Current students begin professional careers at Manhattan showcase; faculty and alumni to advise new enrollees at Sept. 15 open house
(Bellport, N.Y.) The Gateway Acting School, a division of the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, will begin its fall session of classes on Sat., Sept. 21.
Katherine LaFountain, 9, of Bayport (L) and Kaitlyn Bennett, 10, of East Patchogue, during a performance of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince,” one of the Gateway Acting School’s offerings during the Summer 2013 session of classes. Photo credit: Robin Joy Allan.
Casting Director Robin Joy Allan (“When Harry Met Sally,” “Parenthood,” “Lord of the Flies”) spearheads the programs that offer classes in Basic Acting, Auditioning, Broadway Show Revue, Musical Theater and other specialties. Allan, the school’s director, recruits experienced, professional teachers from New York City to coach and offer their expertise to the student body. Over 300 students of all levels, ages five through adult, are enrolled at the school each year.
Students and parents seeking more information can attend an informational open house on Sun., Sept. 15, from 2pm-6pm at the Gateway Playhouse, 215 S. Country Rd., Bellport, N.Y. 11713. Faculty, alumni and current students will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on enrollment.
With over 20 years of experience, the Gateway Acting School is known for starting the careers of many young actors and industry professionals. Last month, 23 talented students from the school travelled into Manhattan to be showcased for top agents and casting directors. Several hopefuls were selected for professional representation and are already auditioning for major feature films and TV shows.
Actor Brendan Dooling, a Bellport native, is one of the school’s numerous success stories and received received professional representation as a direct result of the school and its showcases. Dooling currently plays the character of Walt Reynolds on the CW network’s “The Carrie Diaries,” a spin-off of “Sex and the City,” which was renewed for a second season on May 9, 2013. The show’s season premiere is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2013.
“I’ve reached a place of success in my acting career and it all started at Gateway.” Dooling said.
For a full schedule of classes and a complete list class descriptions, visit https://www.gatewayplayhouse.org. For enrollment questions, contact artsoffice@gatewayplayhouse.com. To enroll, call the Gateway Box Office at (631) 286-1133.
The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It seeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to the Long Island region and beyond, continuing the tradition established by the Gateway Playhouse. It remains Long Island’s oldest professional theatre.
