The Westhampton Performing Arts Center The theatre was saved was thanks to local arts lovers who had other ideas for the Westhampton, within 12 months a group of volunteers managed to buy the theatre from United Artists and raise more than a million dollars to renovate the building and resurrect it as it currently known—the Westhampton Performing Arts Center. The transformation included a return to live theatre productions, but also kept the cinema aspect for a truly well rounded repertoire of the arts. Today the Westhampton is a major destination for those who love not only quality films and theatre, but also live music, cultural exhibitions, and educational events. This state-of-the-art facility hosts acts such as the Boys Choir of Harlem, the Irish Rovers and Little Feat; it also shows the finest in world cinema. Recent screenings have included Jim Jarmusch’s “Broken Flowers,” and Wong Kar-Wai’s 2046. The theatre has an active film society with private ‘members-only’ screenings as well as offerings for the general public. The center also features special fundraising events to help offset the costs of running the facility. All schedules and event dates may be found by clicking on the ‘events’ tab at the center’s website at www.hbpac.org There is also a great emphasis on children’s events, making the Westhampton a great place for vacationers to bring the family. Recent programs such as the Mermaid Theatre’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Favorites” play during daytime hours and serve a wide range of ages. Events have included exotic Asian drum performances, sports-themed productions, and the Enchantment Theatre’s interpretation of the classic Pinocchio story. Many of these events are suitable for children in grades as low as three, while also being sophisticated enough for high school seniors. Depending on the time of year you may find something for all ages playing throughout the week. You can check schedules and availability at www.whbpac.org or call them at (631) 288-1500. The goal of the Westhampton is to offer a diverse range of performing arts, from world-class performers to local school productions. This great destination is perfect for those of all ages who share a love for live performances, movies and concerts. Visitors can also visit the East End while in the area, making the center a quite convenient place to see while planning other attractions in the area. Since it opened in 1932, three generations of Long Islanders have discovered the Westhampton, as do those who travel to Long Island to sightsee and explore. You can find the Westhampton Performing Arts Center at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. It’s three miles from the Long Island Expressway (495), off exit 70 South. Joe Wallace
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The Westhampton Performing Arts Center was opened as a live theatre venue in 1932. Since then it’s had an interesting history in the performing arts. After its run as a Prudential-owned playhouse, the theatre was eventually purchased by United Artists and converted into a single-screen movie theatre. In the early nineties the theatre was considered a financial liability and was set to be demolished. Fortunately the residents of the local community realized the value of the theatre and the demolition never happened. 