BayWay Arts Center In East Islip Will Reopen Under New Ownership

EAST ISLIP, NY — Even as performing arts venues await the reopening of indoor performances, one Long Island theater group is looking to the future. Studio Theatre of Long Island is a Lindenhurst-based performing arts group that recently acquired shuttered BayWay Arts Center in East Islip. BayWay was operated by BroadHollow Theatre Company for fifteen years.

Managing Director of Studio Theatre of Long Island Michael Blangiforti told Patch: "We saw it as an opportunity to expand our base of operations. Two things inspired us, both the long shared history between the two theater groups, and then the idea that the theater sitting empty, or turning into condos, would be a shame for the Long Island theater community."

Christopher Rosselli is the executive director of Studio Theatre and he explained the vision for the East Islip building. They plan to renovate the space, adding live orchestration to every show, and to build an upscale concession area with outdoor patio seating.

The Lindenhurst location of Studio Theatre will show off-Broadway style non-musical shows, while East Islip will feature full-scale Broadway-style performances.

"People are waiting for shows to come back like nobody's business," Blangiforti said.

The nonprofit group anticipates New York State will allow them to begin putting on shows in Spring 2021. Plans for a children's acting class to begin January 2021 are also in the works.

"Long Island theater audiences can't wait. We've had hundreds of well wishes from actors, patrons, students and the community."