Dylan Pitanza at the premiere of Don't Say Good Luck, photo by Noam Galai
Long before actor Dylan Pitanza would go on to work on a Netflix film alongside stars like Sunny Sandler, Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Bebe Neuwirth and Steve Buscemi, he was a New Jersey teenager discovering his passion for acting on local stages.
Now, the world that first inspired him has become the setting for his latest work.
Pitanza appears as Alan Fishman in Netflix's new coming-of-age dramedy Don't Say Good Luck. The film celebrated its New York premiere at the Paris Theatre, followed by a reception at The Plaza Hotel. Don't Say Good Luck premieres globally on Netflix on Friday, August 14, 2026.
For Pitanza, the role is particularly meaningful because Don't Say Good Luck brings him back to the world of high school theater.
"Don't Say Good Luck is such a personal film, for Julia Hart, for Laura Hankin, and for myself and theater kids," said Pitanza. "It feels like a window into the world I lived in when I was in high school. There was something really special about shooting in a real high school theater not very different than the one I used to perform in at RBR. Being able to share that experience, on film to such a large audience, feels really full circle."
Born in Manhattan, Pitanza grew up in Old Bridge before moving to Red Bank at age 14. He attended Red Bank Regional High School, where he studied as a drama major through the school's Visual & Performing Arts program. During his senior year, Pitanza was nominated for a Count Basie Award for his performance as Mitch in RBR's production of A Streetcar Named Desire. While living in Red Bank, he also performed in three Shakespeare productions at Two River Theater.
Those early experiences became the foundation for a career that has since taken Pitanza from New Jersey stages to New York theater, television and now a Netflix feature film.
"Growing up in New Jersey, theater was such a huge part of my life," Pitanza said. "There was this incredible community of young people supporting each other. So much of who I am as an actor came from those experiences."
For Pitanza, Actors Playground School of Theatre in Freehold has been a constant throughout his journey. He began taking classes there as a child and continued training at the school throughout high school and into his professional career. Today, he is also an acting teacher at Actors Playground, giving back to the community that has been part of his development as an actor from the beginning.
After graduating from Red Bank Regional, Pitanza continued his training at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, where he participated in the Young Actors Program before entering the One-Year Conservatory. His screen credits include Apple TV+'s Your Friends & Neighbors, CBS's FBI, Skate Kitchen and the feature If That Mockingbird Don't Sing, in addition to his role in Don't Say Good Luck. Pitanza is also a director, writer and producer, and co-founded the theater company Utopia for Losers, continuing his commitment to the theatrical community that shaped him.
Photo by Grace Loretta
Netflix's Don't Say Good Luck follows Sophie Birenbaum, played by Sunny Sandler, a high school theater student preparing to star in her school's musical while navigating a life-changing family situation. The film explores adolescence, friendship, first love and family, while capturing the ways theater can provide connection, escape and a sense of normalcy during a time of profound change.
The film was shot at a New Jersey high school, including in its theater. Additional New Jersey filming locations included Jersey City, Cranford, Paramus and Livingston.
The ensemble cast includes Sunny Sandler, Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield, Jack Champion, Stephanie Beatriz, Scarlett Estevez, Jon Lovitz, Emma McNulty, Elyse Bell, Bebe Neuwirth and Steve Buscemi, with Pitanza appearing as Alan Fishman.
The film was directed by Julia Hart, with the screenplay by Hart, Laura Hankin (story by) and Jordan Horowitz. Producers include Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Jordan Horowitz, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger.
Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a sevenalbum contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories.
Samara Joy has emerged as one of the most captivating new voices in jazz, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved tradition. With a sound that feels both rooted in history and uniquely her own, she has quickly drawn the attention of audiences and critics alike. Experience the artistry, warmth, and unmistakable brilliance of a true rising icon—live and in person.
To welcome Fall, renowned organist Ian Fraser will play a selection of Halloween inspired pieces on UCPAC’s “Biggest Little Wurlitzer,” our 1928 organ that is original to our beautiful Main Stage theater, in Illumination – A Haunted Concert by Candlelight!
The 45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place between September 4-October 4, 2026. The Festival will be a hybrid as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. Almost all the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person shows when both are offered.This program is only available Online for 24 hours on this show date!
Musician and historian Bobby Horton combines storytelling, musicianship, history, and a genuine love for the people who settled this nation, fought for our future, and created a new nation in Patriot Songs of the American Revolution.
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Music lovers are invited to experience the artistry of the Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) faculty at a free Faculty Recital on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center (724 Park Avenue) in Plainfield. Showtime is 3:00pm.
(CLARK, NJ) -- Waves of Education's 6th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5K & Family Fun Event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will welcome internationally acclaimed Indian classical musician Ustad Shafaat Khan to the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00pm.
(NEW YORK, NY) -- NiCori Performing Arts Academy celebrates the next generation of musical theatre and cabaret talent on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Triad Theater. The NiCori Youth Cabaret Showcase features an extraordinary group of young performers sharing songs that inspire, challenge, and tell their unique stories. The event begins at 2:00pm.
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents a New Play Reading Series from October 5-14, 2026. Plays include Neither Snow Nor Rain by Erin Mallon; The Halal Brothers by Alaudin Ullah; and Sunshine Madness by Lori Fischer. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Compagnie Hervé Koubi in Sol Invictus on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7:30pm. Sol Invictus is a contemporary dance work combining acrobatics, street dance, hip-hop, capoeira, and martial arts with powerful imagery and inspired choreography.
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- It's time to ditch the same boring recipes and bring big, playful creativity back into your kitchen! Join Top Chef finalist, Food Network star, and author Joe Sasto to explore his bestselling cookbook Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics in a virtual discussion on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts welcomes Tony Award-winning actor, author and advocate Ali Stroker for a Community Conversation exploring mental health, well-being and the power of the arts on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at The Vogel. The event begins at 7:00pm.
(NEWARK, NJ) -- World-renowned artist Bisa Butler and Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr will headline the 2026 Newark Arts Festival, returning October 7–11 for five days of exhibitions, music, performance, artist conversations, family programming, open studios and late-night arts experiences across Newark.