Calling all Young Writers: Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets Launches International Writing Contest for High School Students - A Unique Contest Judged by Students

The Youth Alliance for Writers and Poets (YAWP) is excited to announce their inaugural student-judged international creative writing competition and exchange, designed to build a literary community and avenues for feedback, amplify young voices, and connect student writers across borders. 

“We are excited to announce the YAWP Annual Writing Contest and Exchange, which aims to connect young writers with diverse perspectives across geographic divides and uplift work that resonates with younger audiences, so every young person can ‘sound their barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world,’” said founder Livia Basche, a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. “Every young writer, regardless of location, deserves access to peer feedback, meaningful leadership and publication opportunities, and an audience and community built to support our creativity.”

Feel Good Interview Series: TV Broadway Star Julia Knitel of "Dead Outlaw" and "Operation Mincemeat" - She Talks About the The Best Advice She Ever Received, Her Favorite Films and More

By Markos Papadatos

Julia Knitel is an actress and singer who is known for her acting work in “Dead Outlaw,” for which she earned a Tony nomination for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical” for playing nine characters.Most recently, she is starring in “Operation Mincemeat” where she is playing multiple characters once again.

Knitel shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Julia's Favorite Films

On her favorite movies, she said, “I'm an old school girl, so I love ‘Beaches’ and ‘Hocus Pocus.’ I love anything with Bette Midler in it.” “I was on a Bette Midler kick the last couple of months, so those two are jumping out at me,” she added.

Feel-Good Interview: Daniel Lasker of "One Piece" - What Movie Inspired His Career, What He Thinks About Every Morning and 10 More Things to Know About Him

By Markos Papadatos

Daniel Lasker, who hails from Zimbabwe, is one of the stars of the popular series "One Piece" on Netflix where he plays the character Mr. 9. He is also known for his acting work in "Raised by Wolves" on HBO Max and the historical miniseries "Abraham Lincoln," where he played Robert Lincoln (the eldest son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln).

The actor shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Review of Dean Taucher's Play "Movies TV Mayhem" - A Whole Lot of "Inside Baseball" on the Entertainment Industry Keeps the Audience Engaged and Curious

By Suzanne "suzee" Ordas Curry

Do you really want to know what goes on the sets of some of your favorite TV shows and movies?

Maybe it's better not to know, maybe it's better to think that everyone is just one big happy family and gets along really well, like the characters do in their roles.

But if you do want to know more of the reality behind-the-scenes then go see Movies TV Mayhem, playing at Theater Row in New York City April 23rd - May 9th, 2026.

Movies TV Mayhem is the brainchild of writer Dean Taucher, who has spend decades on the sets of some of our most beloved TV shows and movies. And he's seen it all.

The play is a three-hander Jason Donavan Hall, Grant Neal and Oneika Phillips and is directed by Richard Calliban.

Jan Brady all Grown Up: Eve Plumb's New Memoir "Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond" is Sure to Make All Her Fans Happy Offering an Intimate Look into Her Life During the Brady Bunch and After- On Tour at Bookends in NJ 4/30

By Suzanne "suzee" Ordas Curry

It's always wonderful when someone whom you admired as a child becomes someone you admire when you get older.

I have always admired Eve Plumb, an actor at such a young age and so talented. She WAS Jan Brady. I also follow her on social media.

For anyone that grew up watching the Brady Bunch, we all know the trials and tribulations of being the middle child, with a cute little sister and an over-achieving, quite popular older sister who somehow managed to get Davy Jones to take her to the school dance. That's a tough act to follow, but if Jan Brady were to grow up as Jan Brady, Eve Plumb surely surpassed that little girl Jan's dreams.

Feel Good Interview Series: Jake Galluccio — Vertical Drama Star and "Grief Trip" Actor - 10 Things to Know About Him Including Why He Loves the Age He is, Why He Drums and Who His Dream Acting Partners Are

By: Markos Papadatos

Jake Galluccio is known for his acting work as a star in the vertical drama world (such as "A Deal with the Hockey Captain" and "Call Me By Your Heart"). He is also known for his starring role in the short film "Grief Trip," written and directed by Christian Baldonado, where he navigates family loss, trauma and healing.

