of 12, her family moved to New York City. Her mother continued working as a seamstress while her father worked as a dishwasher. Wen Zhou didn’t speak English but learned an unbeatable work ethic from her mother and father. During high school she worked part time in garment factories. She invested the money she earned in marketing and business classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Xhou’s first full-time job was cutting swatches for a textile manufacturer, but she was soon promoted to sales. This experience showed her the opportunities in the field. This knowledge, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and the aforementioned work ethic, led Wen Zhou to a fateful decision. At 21, she founded a business selling fabric. Of fabric, she said, “It’s quite nerdy, but I love the process of plant to yarn to fabric resulting in a garment—when I touch a material, my fingers can trace its journey.”

As this business grew, she founded her second business—an offshore clothing production—at 26 years old. Zhou was becoming a recognized and respected name in the fashion industry. A few years later, in Paris, she had a chance meeting with Phillip Lim, a fellow Chinese immigrant and fashion entrepreneur. He was ready to move on from his first line, Development, and presented Zhou with the idea of a partnership.

In the fall of 2005, they launched 3.1 Phillip Lim, and both were only 31 years old. Today, the brand is a global fashion brand that includes womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, and eyewear. Now, as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is available in over 50 countries and 400 boutiques and department stores worldwide.

But Zhou’s leadership prowess goes beyond business. She also sits on the Board of Directors for nonprofit organizations seeking to help others fulfill their full potential. One of those organizations is Apex for Youth, which empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Check out our recent blog on Apex for Youth for more information. Another is New Yorkers for Children, an organization that supports youth and families involved in the child welfare system and builds a bridge for youths aging out of services. Zhou is also on the board of Nest, which is focused on creating a new handworker economy to generate global workforce inclusivity, improve women’s well-being beyond factories, and preserve cultural traditions.

Wen Zhou is truly an inspirational leader who has proven that with strong commitment, passion, and work ethic, you can succeed no matter what circumstances life presents. The key is to pay it forward and never forget who you are and where you came from.

Isamu Noguchi Museum

In the Long Island City section of Queens lies the Noguchi Museum, a testament to the life and work of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988). The Noguchi Museum, chartered as The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, is a museum and sculpture garden.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, he was the illegitimate son of the Japanese poet Yone Noguchi and the respected American editor and journalist Léonie Gilmour. Growing up in Japan with his mother, he found his artistic calling as an apprentice to a local carpenter. Later, before beginning his career in the United States, he benefited from the mentorship of the sculptor Constantin Brancusi in Paris.

As an acclaimed sculptor, furniture designer, and landscape architect, he experimented with biomorphic forms to create unexpected aesthetic combinations.

In 1974, Noguchi purchased a photogravure plant and gas station across the street from his New York studio, where he had worked and lived since 1961, to house his museum. He designed the repurposed 1920s red brick industrial building in collaboration with Shoji Sadao (1927–2019). They would add an attached concrete pavilion in the 1980s.

Opened to the public on a limited basis in 1985, Noguchi sought to show his life’s work in a context essential to his vision. At the time, it was the first such museum to be established by a living artist in America. Today, the two-story Museum contains approximately 27,000 square feet of exhibition space, including a renowned sculpture garden. The museum and foundation preserve and display Noguchi’s sculptures, architectural models, stage designs, drawings, and furniture designs.

More than just a showcase for his works, the Museum offers a range of programs for children, adults, and families, including hands-on workshops, lectures, community partnerships, and more. One program of note is Project Luz, a free Spanish-language photography class for adults led by artist Sol Aramendi.

Since 2014, the Museum has annually awarded the Isamu Noguchi Award to individuals who share Noguchi’s "spirit of innovation, global consciousness, and East-West exchange." The recipients in 2023 were artist and writer Edmund de Waal, artist Theaster Gates, and novelist and editor Hanya Yanagihara.

The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month. Please note that advance reservations are highly recommended.

Significant financial means are needed to support the Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and care of its collection. Your tax-deductible gift will help the Museum continue its mission.

Broadway Stages loves the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and innovation behind the Noguchi Museum. Moreover, we are thrilled to have such a great resource of beauty and introspection right here in our backyard. Everyone should make a point to visit this excellent museum sometime this summer.

