The E-List

The show must go on, but who pays for it? We’re going behind the scenes of nonprofit theatre with Annabel, a development professional who raises funds for the arts. What does “development” actually entail? Why does government funding matter? And what can the U.S. learn from places like the U.K., where the arts are treated as a priority rather than an afterthought? We’re talking philanthropy, public funding, and what it takes to keep theatre thriving, plus some fan-favorite picks for the best of theatre!

What does it take to build a media company from the ground up? This week, we're joined by Kobi, founder and editor-in-chief of Theatrely, the Gen Z-focused publication bringing a fresh voice to Broadway and theater journalism.
From theater superfan to college radio host to producing a one-of-a-kind show for internet personality Trisha Paytas, Kobi's career has been anything but traditional. We chat about launching Theatrely, covering Broadway for a new generation, and what it takes to build an entertainment publication in an era where audiences—and media itself—are constantly evolving.

The curtain is up on our three-part summer theatre series with a micro-case study on the most famous playwright of all time: Shakespeare! His words may have started on the page and the stage, but they’ve taken on an incredible second life on screen. From She’s the Man to Anyone But You, Shakespeare’s stories have been remixed into hundreds of rom-coms, teen comedies, and blockbuster hits. We’re diving into why his work never goes out of style. What are Shakespeare’s most iconic storytelling tropes? And why is studying them so valuable for filmmakers?

Ever wonder what it takes to support Hollywood's biggest visionaries? This week, The E-List sits down with a Director's Assistant, Hannah, to unpack one of the industry's toughest and most sought-after jobs. It's a role built on trust, quick thinking, and long hours. In return, you get a front row seat to the creative process and the chance to learn from the best of the best. We talk about the skills that matter, the lessons you can't learn in a classroom, and why apprenticeship matters.

Happy 250th, America! Your birthday present? Season 3 of The E-List! As the country celebrates a milestone amid a deeply divided political and cultural moment, we're diving into the movies that have sold us an idea of America. From war films and historical dramas to stories that celebrate, question, or challenge the American Dream, we explore how Hollywood sells patriotism. Are we buying it? And what do these films reveal about American culture?

It's the season finale of The E-List!! To cap off an amazing season, we wanted to take a look into what it's like to be your own boss and fulfill your dream of making your own content  your way. This week we’re sitting down with a professional YouTuber – Patrick – the creator behind  “My Friends Call Me Pat.” As a solo writer, editor, and star, Patrick knows the ins and outs of independent content creation, so let’s break it down E-List style!

From hidden-camera chaos to 24/7 livestreams, surveillance has become one of entertainment’s most reliable formats. In this episode, we unpack how shows like Big Brother turned constant observation into prime-time drama, how Punk'd made humiliation a punchline, and why social experiments like What Would You Do? Aim to expose the bystanders. From the prank wars of Impractical Jokers to today’s doorbell-cam compilations, we trace how being watched has become peak entertainment.

Hollywood’s finest have once again gathered at the Dolby Theatre for cinema’s most glamorous night!
In this episode, we react to the 98th Academy Awards, breaking down the biggest wins, the most surprising moments, and the speeches everyone will be talking about all week. From long-awaited victories to controversial snubs, we unpack the night’s standout moments and debate whether the Academy got it right!

Some directors don’t just make movies—they leave a signature. From film school debates to Letterbox’d threads, the elusive idea of the “auteur” has shaped how we talk about cinema, but does it still hold up? In this episode, we break down auteur theory, spotlight the films that build legendary careers, and ask whether anyone can truly be an auteur in the age of studio mergers, I.P. wars, and streaming. Let’s break it down, E-List style!
 
 

This week, we’re joined by our friend and NYC-based comedian Danya Trommer! With 10 years in stand-up, Danya has toured across the country, hit major festivals, hosted a weekly show, and racked up a viral set with Don’t Tell Comedy.
They’re here to give us the 1-2-3 of becoming a stand-up comedian — what it actually takes, what nobody tells you, and why bombing is basically a rite of passage. And more importantly… to make you and us laugh. And we mean LAUGH. So make sure you’re somewhere you can chuckle freely, because we’re breaking down the comedy hustle ✨ E-List Style 🎤🤣
To see Danya live, follow @trommertized and @offnights.nyc on Instagram for show dates!