Galluccio, sat down and chatted with this journalist at Burgerology Midtown in New York City, and he shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Feel Good Interview Series: Actor Claybourne Elder of Broadway's "Company" and "Gilded Age" - 10 Things To Know About Him Including His Own "Happiness Project" and His New Album "If The Stars Were Mine"

By: Markos Papadatos

Broadway star Claybourne Elder is known for his theatrical work in the Tony-winning musical "Company," and for playing John Adams in "The Gilded Age." He will be performing at 54 Below on April 15^th in support of his latest studio album "If the Stars Were Mine," which was released via Center Stage Records. Elder shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Dean Taucher Pens New Play on What Goes on Behind the Camera in Hollywood, "Movies TV Mayhem" Runs in New York City April 23 - May 9, 2026. Read Interview With Dean on How This Revealing Play Came to Be

Movies TV Mayhem is a new play coming to New York City April 23rd to May 9th at Theater Row. It's the theatrical review of  production designer now playright Dean Taucher. It stars Jason Donavan Hall, Grant Neal and Oneika Phillips and is directed by Richard Calliban.

Dean wrote the play based on his vast years of  experience in TV and entertainment. And I mean REALLY vast, Dean has worked as a production designer on nearly 500 episodic TV shows, including notable titles like Miami Vice, Law & Order: SVU, New York Undercover, season one of The Sopranos, and more. Earlier in his career, Dean worked at the crew level as a scenic artist on films such as The Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Neighbors, Annie, 9 1/2 Weeks, The Cotton Club, Manhunter, Fatal Attraction, and season five of Saturday Night, among others.

Feel Good Interview Series: Max Burkholder of the Hit Series "Ted" - 10 Things To Know About Him Including What He Just Binged, How He Relaxes and Why He Hates Guitars

By: Markos Papadatos

Max Burkholder is known for his starring role as John Bennett in the live-action fantasy comedy TV series "Ted," which was created and directed by Seth MacFarlane (who voices Ted). Max shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Max's Favorite Movies

His favorite movies include the original “Jurassic Park” as well as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “Arrival,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” “I also love any Will Ferrell comedy,” he said.

FREE New York City Event: Axial Theater Presents a Play Reading of Robert Schenkkan's "Building the Wall" with Dan Walworth and Lauren B. Martin

Axial Theater is presenting a play reading of Pulitizer-Prize winning playwright Robert Schennkkan's play "Building the Wall" on April 12, 2026 at 5pm at Michael Howard Studios, 152 West 25th Street, 10th floor in New York City. The play reading is free but donations to the non-profit Axial Theater will go a long way in ensuring future productions. The reading will be by Dan Walworth and Lauren B, Martin directed by John Hickok. See below to RSVP. More info can be found at www.AxialTheater.org. Emmy-winner Cady McClain is Artistic Director of Axial.

Women2Admire: Valerie Bertinelli Comes to Carteret Performing Arts Center for a Conversation about Her Book - Top Ten Takeaways from this Inspiring Woman

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Growing up in the 70's, there were just a few girls on TV that I could relate to and looked up to. Valerie Bertinelli on One Day at A Time was one of them. She was a teenager when I was, and she had a sister like I did. Of course, her teenage life was much more interesting than mine, but I could dream...

But what I admired more as I grew up alongside her was keeping up with the many things she did. She had so many roles and was in so much - TV movies and shows, on the Food Network and even now on the Drew Barrymore Show. And did I mentioned she married a rock star?  This is a multi-decades career and a life of being in the spotlight. And what I am most interested now is, as we are similar in age, is how does she do it all? Where does this energy come from?