"Blue Bloods" Mid-Season Finale Airing May 17

Despite pleas from cast members and fans alike, "Blue Bloods" will come to an end later this year. The long-running drama about a family of law enforcement officials has been the linchpin of CBS's Friday night programming since 2010. Its 14th season is airing in two parts, and next Friday CBS will air the mid-season finale. Eight additional episodes will air in the fall to bring the show's total episode count to 293. Broadway Stages has proudly been there since day one, 14 years and nearly 300 family dinners ago.

The mid-season finale titled "The Heart of a Saturday Night" will include a guest appearance from Aidan Quinn ("Elementary"). The veteran actor will play a determined detective who crosses paths with Danny (Donnie Wahlberg) and Gormley (Robert Clohessy).

First up, however, is this Friday's episode "Two of a Kind" in which Frank (Tom Selleck) is furious to learn that Jamie (Will Estes) and his grandson Joe Hill (Will Hochman) were caught on video brawling in public. CBS also reports that in this week's episode, Danny will investigate when Sean (Andrew Terraciano) becomes the latest victim in a series of robberies on his college campus. Erin (Bridget Moynahan) is growing suspicious that an overworked attorney might not be acting in his client's best interest.

If you need to catch up before the mid-season finale, you can watch all episodes on Paramount+. We are so proud of the cast and crew for all of their hard work over the last 14 years.

Apex for Youth

In 1992, five friends in the City’s Chinatown saw that Asian American youth needed more significant support to thrive. So, with a budget of $2,000 and lots of volunteer help, these friends founded a volunteer-led mentoring program called Apex. Today, the group’s name is Apex for Youth. Today, it is on pace to have 100% of its 12th-grade participants attending college!

Too often, Asian American young people don’t have the support they need. There is a “model minority” myth that stereotypes Asian Americans as extraordinarily successful. While 18% of the City’s population is Asian American, less than 1.5% of social service dollars go to organizations serving them. 

Apex for Youth empowers participants from low-income families in NYC to envision a future of possibility. Nearly half of those involved come from non-English speaking households.

Students can receive support throughout their academic journey and early professional lives. However, programs at Apex for youth don’t just focus on academic achievement. The volunteers there foster a spirit of curiosity and joy in learning. Volunteers provide support in academics, social skills, and community engagement for elementary through high school students.

In 2020, a need for a new service became evident with the effects of an extended Pandemic lockdown and the increase of anti-Asian racism. Moreover, suicide is the leading cause of death among Asian American young people. And yet, Asian Americans have the lowest rate of any ethnic group in seeking mental health services. With this prevalent need, Apex for Youth initiated its mental health services in September 2020. With therapeutic counseling and education embracing the immigration and cultural experiences unique to Asian communities, Apex for Youth’s mental health services promotes the well-being of Asian and immigrant youth and their families.

The success of Apex for Youth lies largely in trusted adult role models. These volunteers support and inspire the students to expand their horizons and envision what is possible for their lives. Currently, Apex for Youth works with more than 700 volunteers who help us serve 2,500 Asian American and immigrant youth year-round. If you would like to take part in building the next generation of tomorrow’s change makers, click here for more information. 

In addition to volunteer support, it takes a growing amount of financial support in today’s economy to help these young people explore their interests and identities through activities nurturing their education, health & well-being, and community engagement. You can make a donation by clicking here.

If you know of someone who might benefit from these services, they can sign up today. Please remember that all programs have limited spots, and priority will be given to low-income youth.

Broadway Stages actively supports economic, social, and environmental initiatives that benefit our community. What we have learned about Apex for Youth has inspired us.  The mission, mentors and leaders are making a difference in the lives of our Asian American neighbors. We encourage you to learn more by followoing them on Instagram and Facebook. For a rich and dynamic group like Apex for Youth, something great is always on the horizon!

Mental Health Awareness Month | Biopics

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in every eight people in the world lives with a mental health disorder. Various forms of anxiety and depression are the most common afflictions, followed by bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia. Despite these conditions being so prevalent in society, many people fear the stigma associated with mental health disorders and try to ignore or hide their conditions rather than seek treatment. Conditions also go untreated due to medical costs and in some cases job disqualifications.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge these conditions that affect so many people around the globe. In recognition of this month, we have compiled a list of films about real people who dealt with mental health conditions, many of whom left an indelible mark on society and popular culture. Some were pioneers in helping doctors understand and treat their conditions. Learn about them by watching these critically acclaimed biopics.

