FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2020

Studio Theatre of Long Island is pleased to announce its acquisition of the BayWay Arts Center, located at 265 E Main St., East Islip, New York, having committed to a long-term lease with Fairfield Properties, who own the building. The BayWay Arts Center was home to Broadhollow Theatre for many years; however, they ceased operations and closed in June of 2020. Studio Theatre of L.I. at the BayWay Arts Center is hoping to open as soon as we are permitted.

We view this acquisition as an opportunity to keep the venue alive with a brand-new rollout of mainstage musicals, complete with an orchestra pit of live musicians, as well as comedic and dramatic plays consistent with our long history of diversity in theatre. Additionally, the space will be home to a robust Children’s Educational Theatre Program.

We intend to improve the space by building a new lounge in the adjoining studio, complete with indoor and outdoor patio seating and featuring a bar and café serving fine wines, craft beers, and a selection of custom crafted coffee. Additionally, new dressing rooms will be constructed, complete with private restrooms and shower facilities for the actors. The newly improved theatre will also receive brand new state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

In addition to our acquisition of the Bayway Arts Center, renovation of our Lindenhurst location at 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, New York continues to move forward, with further progress achieved daily. The location will now occupy both the ground and second floors, with the theatre itself being relocated to the lower level. The ground floor will also include a new, elegant lounge, as well as a bar and café. The second floor will now contain executive offices, two large rehearsal rooms, a video and photography studio, as well as oversized dressing rooms and new bathrooms with shower facilities for the actors. The space will be built fully ADA compliant, complete with an elevator for handicapped accessibility to the venue and on to the stage.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, we realize many challenges lie ahead in maintaining operations. Studio Theatre, along with our entire staff, is prepared to take on these challenges and keep these historic venues open for many years to come. We strongly believe that, despite the current challenges of today’s times, we are slowly building two premier locations for the Long Island Theatre community. We remain resolute to re-open and launch both locations.

We want to thank all our subscribers, parents, and employees who have been so supportive over the past 6 months. Your encouragement and generosity have been encouraging, and inspiring. We look forward to welcoming everyone to both of our theatres after this extended intermission.

Christopher Rosselli
Executive Director

David Dubin
Executive Artistic Director

Michael Blangiforti
Managing Director