In a dazzling display of strobe lights, Toronto R&B artist PARTYNEXTDOOR made his triumphant return to the stage 10 years after his first debut album. Playing his third London show of the Sorry I’m Not Outside tour, PARTYNEXTDOOR performed tracks from his latest release, Partynextdoor 4, to fans who had eagerly awaited new music at London’s Eventim Apollo on 10 October.
DJ Jay Knox amped up the atmosphere with throwback hits before PARTYNEXTDOOR treated his loyal fanbase to a celebration over a decades worth of discography. He delivered fan-favorites like Break from Toronto,Persian Rugs and Come and See Me, filling the venue with electrifying energy. Known for his moody, atmospheric R&B sound, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s lighting setup complemented the music, especially during No Chill, creating an immersive, emotional connection with the audience.
Though the founder of PARTYNEXTDOOR’S label OVO Sound Drake didn’t make an appearance, PARTYNEXTDOOR captivated crowds with his solo rendition of Drake collaborations like Recognize and also surprised fans with a rendition of Work, the hit Rihanna and Drake song he wrote, complete with backup dancers.While PARTYNEXTDOOR maintained a more low-key stage presence, the energy from the crowd made up for it. Throughout the night, PARTYNEXTDOOR’s live band played a pivotal role with seamless transitions and dynamic performances. The guitarist’s electrifying solo nearly stole the show.With the band elevating the atmosphere and dancers adding a smooth, sultry vibe, PARTYNEXTDOOR left his fans satisfied and excited for his next London visit.
Welcome back to the wilderness — both literal and metaphorical. As Yellowjackets returns for its much-anticipated third season, the stakes are higher, the mysteries darker, and the tension thicker than ever. Since its explosive debut, this genre-blending masterpiece has captivated audiences with its mix of psychological horror, survival drama, and an unapologetic dose of ’90s nostalgia. At the heart of the show’s gripping chaos is none other than Coach Ben Scott, portrayed by the talented Steven Krueger. Ben’s journey has evolved from a figure of authority and stability to a man grappling with both his physical limitations and the psychological toll of survival. Season 3 promises to push him even further.
In conversation with Schön!, Krueger opens up about the intense filming experience, the emotional depths of his character, and why this season is the ultimate payoff fans have been waiting for. From braving the real forest during summer shoots to navigating the precarious dynamics between Ben and the girls, Krueger offers a tantalizing glimpse into what’s ahead.
shirt + trousers. MM6 Maison Margiela
shoes. Ann Demeulemeester
opposite
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
shirt + trousers. MM6 Maison Margiela
shoes. Ann Demeulemeester
opposite
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
Credits
Season 3 of Yellowjackets is finally here! How does it feel to be back, and what can you tease about what’s ahead for Coach Ben this season?
It’s been a long time coming, so what a thrill to be back! The writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 set us back about six to seven months from our usual season timeline, so I know the fans have been waiting (mostly) patiently. I can guarantee this season is worth the wait, though. I’ve been calling it “the payoff season.” Everyone wants answers—and believe me, they’re coming!
We know you have some big episodes coming up. Without giving too much away, what was it like filming those, and how do you think fans will react?
I don’t have to give any spoilers to say that it was the most intense filming experience we’ve had yet on this show. We were back filming during the summer months, which was a blessing because we actually got to return to the real forest. It’s an infinitely better experience filming outdoors in the elements than on a soundstage. I can confidently say that fans will be in a constant state of shock and awe as we dive deeper into the season.
Your character, Ben Scott, has had quite a journey since season one. How would you describe his mindset going into season three, and how does he evolve this time around?
At the start of this season, we’ve jumped ahead six months from where we left off in season two. Ben has essentially run away from home after realizing that his chances of survival might actually be better on his own. So, for better or worse, he’s learning how to survive—finding whatever food he can and, most importantly, staying far away from the girls. But once he’s forced back into contact with the team, he has to navigate a very precarious situation, realizing they’re out for revenge.
Yellowjackets thrives on mystery and suspense. How much do you personally like to know about your character’s arc ahead of time, and how much do you prefer to be surprised?