"A Beautiful Mind" (2001)

John Nash developed and revolutionized many mathematical concepts, particularly those related to game theory, differential geometry, and partial differential equations. In his lifetime, he garnered many major industry honors, including a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics, the Abel Prize, and the American Mathematical Society's Steele Prize for Seminal Contribution to Research. Many concepts that he conceived still bear his name, including the Nash bargaining solution, Nash equilibrium, and Nash embedding theorems.

Nash also spent many years undergoing treatment for schizophrenia at psychiatric hospitals. In Ron Howard's Oscar-winning film "A Beautiful Mind" Russell Crowe portrays Nash's struggles with the disorder, which caused delusions and hallucinations.

"Antwone Fisher" (2002)

In 1959, two months after his father's murder, Antwone Fisher was born in prison to a teenage mother. Fisher spent most of his childhood in foster care, during which he was abused physically and emotionally. Tired of living on the streets, he joined the U.S. Navy to try to straighten his life out. This proved difficult, as his traumatic childhood left him with symptoms of PTSD, which he expressed through violent outbursts. With the help of a psychiatrist, he worked through his emotional traumas and found steady employment, started a family, and wrote the best-selling memoir "Finding Fish," which he adapted into the acclaimed film that shares his name.

"Antwone Fisher" marked Denzel Washington's directorial debut and Derek Luke's acting debut in the title role. Washington also co-stars as the psychiatrist who helps Fisher turn his life around.

"The Hours" (2001)

Early 20th-century author Virginia Woolf is one of the most influential modernist writers of all time. She is a key figure in popularizing the use of stream of consciousness as a literary device, a prime example being her 1925 novel "Mrs. Dalloway." She also endured long bouts of depression, which led to her taking her own life in 1941.

"Mrs. Dalloway" inspired the 1998 tribute novel "The Hours" by Michael Cunningham. In the film adaptation, Nicole Kidman plays Woolf in an Oscar-winning performance while Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep play fictional women living 50 years apart but each deeply affected by "Mrs. Dalloway." Each woman is in a situation that corresponds with a character in the original novel, essentially retelling the story in a modern setting.

The film depicts the real-life struggles of Woolf as she wrote "Mrs. Dalloway," but it also uses fiction to mirror the reality of everyday men and women suffering from depression, with Moore personifying the deeply unhappy post-World War II housewife.

"Lust for Life" (1956) and "Loving Vincent" (2017)

In 1889, Vincent van Gogh famously painted "The Starry Night" from the window of his room in an asylum in southern France. His year-long stay in this asylum followed a mental breakdown during which he cut off part of his left ear. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential post-impressionists in history, and he produced some of his most memorable works during his time in the asylum.

Doctors in the late 19th century were unable to determine the cause of his depressive episodes, harmful impulsivities, and hallucinations. Many historians now believe that he suffered from bipolar disorder, which is characterized by manic and depressive episodes.

In "Lust for Life" directed by Vincente Minnelli, Kirk Douglas portrays the troubled artist as he discovers his love of painting and befriends fellow painter Paul Gauguin (Anthony Quinn, in an Oscar-winning performance). The film also delves into the depths of his madness and genius that ended with his presumed suicide in 1890.

The animated feature film "Loving Vincent" details the artist's struggles while also serving as a tribute to his works. Written and directed by Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, "Loving Vincent" is the first feature film to be fully painted. Containing 65,000 frames comprising oil paintings on canvas, the film took more than a decade to make and involved hundreds of artists.

"The Aviator" (2004)

Howard Hughes was a pioneer in multiple industries – aviation, aerospace, film, business, and more. Tragically, his myriad accomplishments are often overshadowed by his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

In Martin Scorsese's epic biopic "The Aviator," Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hughes from his early days as a Hollywood film producer and pilot through his later ordeals and reclusive periods. The film carefully balances his remarkable achievements with his personal struggles to tell the complex story of the early 20th-century business magnate and aerospace engineer.

