HAPPY 65TH ANNIVERSARY STUDIO THEATRE OF LONG ISLAND

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Studio Theatre of Long Island to Celebrate 65 Years of Theatre Excellence in 2026

Long Island, NY — Studio Theatre of Long Island will celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2026, marking more than six decades as one of Long Island’s longest-running and most respected nonprofit performing arts organizations. Since 2018, Studio Theatre was renamed the “Manes Studio Theatre” in honor of Dr. Harvey Manes whose contributions to Studio Theatre and to the performing arts has been instrumental to our continued success. 

Founded in 1961, the theatre has earned a reputation for presenting quality, thought-provoking productions and for its sustained investment in arts education. Today, the Manes Studio Theatre operates one of the largest youth theatre programs on Long Island, engaging over 500 young performers and students each year.

“For 65 years, Studio Theatre has remained committed to producing theatre that challenges, engages, and respects its audience,” said David Dubin, Executive Artistic Director and Managing Partner. “That commitment—to artistic excellence and to developing the next generation of artists—has been central to our mission from the very beginning.”

Throughout its history, Studio Theatre has welcomed acclaimed performers including Brian Dennehy, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco and Ed Asner, all of whom appeared on the Studio Theatre stage, reinforcing the organization’s long-standing reputation for professional-caliber work. The theatre’s longevity reflects both artistic success and resilience. 

Studio Theatre successfully navigated decades of cultural and economic change, including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Emerging from the pandemic and reaching our 65th year speaks volumes about the strength of this organization and the community that supports it,” said Michael Blangiforti, Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations and Managing Partner. “There’s a reason we’ve been in business for 65 years. From our amazing staff to our dedicated, passionate Executive Team, our Board of Directors, and our private benefactors, without whom we would not have survived. We are proud not only of what we’ve survived, but of what we continue to build.”

As Studio Theatre enters its 65th Anniversary Season, it will honor its storied past while reaffirming its commitment to bold, relevant programming and community engagement.

“This anniversary is both a celebration and a statement,” said Rick Grossman, Executive Producing Director and Managing Partner. “Studio Theatre has endured by evolving—artistically, educationally, and culturally—and we are excited to share that story as we look ahead to the future offering classical and contemporary plays and musicals to entertain our wide variety of audiences”.

Additional details about anniversary programming and special events will be announced in the coming months. 

For more information, visit www.studiotheatrelongisland.com.

Media Contact:
Michael Blangiforti
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Manes Studio Theatre Of Long Island
mike@studiotheatrelongisland.com
631-226-8400 - Ext.3