As an actor, I think it’s important to know everything I possibly can ahead of time. Of course, it’s fun for the audience to be surprised, but part of my job is to craft that story arc in a way that maximizes suspense. To do that, I have to be the architect behind the scenes, shaping the performance every step of the way. I’m grateful that our writers and producers have been so helpful in that process at the start of each season.
You were originally on the path to becoming an attorney. Do you ever think about what your life would look like if you had stuck with law instead of acting?
I don’t have to think very hard—I just watch my friends who became attorneys! As fulfilling as a law career might be at times, I think I made the right choice.
coat. Loewe
tank top. Dries Van Noten
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
full look. Saint Laurent
coat. Loewe
tank top. Dries Van Noten
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
full look. Saint Laurent
Credits
You’ve played a wide range of characters, from The Originals to Roswell, New Mexico and now Yellowjackets. What’s been the most challenging role you’ve taken on so far?
Every character I’ve played has been uniquely challenging in its own way. I’ve actually found that the more different a character is from myself, the better my work tends to be. It forces me to be creative rather than relying on my own default behavior or mannerisms. But without a doubt, Coach Ben has been the biggest challenge. He has a physical disability and so many layers of emotional trauma that it’s hard to sift through them all. But this is the kind of role every actor dreams of playing—it offers so much room for imagination and creative exploration.
You’ve been recognized as a scene-stealer in multiple shows. What do you think makes a performance stand out, even in an ensemble cast?
I honestly wish I knew the answer to that—every actor does. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a performance stand out. Sometimes, it’s sheer happenstance that a particular actor, in a particular role, in a particular story, just clicks. More often than not, though, I think the key to every great performance is specificity. On a scene-to-scene basis, what exactly is the character thinking, feeling, and experiencing? My job as an actor is to put myself in a creative headspace that allows me to truly live in those moments when the camera is rolling.
You’re involved in a lot of philanthropic efforts, from environmental work to food banks and Habitat for Humanity. What causes are closest to your heart right now?
It’s such a tense time, both in America and around the world. I’ve found it overwhelming trying to figure out how best to contribute to the causes I believe in. So, I’m focusing as much as possible on local philanthropic opportunities—helping people close to me. I’m also slowly getting more involved in the Nashville political scene, where I currently live. The LA fires have consumed a lot of our collective attention to start the year. Even though I’m no longer a full-time LA resident, seeing that city come together and rally support for the victims has been heartwarming.
You like to keep people guessing about your next move — so what’s next for you after Yellowjackets? Anything you can tease?
Isn’t it way more fun to keep people guessing? I’m eager to see what’s next in my career. In the immediate future, I’m in post-production on a short film—my directorial debut. I’ve been looking for an opportunity to get behind the camera for a while, so I’m really excited to finish the film and share it with the world. It’s been an eye-opening experience and has certainly made me appreciate just how difficult it is to make anything in this business. But I’ll be ready to do it again as soon as possible!
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
coat. Loewe
knit. Isabel Marant
trousers. AMI Paris
shoes. Balenciaga
cardigan. Loewe
suit. Hugo Boss
t-shirt. Maison Margiela
necklace. Luis Morais
opposite
coat. Loewe
knit. Isabel Marant
trousers. AMI Paris
shoes. Balenciaga
jacket. Izakova
top. St. Agni
earrings. Bangla Begum
necklace. Pyrrha
jacket. Izakova
top. St. Agni
earrings. Bangla Begum
necklace. Pyrrha
Credits
Sahana Srinivasan brings a sharp wit and layered depth to her role in The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, a show that blends sitcom energy with unexpected twists. As Bhanu, the sarcastic and reluctant eldest daughter of an immigrant family, she navigates identity, family tensions, and the absurdity of life with a deadpan charm reminiscent of Wednesday Addams or April Ludgate. Beyond the humour, Sahana’s approach to the role—complete with mood boards, dialect coaching, and personal reflections—reveals a deep commitment to storytelling.
Schön! sits down with her to discuss The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, what sets the show apart from other comedies, and more.
jacket. The Mannei
top. St. Agni
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
opposite
top. SHAO New York
skirt. Icon Denim
shoes. Kazar Studio
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
socks. Calzedonia
jacket. The Mannei
top. St. Agni
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
opposite
top. SHAO New York
skirt. Icon Denim
shoes. Kazar Studio
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
socks. Calzedonia
Credits
What drew you to the role in The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, and how did you prepare for it?