"A Dangerous Method" (2011)

Sabina Spielrein might not be as well-known as her contemporaries Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, but her work in psychoanalysis was groundbreaking, and her story was inspiring. She was one of the first female psychoanalysts, but her earliest contributions to the field were not as a physician – they were as a patient.

As a child, she suffered physical abuse at the hands of her parents. She later excelled in school but was emotionally troubled as a result of the abuse. At the age of 18, she suffered a mental breakdown and spent time in sanitariums across Switzerland. In one of those facilities she met Jung. Following her recovery from what was diagnosed as hysteria, she attended medical school and assisted Jung in his research. The Russian-born doctor would go on to publish dozens of academic papers in three different languages, including some of the earliest articles on child psychology.

Keira Knightley plays Spielrein in David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method," a film that explores the relationships between Jung (Michael Fassbender), Freud (Viggo Mortensen), and Spielrein.

If you are someone you know is suffering from a mental health issue contact the NAMI hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640 or email them at helpline@nami.org. You can also contact the suicide and crisis lifeline at hotline by dialing 988.

Spotlight | The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage. We invite you to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and contributions! Today, we shine the spotlight on the world-famous Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Chinatown has changed a lot since the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (CICF) opened in 1978, and so has the ice cream shop. In addition to selling ice cream, the shop housed an arcade and sold candy. But today, the ice cream is enough to keep the crowds lining up.

Christina Seid’s father, Philip, opened the CICF a few years before she was born, so she grew up working in the shop. Later, after college and a year as a teacher, she came back and took the reins from her father. While she grew the business substantially, she is adamant about keeping the shop true to its origins.

“When I see some small businesses opened by young kids, and they call each other CEO, it sounds crazy to me. This is a very traditional Chinatown small business,” said Seid. To this day, all 30-plus flavors are made in-house and taste great in an oversized waffle cone.

And those unique, diverse flavors are the key to their success. I assure you, you will have to seek wide and far to find a shop with durian ice cream. Walking in, you are greeted by various brightly-hued ice creams in flavors like lychee, don tot (Chinese egg custard), red bean, ube, and ginger. A scoop of almond cookie comes with cookie crumbles from the Golden Fung Wong Bakery. Another favorite “zen butter” includes toasted sesame seeds added to a peanut butter base. Is your mouth watering yet? 

One customer suggested mixing flavors, “My go-to’s are the pandan and lychee flavors since they pair well together. The pandan flavor is rich and strong, which complements the light, lowkey fruitiness of the lychee.” Another comment echoed this, “So many flavors to choose from. I chose the matcha cookie and taro, which was a staff suggestion…it was so good.”

But they also cater to the traditional ice cream fans with the tried and true “exotic” Western flavors (all made in-house) like chocolate, vanilla, and pumpkin pie. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for special appearances of flavors like Banana Durian and Caramel Cheesecake.

We encourage you to take a look at their menu. If you are not sure what flavor you want, the staff will be happy to get a sample for you to try. One patron said, “The staff was friendly and let us try as many flavors as we wanted, which we were thankful for because we had such a hard time choosing.” An out-of-town visitor said, “One of the best ice cream places in New York City (and the world), offering flavors that you will find at few other spots.” That said, luckly you can find these distinctive flavors and dedicated service in two other locations. Ever the savvy businesswoman, Seid has expanded the Ice Cream Factory to Flushing and the Lower East Side.

While many customers are tourists who venture to eat at CICF, they still have plenty of locals who appreciate a scoop of Zen Butter. “I want to make the store a community where everybody feels welcome, a community where a bartender hugs you and comes to your wedding. There are some restaurants that used to be like that in Chinatown,” said Seid.

Broadway Stages loves ice cream. Who doesn’t? But we are also partial to family and minority-owned businesses, especially those wit confident, innovative leaders at the helm.  Please venture to Chinatown, Flushing or the Lower East side to savor the amazing flavors offered at the Ice Cream Factory. And when you get there, be sure to tell them that Broadway Stages sent you!

Inside Broadway Stages | What's Filming

We are excited that the days are getting longer and warmer here in New York. As summer nears, we are seeing casts return to film new episodes, and fan favorites are getting the greenlight for more seasons. Read on to find out more about what's happening at our facilities.