Feel Good Interview Series: Benjamin Roy of the Hit Series "Heated Rivalry" - 10 Things to Know About Him -Including His Favorite Music, Sports, and What He Might Be if He Was Not Acting

By: Markos Papadatos

Canadian actor Benjamin Roy is known for his starring role in the hit hockey drama series "Heated Rivalry," which has become a global phenomenon. He portrays JJ Dagenais, who is a defenseman and teammate to the heartthrob Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams); they both play as part of the Montreal Metros hockey team. He shared 10 interesting and fun things about himself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Meet Italia Ricci of "Designated Survivor'" and "The Boy with My Son's Face" -10 Things to Know About Her Including Her Love of Old Music and Hockey

By: Markos Papadatos

Italia Ricci is a Canadian-American actress, who is known for her acting work in "Chasing Life," "Supergirl," and "Designated Survivor." She is the wife of actor Robbie Amell. Most recently, she starred in the Lifetime movie "The Boy with My Son's Face." She shared 10 interesting and fun things about herself.

Women2Admire: Meet Jennifer Plotzke - This Award-Winning Actress and Producer Has a Busy Slate - Including a Role in NBC's The Hunting Party

Meet Jenn Plotzke, a multi -hyphenate woman in entertainment that we admire!! Jennifer Plotzke is an award winning actress and producer, appearing on television in The Hunting Party, FBI: Most Wanted, Blue Bloods and The Blacklist. She co-stars with Peter Friedman in the film Fizzle and she starred in the Paradise Lost adaptation, Lost + Found as well as the film Haunted, part of the Return to the Theatre of Terror horror anthology. Jennifer is the founder of Poor Monster Productions and currently has eight feature films in development. 

2026 Oscars Special Interviews: Chatting with Oscar Winners Amy Madigan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Kate Hawley and Andy Jurgensen - They Talk about Challenges, Relationships, Opportunities and Luck

 

By: Markos Papadatos

Editor's Note: Our Senior Contributor Markos Papadatos was in the press room at the 2026 Oscars. Here's what he heard from Amy Madigan, winner of this year's Oscar for "Best Supporting Actress" Autumn Durald Arkapaw of "Sinners," Kate Hawley of "Frankenstein," and Andy Jurgensen for "One Battle After Another."

Amy Madigan: Winner of Best Supporting Actress

Amy Madigan set a new record for an actress with the longest gap between a first nomination and a first victory at the Oscars — her 2026 win is 40 years and 1 month after her first Oscar nomination, which she received for “Twice In A Lifetime” at the 58th Academy Awards.

North to Shore 2026 Music and Arts Festival in Newark, Asbury Park and Atlantic City Features Sublime, Iliza Shlesinger, Janelle Monáe, The Black Crowes, Alison Krause and so Many Acts Across NJ: Includes Some Free Events

Another summer of great music is coming to New Jersey!

North to Shore returns this June with another extraordinary season of world-class performances, comedy acts, film screenings, community events, and artistic collaborations at venues across Newark and Asbury Park. North to Shore, a summer arts festival celebrating all of the Garden State's creativity, diversity and passion for innovation, is produced by the Newark-based New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).

Feel Good Interview Series: Emily Alatalo Of "Workin' Moms", "Crossroad Springs" and Many Christmas Movies - 10 Things To Know About Her - Including Her Very Positive Favorite Motto finsih

By: Markos Papadatos

Emily Alatalo is a Canadian actress and from Ontario, who is known for her portrayal of Ginnie McMillan in "Workin' Moms" and Cate Martin in "Christmas Plus One." She is known for her acting work in rom-coms on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Great American Family.

Feel Good Interview Series: Donna Lynne Champlin of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" - 10 Things to Know About Her - Including the Power of "No" and a Very Selfless Answer to Having a Superpower

By Markos Papadatos

Donna Lynn Champlin is an actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for playing Paula Proctor in the hit comedy series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" on The CW. Most recently, she starred as Bernie in the Off-Broadway production of "Pen Pals" opposite Emily Skinner as Mags, who ironically enough are real-life best friends.