There’s a lot of absurdity and satire in The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, which are two of my favourite things. I love getting to be silly, and the Rashomon-style storytelling of the flashbacks encouraged that because I got to completely change the character—and even the genre—depending on who was telling the story. When I prepare for roles, rather than writing about them, I love creating fun visuals. I made a mood board for Bhanu that included a lot of photos of me from high school looking “over it,” along with vibrant colours, bangles, bindis, and other elements of Indian culture. I also added a bicycle because, in the first episode, she finds one in the shed of her new house, which leads to her first interaction with Stu—kind of the inciting incident for her arc in the show. The accent was also something I really wanted to get right. We had dialect coaching, but I also spoke to a lot of my family members and friends with roots in northern India, since my immediate family is from the south and there are quite a few differences in speech patterns.
The show focuses on the experiences of an immigrant family. How does it reflect or resonate with your own experiences or those of people you know?
What’s interesting is that the show reflects the immigrant experience not just through its characters and plot, but also in more abstract ways. It’s a sitcom with a lot of humour, but there’s also a darker mystery element, and the lighting and colour correction lean into that. Even though I’m first-generation, I relate to the idea of using humour to get through difficult situations as a person of colour living in America. The wardrobe choices in the flashbacks are much more colourful and traditional compared to the present-day interrogation scenes, which, to me, symbolizes how people come to America full of hope and culture, only to realize it’s a very different reality than they expected. That inevitably changes them. That being said, the family dynamics in the show are relatable to anyone, which highlights how similar our experiences can be regardless of where we come from.
What do you think sets The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh apart from other family-centric comedies?
Tonally, it’s really unique. The first episode has traditional sitcom vibes, but then things take a wild turn, and from there, the plot becomes completely unpredictable. Every episode ends on a cliffhanger, which is something you don’t see in a lot of family comedies.
cardigan. Duvin
dress. Rabot
necklaces. Pyrrha + Annele
opposite
top. SHAO New York
skirt. Icon Denim
shoes. Kazar Studio
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
socks. Calzedonia
cardigan. Duvin
dress. Rabot
necklaces. Pyrrha + Annele
opposite
top. SHAO New York
skirt. Icon Denim
shoes. Kazar Studio
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
socks. Calzedonia
Credits
jacket. The Mannei
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
opposite
jacket + shorts. Izakova
top. St. Agni
boots. Kazar Studio
earrings. Bangla Begum
necklace. Pyrrha
jacket. The Mannei
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
opposite
jacket + shorts. Izakova
top. St. Agni
boots. Kazar Studio
earrings. Bangla Begum
necklace. Pyrrha
Credits
How would you describe the dynamic between your character and the rest of the family?
Bhanu is hard to read. I loved giving her this deadpan, Wednesday Addams or April Ludgate energy—she has a lot of love for her family, but she’s at that age where she struggles to fit in while also not really wanting to. On top of that, she’s navigating the confusion and resentment of being brought to America without a say in the decision. Her relationship with her mom, Sudha, is especially interesting. They’re very similar—both opinionated and sharp—so they constantly butt heads. But at the same time, Bhanu secretly feels the most understood by her mother. Her “dorky brothers” have each other, but as the oldest sibling, Bhanu takes on a sense of responsibility. She stands up for them when they need it—like when she takes them to egg Vinod’s bully’s house.
Comedy often relies on timing and chemistry. What was it like working with the cast, and do you have any memorable moments from the set?
We filmed the show in Toronto, and since most of the cast wasn’t from there, we all stayed at the same hotel and spent a lot of time together. But because it was freezing cold, we mostly stayed in—playing Mario Kart, watching movies, and eating pizza on the weekends. It really felt like family. We could do almost nothing together and still have fun.
The series tackles both humorous and heartfelt moments. How do you find the balance between comedy and emotional depth in your performance?
Bhanu’s arc ended up having more emotional depth than I expected. I loved getting to do both comedy and drama because it reminded me that my character is human—she’s not one-note.
Even in comedic scenes, I’m always thinking about her emotions and stakes, because without that, the comedy wouldn’t land as well. The funniest moments are usually rooted in something real.
