Gateway Today

This year, 2006, marks Gateway's 57th year of producing high class entertainment. Our modern facility surrounded by a beautifully landscaped rustic exterior, creates a unique theater going experience; unparalleled on Long Island. The history and evolution of the Playhouse could be a movie in the making, with its many transitions, variety in productions, a long list of colorful characters from on stage and off and how three generations of one family have fashioned what was once a farm on Eastern Long Island, to become one of the top ten summer theaters in the nation. You can learn more about this by perusing our History pages.

We have been continuously changing and updating our facility. The Main Stage facility in Bellport, seats 500 and is comfortably heated and air-conditioned. The proscenium opening measures 34' x 16' with a stage depth of 25'. The grid height is 34' holding 25 line sets for scenery and lights. Click here to see inside our beautiful theater. The lighting is computer controlled, making use of moving lights and color changers. In recent years, our set rental business has grown, now having over forty full sets to lease. Our sound system relies heavily on wireless microphones (worn by the performers) and additional sound reinforcement as necessary.

Because of our longevity and reputation, we are able to attract a high caliber of professional directors, performers, musicians, and technicians from New York City, and around the country. All of our actors are professional performers, most are members of Actors Equity, the union of professional actors and stage managers. Our musicians (8-12 per show) are members of The American Federation of Musicians (Local 802) and we employ SSDC© directors and USA© Designers . Many of our actors, technicians, musicians, and other staff members have worked on Broadway, while others go on to Broadway, and National Tours after leaving Gateway. View a partial list of our Alumni.

Rooted in the theater's early years of prominence in training young actors, Gateway's Acting School is now in it's 12th year offering professional training to local kids and adults. Recent alumni have worked successfully in the entertainment industry on Broadway, in National Tours and Feature Films. Those who are career oriented have opportunities to be connected with industry professionals for further advancement. You can read more about this on our Acting School pages.