New York Women in Film and Television Holds 46th Annual MUSE Awards: UPDATED WITH PHOTOS EVENT - Honorees Are: Jamie Brewer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Patricia Cardoso, Audra McDonald, Jane Raab and Joy Reid to Be Honored at Annual Gala with Nancy Giles to Host - Also Izzy Harrison To Receive First Sports and Media Award

The prestigious organization New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is proud to announce the honorees for the 46th annual NYWIFT Muse Awards. For more than 40 years, NYWIFT has presented the Muse Awards to celebrate and illuminate women of outstanding vision and achievement both in front of and behind the camera in film, television, music, and media. This year’s awards celebration will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Tickets are available to the general public.

UPDATE: FULL COVERAGE: PHOTS FROM The 2026 NYWIFT MUSE AWARDS BELOW

The Socially Relevant Film Festival Begins March 11, 2026 at Lensfest Center in New York City with film "The Last Wish" - See Many other Important Films, Meet Filmmakers and Network at a Reasonable Cost

The 13th annual edition of SR Socially Relevant™ Film Festival NY opens on Wednesday, March 11, at the iconic LenFest Center for the Arts at Columbia University, with the feature film The Last Wish by Rax Rinnekangas. The Last Wish, a Finnish-Spanish co-produced feature, starring Eric Francés (Madrid) and Nora Armani (New York), was shot entirely in Northern Spain, in Santo Domingo de Silos, and celebrates literature and literacy. The film is in Spanish and Western Armenian with English subtitles. Q&A with the artists follows.

Feel-Good Interview Series: Tony-Award Winner Actress Carmen Cusack - 11 Things to Know About This Broadway Star Including What Network She Binges On

By Markos Papadatos

Tony-winning actress Carmen Cusack recently starred as Bernie in the Off-Broadway production of "Pen Pals" opposite Gina Torres. Carmen is a multiple-award winner and is known for her acting and singing work in such musicals as "Bright Star" and "Flying Over Sunset." Did you know? She is the wife of Emmy award-winning actor Paul Telfer of "Days of Our Lives." She shared 11 things with us.

Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem – The Co-Founders of The WOMEN’S MEDIA CENTER – Announce the Honorees for the Women’s Media Center’s 21st Anniversary Women’s Media Awards to be held on Thursday, March 5th in TriBeca, NYC

Jane Fonda, Robin Morgan, and Gloria Steinem – the Co-Founders of The WOMEN’S MEDIA CENTER – have announced the honorees for the Women’s Media Center’s 21st Anniversary Women’s Media Awards to be held on Thursday, March 5th, at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The WMC AWARDS are presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media.

The Women’s Media Center’s 21st Anniversary Women’s Media Awards Honorees are: Margot Wallström, Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, Barbara Kopple,Paola Ramos, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Julie F. Kay and Chandra Childers. Here's why:

• Margot Wallström, Sweden’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the first United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will be honored with the WMC Robin Morgan Sisterhood is Powerful Award.
• Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President & CEO, Knight Foundation, will be honored with the WMC Pat Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Grammy Winner & Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee to Serve as Guest Speaker and Be Honored at BergenPAC Annual Event Celebrating Women's History Month

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is proud to announce that legendary Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee DARLENE LOVE will be honored and serve as the distinguished guest speaker at the annual Women's Spring Luncheon, taking place on March 24, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. on the bergenPAC Taub Stage at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood. Tickets to attend are $200.00 and sponsorships are available by visiting bergenpac.org/springlunch.

This highly anticipated event with limited seating recognizes Women's History Month, highlighting Darlene Love's outstanding contributions to music and her enduring impact on the community.

"Beth in Paris!" - A Women in Mid-Life Starts Her Journey in Paris - Can She Live the Life of Emily? Part 1 French Lessons

By Beth Abramson Brier

Editor's Note - Beth is a frequent contributor to SuzeeBehindtheScenes. Due to certain circumstances, she has left the stability of New Jersey to live in Paris for a bit.

Paris.  