Beyond The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, what kind of stories are you interested in exploring as an actor, and do you have any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
I definitely want to keep doing comedy, but I’d love to explore different genres within it—horror-comedy, action-comedy, multi-cam sitcoms, and anything that lets me make people laugh in new ways.
jacket. The Mannei
top. St. Agni
jeans. Jessie Da Silva
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
jacket. The Mannei
top. St. Agni
jeans. Jessie Da Silva
necklaces. Sin by Mannei + Pyrrha
Credits
top. SHAO New York
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
opposite
top. SHAO New York
top. SHAO New York
earrings. ANNELE
necklace. Pyrrha
opposite
top. SHAO New York
From the quiet streets of Harrisburg to the electric avenues of New York City, Layton Lamell is a rising force in both the acting and fashion worlds. His journey is one of bold decisions and relentless ambition, a story that took root in a small college dorm room at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It was there, standing before a mirror, envisioning himself striding through NYC’s bustling streets, that the spark ignited. But the flame truly roared to life one cold night at a local movie theatre, watching Joaquin Phoenix’s transformative performance in Joker. That film struck a chord so deep that Layton left the theatre and immediately called his mother, declaring his intent to move to New York and pursue acting. With her blessing — and a global pandemic offering unexpected time for reflection and planning — his dream set its course.
Since then, Layton has made his mark with his Off-Broadway debut in A Dream in 303, stepping into the spotlight with only 72 hours to prepare for a role that would alter his path forever. The whirlwind journey — from booking a late-night bus to NYC on his birthday to memorizing nearly 100 pages of dialogue in mere days — was as challenging as it was rewarding. Yet, for Layton, the standing ovations and heartfelt audience reactions reaffirmed what he had long felt in his heart: this was his calling.
Looking ahead, Layton’s calendar brims with new projects — an upcoming play and an indie film — poised to push his creative boundaries even further. To him, true artistry lies in fearlessly embracing life, feeling every emotion deeply, and channelling those experiences into his work. It’s about honouring his culture, taking risks, and stepping into the industry not just as an actor but as a creative force. Schön! sits down with him to discuss what the future holds, upcoming projects, and beyond.
top. MNK
shorts. Corinna Houidi
top. MNK
shorts. Corinna Houidi
Credits
From Harrisburg to NYC, what was the turning point that made you pursue acting and modelling professionally?
The turning point happened in my college dorm room at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I remember standing in front of the mirror, trying on different outfits, and imagining myself walking through the streets of New York City. I’d sketch product designs in my notebook, dreaming of something bigger. But it all crystallized one cold night when I walked to the local movie theatre to watch Joker directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix. That film inspired me that I called my mother right after, telling her I wanted to move to NYC to study acting. It wasn’t an easy decision — I had a partial scholarship — but she heard me out and gave me her blessing. Then COVID hit, which unexpectedly gave me time to plan my next steps. From there, everything started falling into place.
A Dream in 303 marked your Off-Broadway debut. What was the most challenging and rewarding part of stepping onto that stage?
The biggest challenge was stepping into the role with just 72 hours to prepare. The production had been in the works since the summer of 2024, and I was cast at the last minute after other actors dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. I got the call on January 24th, rehearsals started the next day — which happened to be my birthday — and opening night was January 29th.
I had planned to celebrate my birthday with my family, but when this opportunity came, I knew I couldn’t hesitate.
At 11:30 PM I booked a bus, leaving at 1:30 AM, and spent the entire ride rehearsing lines, refusing to sleep. I arrived in NYC at 5:30 AM and By 10 AM, I was at the rehearsal location, meeting the cast and jumping right into the play. It wasn’t easy, but the cast was supportive. I promised them I’d be fully ready by opening night, so I went home, shut off my phone, and committed fully to the work. The most rewarding part? Knowing I could rise to the challenge. Learning nearly 100 pages of dialogue in a couple of days, performing in front of live audiences, and hearing how my performance impacted others — it confirmed that this is what I’m meant to do. That moment changed my life.
How did your experience at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio shape your approach to acting? Do you find yourself applying those lessons in your work today?