"Elsbeth" Renewed for a Second Season

CBS's "Elsbeth," starring Carrie Preston as the quirky attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, has garnered rave reviews and drawn high ratings, so it is no surprise that CBS has picked it up for a second season. The character first appeared on "The Good Wife" and its spinoff "The Good Fight," both filmed at Broadway Stages.

In CBS's new series, Tascioni takes on an investigative role working alongside NYPD Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson). Each week, she solves a new case, which means that each episode features a special guest star. Keegan-Michael Key ("Schmigadoon!"), Elizabeth Lail ("You"), Laura Benanti ("Life & Beth"), and Arian Moayed ("Succession") will soon be making guest appearances. New episodes will air Thursday nights through May 23, so be sure to watch!

"Goosebumps" Announces Cast of Season Two

Two TV veterans will star in the upcoming season of "Goosebumps" on Disney+. David Schwimmer ("Friends") and Ana Ortiz ("Ugly Betty") will lead the cast of the second season of the spooky series based on R.L. Stine's popular teen horror books of the same name. Disney+ is adopting an anthology format for "Goosebumps," meaning the eight-episode second season will feature an entirely new cast in a new setting.

Schwimmer will play Anthony, a recently divorced father of twin teenagers. Sam McCarthy ("Dead to Me") and Jayden Bartels ("Side Hustle") will play the twins, Devin and Cece, who uncover a dark secret related to the mysterious disappearance of a group of teenagers in 1994. Ortiz will play Jen, a police detective with a tragic past.

The cast was recently spotted filming in Brooklyn. We are thrilled to welcome the cast and crew to the Broadway Stages family and can't wait to see the final result!

"Evil" to Return for Final Season on May 23

Fans who have waited nearly two years for the fourth and final season of "Evil" to arrive won't have to wait much longer, as Paramount+ has announced the return date for the supernatural drama. The first two episodes will hit the streaming service on May 23, and a new episode will drop every Thursday through August 22.

The paranormal series about a forensic psychologist (Katja Herbers), a technical contractor (Aasif Mandvi), and a Catholic priest-in-training (Mike Colter) investigating supernatural events premiered on CBS in 2019 before switching to a streaming format. Broadway Stages has provided facilities for the show's full run, and we will certainly miss the cast and crew. Best of luck to everyone as they wrap up this chapter of their careers.

CBS Renews "The Equalizer" for a Fifth Season

Queen Latifah's Robyn McCall will return to CBS for another season. "The Equalizer" is currently airing its 10-episode fourth season on Sunday nights, and the season finale is scheduled to air on May 19. Given the history of the show, we expect another cliffhanger leading into season five.

The show is based on the 1980s CBS series of the same name, which ran for four seasons and starred British actor Edward Woodward. In the series reboot, Queen Latifah stars as Robyn McCall, "an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills as a former CIA operative to help those with nowhere else to turn." The original show also inspired a popular film series starring Denzel Washington.

"FBI" Franchise Shows Renewed

CBS has ordered new seasons of all three series in Dick Wolf's "FBI" universe. The network has greenlit three more seasons for the flagship program that is currently airing its sixth. "FBI: Most Wanted" will get a sixth season, and "FBI: International" will return for a fourth. The first two series have filmed at our facilities for their entire runs.

Season six of "FBI" began with the shocking murder of an agent by the leader of a terrorist group, and fans have been waiting all season for justice. On "FBI: Most Wanted," viewers are hoping to see the wedding of Ray (Edwin Hodge) and Cora (Caroline Harris) before the end of the season. All three series will air their season finales on May 21, so be sure to catch up before then.

"Law & Order" Renewed for a 24th Season; "Organized Crime" Moving to Peacock

NBC is bringing back Dick Wolf's signature program "Law & Order" for another season. The show is currently in its 23rd season, and its 500th episode will air next Thursday. This milestone is a long time coming, as the show ran for 20 seasons from 1990 to 2010 then took more than a decade off, returning for its 21st season in 2022.

The latest season saw the departure of longtime cast member Sam Waterston, who portrayed District Attorney Jack McCoy in more than 400 episodes beginning in season five. Tony Goldwyn took his place as the new district attorney Nicholas Baxter.

The current season also included the addition of Reid Scott as Det. Vincent Riley following the departure of Jeffrey Donovan, who played Det. Frank Cosgrove in seasons 21 and 22. Scott recently sat down with Stephen Colbert and talked about getting the call from his agent about potentially joining the show.