No, that’s not quite right.  
Paris!  (Yes, that’s better).  
Paris!  The mere mention of the city* conjures up Emily’s adventures of glamour, fashion, amor, and that certain, yet elusive,  “je ne sais quoi”.  So when my husband and I had an opportunity to live in Paris we were packed and ready. But really, were we ready? 

Feel Good Interview Series: Accomplished Actor Penelope Ann Miller Most Recently of the Film "After All" — 9 Things to Know About Her

By Markos Papadatos

Golden Globe-nominated actress Penelope Ann Miller is known for her acting work in such feature films as "Carlito's Way," "The Artist," and "Kindergarten Cop." A few years ago, she played First Lady Nancy Reagan in the biopic movie "Reagan" opposite Dennis Quaid as President Ronald Reagan.  Most recently, she stars as the matriarch Verna in the film "After All." She shared 9 facts about herself.

Feel Good Interview Series: Get to Know the Young Actor Calista Craig of "Stranger Things"— 10 Things to Know About Her Including What She Watches

By Markos Papadatos

Calista Craig is known for playing Mary in the fifth and final season of "Stranger Things" on Netflix. She shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

Her Favorite Movies

“I watched ‘The Notebook’ for the first time in the summer and I loved it,” she admitted. “I love any rom-coms. I would watch anything like that!”

Feel Good Interview Series: Brayan Nicoletti of "The Bold and The Beautiful" - 10 Things to Know About Him Including the Favorite Movies of this Cinema Fan

By Markos Papadatos

Brayan Nicoletti stars as the new R.J. Forrester in the CBS daytime drama "The Bold and the Beautiful," which is the most popular soap opera in the world. In the 2024 horror film "Woodbridge," he played the role of Anthony.

Nicoletti shared 10 interesting and exciting things about himself. 

Bryan's Favorite movies

His favorite movies include David Fincher’s “Seven,” as well as “Inception,” and “The Prestige.” “I am a big Christopher Nolan fan,” he admitted. “I also love Martin Scorsese and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’.” “While my favorite movies tend to change, I'm just a fan of cinema in general,” he admitted.

Bookends in NJ is Brimming with Fabulous Female Authors and More - See and Meet Susan Lucci, Lisa Rinna, Valerie Bertinelli, Jennie Garth, McKenzie Mitchell, Gina Gershon, Sasha E. Sloan, Corinne Baily Rae and Others

Bookends in NJ offers the opportunity to get your book signed, meet the author and get a pic with some of the best and most popular authors in the US. The lineup coming up is tremendous, there are so many astounding and accomplished females coming with books to help inspire, inform and entertain you.

In addition to the females, there are also the likes of Andrew Yang and Steve Shirripa also coming.

The store, located on the main  street in Ridgewood NJ at 211 East Ridgewood Ave, offers ample parking, close proximity to the train station and a welcoming environment. It's also about a 45 minute drive from the city.

Feel Good Interview Series: Morgan Fairchild - 10 Things To Know About This Accomplished Actress - And What She Might Have Been Had Acting Not Been Her Success

By: Markos Papadatos

Acclaimed actress Morgan Fairchild is known for her acting work in the primetime soap operas "Dallas," "Flamingo Road," as well as "Paper Dolls" and "Falcon Crest." She also guest starred in "Murphy Brown," "Two and a Half Men," "Roseanne," "Cybill," and "Friends" (where she played the on-screen mother of the late Matthew Perry.) Most recently, she returned to the CBS soap opera "The Bold and The Beautiful" as Dorothy "Dottie" Bright after a 17-year absence. Fairchild shared 10 interesting and exciting things about herself.