Training at Terry Knickerbocker Studio gave me the foundation I needed to craft compelling work. It wasn’t just about technique — it taught me how to truly listen, to be present, and to have compassion for humanity and art. More than anything, it deepened my love for the craft. I learned that acting isn’t about performance; it’s about truth. And that truth comes from stillness, from being open to the moment. If I ever feel lost, I know I can return to my training — to the toolkit I built there — to ground myself in any role. I owe a lot to the incredible mentors who poured their knowledge into me: Terry Knickerbocker, Celestine Rae, Matthew Dudley, John Gutierrez, Justin Cimino, Kana Sato, and Pandora Scooter. Their wisdom continues to guide me, not just as an actor but as an artist.
shirt. Mr. C
trousers. Tom Ford
shoes. Kenzo Paris
opposite
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
shirt. Mr. C
trousers. Tom Ford
shoes. Kenzo Paris
opposite
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
Credits
You’ve worked with brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton. How do you navigate the intersection of acting and fashion, and do you see them influencing each other in your career?
Fashion and acting are both about storytelling. When I wake up in the morning, the way I dress reflects how I feel—it’s an extension of my personality. The same applies to a character. What they wear helps define their world, their emotions, and their essence. I see myself at the intersection of fashion and entertainment, being intentional about what I wear to public events and how it aligns with my projects. Icons like Zendaya & Law Roach, Colman Domingo, Timothée Chalamet, and Taylor Russell master this art — using fashion as an extension of their storytelling. That’s the vision: to collaborate with world-class stylists, designers, and fashion houses to bring a character, a moment, or a narrative to life.
With several productions in the works, is there a particular role or project that excites you the most right now?
I’m incredibly excited about a few upcoming projects, including a play and an indie film that I can’t speak too much about yet. But I will say this: they are game-changers. They will challenge me as an artist and push me to new creative heights.
You’ve spoken about pushing creative boundaries—what does that mean for you personally and professionally?
For me, pushing boundaries means fully experiencing life — feeling every emotion deeply instead of suppressing it. The more I live, the more I have to pull from in my art. Professionally, it means having a deep reverence for the craft but also thinking beyond just being an actor. I want to approach this industry like a studio — not just talent, but a creative force that builds worlds, amplifies voices, and disrupts traditional models. It means staying true to my culture, taking risks, and using my platform to help others where it’s needed.
If you had to create a short film where your wardrobe tells a story — perhaps featuring pieces from Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and HOKA—what would be the central theme or narrative?
The Gospel Of The Burg — a short film where wardrobe tells a story of legacy, faith, and style. It’s set in a small church where my Nana, a woman who never owned a Louis Vuitton purse but worked tirelessly to uplift her community, is at the heart of the story. The church is the soul of the neighbourhood—where hard work, faith, and fashion collide. I imagine the whole congregation decked out in Louis Vuitton: choir robes embroidered with LV monograms, the pastor in gold-rimmed LV glasses with a single LV-engraved gold tooth, and the offering tray — gold with LV detailing—circulating through the pews. The church ladies wear extravagant LV hats, men in tailored suits, and the stained-glass windows shimmer with the monogram print, symbolizing wealth, faith, and aspiration.
The soundtrack? A full “Church of God in Christ” gospel choir delivering powerful harmonies, blending traditional hymns with a modern, soulful twist. The tone? A mix of comedy and heart—think Friday After Next meets The Color Purple. The pastor played in the style of Katt Williams, is hilariously over-the-top yet wise, dropping gems in between his stylish sermons. At its core, the film is about luxury in the eyes of the people — the idea that success isn’t just about material things, but about the community, love, and legacy that live beyond possessions. It’s a love letter to those who came before us, to Black culture, and to storytelling through fashion.
Imagine you have just 24 hours to prepare for your dream role, with no prior notice. What’s the role, and how do you prepare mentally and physically to bring it to life?
That role would definitely be playing the live-action Miles Morales in Spider-Man. It wouldn’t just be a career milestone — it would be a cultural moment. With only 24 hours, my focus would be on embodying Miles’ heart, movement, and mindset. I’d study his journey, tap into his Brooklyn energy, and work on agility and fight choreography. More than anything, I’d live in his world—improvising scenes, moving like Spider-Man throughout the day, and carrying his confidence and vulnerability in every step. But at the end of the day, preparation is about trust. Trusting that everything I’ve done — every lesson, every role, every moment of training — has led me here. Miles Morales is about stepping up before you feel ready. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing my whole life.
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
