Gateway Announces It’s New Non-profit Status

Since 1950, generations of Long Islanders have flocked to Bellport to see professional theater produced by The Gateway Playhouse. This year the Gateway tradition continues under the newly formed Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, a non-profit organization committed to presenting theatre of the highest quality that reaches out to audiences of all ages and stimulates the local economy.

"We feel that this shift will provide us with new and creative opportunities to keep the arts vibrant on Long Island, especially in Suffolk County," said Paul Allan, producer at The Gateway and president of The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County. "As a non-profit we are looking to open our doors and become more interactive with our patrons and local businesses as well as larger organizations on Long Island. We will apply for additional funding through government grants and sponsorships by major corporations. Most importantly, we are reaching out to individual donors and have developed a Contributing Membership Program for existing and new patrons to get even more involved."

Accompanying Allan on the board of directors is Robert Durkin, a theatrical director for over forty years and Gale Edwards, formerly the general manager of The Gateway Playhouse. The board's main functions include maintaining the high artistic standards of The Gateway and seeking innovative ways of bringing arts to local communities.

In addition to overseeing the production wing, now known simply as The Gateway, The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County will also be at the helm of the Gateway Acting School. The school is currently in its eighteenth year and enrolls students from all over Long Island. "Additional resources of support will also help further the school, where students are encouraged to explore their creative independence and to build confidence so they may lead healthy and successful lives," Allan said.

"We are depending on generous individuals who want the artistic community to thrive within Suffolk County, to ensure the legacy of over 62 years of live Broadway caliber theater can continue on Long Island."

Photo: Opening Night Party (left to right) Carlos Encinias (Director.Choreographer), Ruth Allan (Exec Producer), Alexandra Zorn (Maria), Brent Micheal DiRoma (Tony).

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