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Webster's Dictionary Definition per•form•ing - adj; of, relating to or constituting an art that involves public performance. Our Definition PERFORMING – The creative expression of the mind, soul and heart using one’s own body as a medium. Sharing ideas, feelings and inspiration through the form of amusement to large or small masses of people. LEARN…the art of acting. DISCOVER…your inner nature. NURTURE…the artist in you. FIND…friends who share the same passion as you. RECEIVE…instruction from those who have done this professionally and are prepared to show you how.

At Gateway, we have found that the arts provide young people with essential communication and creative tools that last a lifetime.  Expression, focus, tolerance, perception, openness, articulation, confidence, awareness, motivation and self esteem are just some of the qualities and traits that emerge through dramatic study. 

Our beginning students gain not only a strong acting foundation, but also learn to trust their creative abilities.  Our experienced and/or returning students explore different levels of technique and challenge themselves. 

We enroll students from all over Long Island, coming from as far away as Mattituck, Hampton Bays, Huntington and Syosset. They all have varying interests and levels of training, some with none and some with plenty.  Many students have landed parts in our summer Children’s Theater and young roles on the Main Stage.  Others have even had success in commercials and National Tours.  Recently, several students have landed jobs in the industry, on network television series, b'way shows, feature films, commercials and soaps.

Those who may not be familiar with the reputation of Gateway, or who are new to the area, are curious as to the difference between our programs and the programs at Long Island’s numerous amateur theaters and centers. Gateway is unique because it is a professional theater.  The casts of Gateway productions come from Broadway’s talent pool, and most are members of Actors Equity, the union for professional actors. 

The theater has been under the same family management for 60 years.  The school division of Gateway has Robin Joy Allan at its helm.  Allan, granddaughter of Gateway's founder, has a lifetime experience in the business, growing up at Gateway and traveling to NYC and LA where she spent many years casting Feature Films and Television Series.  Under her direction, the methods taught in the school prepare students for all areas of the entertainment industry. This is reinforced by excellent teaching staff, mostly from NYC and working in the industry constantly; including current instructor Jessica Kelly, who is a feature film casting director. 

We do not mount productions within the school division, as we feel this puts “the cart before the horse.”  Valuable tools are needed in order to give skilled performances. We do offer a showcase program for those ready for professional auditioning. This takes take place during the regular school year and involves an audition for acceptance.

We hope you’ll join us for some fun and creative exploration!