The most recently launched spinoff "Law & Order: Organized Crime" will have a new 10-episode fifth season, but it will no longer air on NBC. Det. Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) and the rest of his squad will move to the network's streaming platform Peacock.

Be sure to check out all of the productions above, and follow our blog and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of updates on all of our productions.

AAPI Month | Advancing Leaders Through Innovation

The first person from Japan immigrated to the United States on May 7, 1843. On May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad was finally completed, largely due to the work of Chinese immigrants. Is it a coincidence that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month?  And what do we know about this celebration and the contributions of our AAPI community.

In 1977, former congressional staffer Jeanie Jew approached New York Rep. Frank Horton with the idea of designating a month to recognize Asian-Pacific Americans. She was frustrated with the lack of representation of AAPI communities during the Bicentennial festivities. Rep. Horton would go on to introduce House Joint Resolution 540 to proclaim the first ten days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week. On May 1, 2009, President Obama signed Proclamation 8369, recognizing May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Asian and Pacific Island immigrants are among the most diverse racial groups in New York City. They represent more than 30 different ethnic groups and speak more than 50 languages. Moreover, they are the fastest-growing racial group in the City. Indeed, these communities have enriched New York City’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate and pay homage to the contributions of the AAPI communities in the City. The City’s libraries are hosting many events, including a film series. The NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers are providing free history tours and fun activities around the City. You can also consider visiting the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art (for more information, view our previous spotlight blog on this ‘Shangri-la of Staten Island’). And for the third year, the City will be home to the AAPI Cultural Heritage parade along Sixth Avenue, from 44th to 55th streets in Manhattan on Sunday, May 19.

This year’s theme is Advancing Leaders through Innovation, continuing the “Advancing Leaders” series that began in 2021. The theme pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped this nation and continue to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership.

New York City has benefited greatly from the contributions of the AAPI community. Broadway Stages is grateful for all they have done and continue to do daily. This month, we will feature a few of those people, businesses, and organizations who reflect the spirit of perseverance, dedication and cultural pride. 

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.

Spotlight | Bronx Vegan Bazaar

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to support these establishments and advance local economic growth. This week, we take you to the Bronx Vegan Bazaar.

Broadway Stages cares about our neighborhoods and the people that live there. Earth Month gives us a great excuse to share ways you can work on a better you while positively impacting the ecosystem. One easy and indulgent way is to consider a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet has been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. As a result, it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But doing so impacts much more than your personal bottom line. Animal agriculture generates over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction. So, by reducing our dependence on animal agriculture, you are taking a step to make the whole world healthier. It’s certainly worth consideration!

This month, we have taken you to the GreenPot in Greenpoint, and Vodega on Staten Island, both of which serve up delicious vegan fare. This week we take you to the Bronx Vegan Bazaar, a premier vegan food festival in the heart of NYC. Making its home at the Andrew Freedman Home on the Grand Concourse, the Bazaar has a different focus each month.

“We decided to honor things that resonate with the Bronx community,” said co-founder Raidirys Rivas McCray. The theme this month honors Earth Month. May will be a throwback Bronx block party. And June will be Juneteenth-themed to give Black-owned businesses a spotlight.

The Bazaar offers a wide range of vendors with delectable vegan food options, from gourmet meals to delightful desserts. One vendor, Dez Mears, founder of “Who Made the Kale?” offers small plates featuring scallion mac and cheese with coconut rice, peas, curry cabbage, and smoked jerk jackfruit. He also serves Szechuan jackfruit with broccoli and fried rice.

“I wouldn’t sell anything I wouldn’t eat,” said Mears. “It’s about putting love in the food.” Eating well was never so easy or satisfying!

Plan your visits to upcoming Bazaars on Wednesday, May 15, Saturday, May 18, and Saturday, June 15. For tickets, click here. Also, follow the Bazaar on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to feast your eyes before you get there! And if you are interested in helping the Bazaar grow and continue serving our community, your financial support goes a long way!

Broadway Stages knows a good thing when we see it, and the Bronx Vegan Bazaar is a great thing! If you are already a vegan or just interested in trying new food, check out the Bazaar. There is something for everyone. And when you get there, tell them Broadway Stages sent you!