The Creative Coalition Hosted its 19th Annual Spotlight Initiative Awards at 2026 Sundance Film Festival Honoring Rosanna Arquette, Anthony Bregman, Giancarlo Esposito, Rob Lowe, Iliza Shlesinger and Benedict Wong - PHOTOS

On January 24, The Creative Coalition hosted its 19th Annual Spotlight Initiative Awards at Buona Vita in Park City, Utah, honoring Rob Lowe, Gemma Chan, Rosanna Arquette, Anthony Bregman, Giancarlo Esposito, Iliza Shlesinger and Benedict Wong. Additional attendees included Alex Borstein, Yvette Nicole Brown, Katherine McNamara, Tom Welling, Jimmy O. Yang and Aasif Mandvi. The event convenes the Festival’s most notable filmmakers, talent and industry leaders for an evening celebrating independent film’s power to provoke, challenge, and inspire. The Spotlight Initiative Awards honors artists and storytellers show work embodies creative risk, originality and social impact with this year's Honorees representing a dynamic cross-section of talent.

"Freedom for a Night" - The Untold Stories of the Real Housewives of Greek Mythology by Caytha Jentis Runs Feb 19-22, 2026 at the Theater for the New City - A Feminist Circus Stage Play with Amazing Aerialists

Freedom for a Night, a fun feminist, genre-bending circus stage play written by Caytha Jentis and choreographed by Maia Ramnath, will have four performances February 19–22, 2026 at Theater for the New City.

Through aerial performance, spoken word, song, and dance, the iconic “dangerous” women of ancient Greek mythology step out of the shadows and reclaim their narratives. Characters including Medea, Medusa, and Circe tell their stories in their own words, challenging the myths that defined them and the systems that silenced them.

“Tonight, every myth will be unmade. Every woman will rise again,” declares the show’s host Artemis, played by Kendall Rileigh*.

The cast features some of New York City’s top aerialists and performance artists, including Troy Lingelbach (Dionysus), Caytha Jentis (Agave), Caitlin Borek* (Thelxiepeia), Maia Ramnath (Medea), Elena Delgado (Circe), Amara (Medusa), and Summer Lacy (Hecate).

"Hollywood East" is Booming - New Studios are Popping up all over NJ and the Tri-state Area - A Sampling of What's Coming to NJ - Like Netflix. 1888 (Paramount), Lionsgate and What's Here,

By Allyson Schiller

No one can say that the motion picture industry has had it easy these past few years. After the boom of work post- Covid, we fell into a time of oversaturation of the market. Productions that had been paused got back on their feet, regularly slated work continued and many studios tried to push out as much new content as possible. The industry then went into contract negotiations with various unions such as SAG-AFTRA, the Writer’s Guild, and IATSE, leading to months-long strikes and work stoppages. On top of this, there were fires in LA that paused production, studios decided they wanted to make less content overall, and the threat of AI became imminent. (Photo Left - Lionsgate/Great Point in Newark rendering)

Review of the Bruce Movie "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" - An Exceptional Portrayal of the Nebraska Album Slice of Springsteen's Life Which Will Resonate with Many Non-Fans as Well - Now Streaming

By Suzee
As a Jersey girl, I want to see "the Bruce movie" -  the day after it came out. (It's streaming now). A total super fan of The Boss, our friend Kevin decided to get a bunch of people - a good crowd of over 30, to see it opening weekend, at a theater down the shore near where Bruce lives. Because where else would we see it?

And Kevin made it an event. We had a tailgate for it. Yes, we had a tailgate at a movie theater parking lot. Kevin's daughter, who is also a fan, because his reach spans generations, made a meme out of the tailgating pic.

Feel Good Interview Series: The Versatile Actress Kathleen Chalfant Of "Familiar Touch", "Pen Pals", "The Copenhagen Test" and More - 10 Things to Know About Her

By: Markos Papadatos

Acclaimed actress Kathleen Chalfant's role in "Familiar Touch,"  has earned her critical acclaim and Oscar buzz from movie critics. She also starred in the Off-Broadway show "Pen Pals" last year, and she will be starring in the Off-Broadway play "The Dinosaurs." Most recently, she played the role of St. George in the espionage thriller series "The Copenhagen Test" opposite Simu Liu. Her character was the Boss in charge of the Orphanage.