Celebrating 500 Episodes of "Law & Order" and Loads of Guest Stars - Part 1

"Law & Order," the police procedural that revolutionized the genre, is about to reach a major milestone – 500 episodes! The 12th episode of the current season, scheduled to air on NBC on May 9, will be the one that gets the series to this momentous number.

Although "Law & Order" began in 1990 and its first spinoff "SVU" didn't start until 1999, the latter reached this milestone first due to a decade-long (2011-2021) hiatus of the original series. Broadway Stages is proud to have played a part in making the 500th episode possible by providing our facilities and locations when the show returned for its long-anticipated 21st season in 2022.

Sam Waterston spent nearly 20 seasons portraying District Attorney Jack McCoy, and two years ago he sat down with Stephen Colbert to share his amazement at the show's new digs, stating: "The sets used to be in a studio on the west side of Manhattan. And now they're in a studio in Brooklyn. And they were all torn down and destroyed… But when we went back to work… the paint was still drying on the sets, but they were the exact same sets. It was like… time travel."

Nothing makes us happier than a job well done! We also provide space for the spinoff "Organized Crime" and are thrilled to be involved in such an iconic franchise. It often seems like pretty much every actor on the planet has appeared in the "Law & Order" franchise at some point in their careers. In honor of the 500th episode of the show that started it all, and its connection to Broadway Stages, we decided to take a two-part look at some of the stars of current Broadway Stages' productions who appeared on "Law & Order" over the years.

"The Gilded Age"

Let's start with HBO's "The Gilded Age," which films scenes at our facilities and stars two veteran actresses who both appeared in the first season of "Law & Order" more than three decades ago. Way before Christine Baranski donned a corset to portray the snooty Agnes van Rijn, she appeared on a two-part episode of "Law & Order" called "The Torrents of Greed," which aired in February of 1991. She returned in a different role in the season four episode "Nurture," which aired in May of 1994.

Her co-star Cynthia Nixon may have first caught audiences' attention on the immensely popular "Sex and the City," but nearly a decade before landing the role of Miranda, Nixon appeared in the second episode of "Law & Order" called "Subterranean Homeboy Blues." She played a woman who claimed self-defense after shooting two men on the subway. Today she portrays Ada Forte, younger sister to Baranski's Agnes van Rijn, on "The Gilded Age" and continues to play Miranda on the "Sex and the City" reboot "And Just Like That..."

Other stars of "The Gilded Age" who have appeared in the "Law & Order" universe include Audra McDonald, Morgan Spector, Jack Gilpin, Nicole Brydon Bloom, and Celia Keenan-Bolger.

"FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted"

Seeing as Dick Wolf's production company produces all of CBS's "FBI" shows, it is no surprise that the casts of "FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted" include a lot of veterans of the "Law & Order" universe.

For more than two seasons, Dylan McDermott has starred on "FBI: Most Wanted" as Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott. Before joining the series as one of the good guys, he portrayed mobster Richard Wheatley in the first two seasons of "Organized Crime" and appeared in a crossover episode of "SVU."

Since "FBI" launched in 2018, Jeremy Sisto has portrayed Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine. A decade earlier, he joined the main cast of "Law & Order" as NYPD Detective Cyrus Lupo during its 18th season. He continued in the role through season 20, after which the series went off the air for more than a decade. He did not return for the 21st season in 2022, as he was already committed to "FBI" by then. Sisto also appeared as an attorney in the 17th season finale before joining the main cast.

Sisto's "FBI" co-star Alana De La Garza has played Special Agent in Charge Isobel Castille since 2018. Before that, she portrayed Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa in the last four seasons of the initial run of "Law & Order" (seasons 17 to 20). She also appeared as Rubirosa on the short-lived spinoff "Law & Order: LA" and in an episode of "SVU."

Yet another "FBI" regular appeared in several episodes of the initial run of "Law & Order." John Boyd who plays Special Agent Stuart Scola, guest-starred as different characters on episodes in the 15th and 17th seasons.

Other members of the "FBI" franchise who have appeared on "Law & Order" or its spinoffs include Missy Peregrym, Terry O'Quinn, and James Chen.

Check back next month to read about more stars of other shows filmed at our facilities who appeared on "Law & Order" over the years.