Our Humble Beginnings
In 1960, Playcrafters Theatre Company was founded with a mission to promote theatrical arts and the productions of plays by non-professionals in the community.
Playcrafters is one of the oldest not-for-profit community theatre groups on Long Island. Since our inception, we strive to present the very best amateur theatre and encourage interest and participation in the performing arts. For more than 60 years, we have provide an outlet for local talent and reasonably-priced productions to our community.
[See our 60th Anniversary celebration]
Playcrafters is the only community theatre group of its kind in our area, providing a unique opportunity for non-professional participants both on and off the stage. We utilize people from within and outside our group as performers, directors, backstage and technical help. We receive a great deal of support from our community by way of advertising, and use of various community facilities etc. Playcrafters serves the immediate communities of Long Island’s mid-South Shore (e.g., Bellport, North Bellport, Brookhaven, East Patchogue, Patchogue, Yaphank, Mastic, Shirley, Moriches). Due to the quality of our productions, we have also enjoyed continued support from the greater Long Island area.
We provide entertainment and education to a broad spectrum of demographics. Our audiences, as well as our volunteers working on various productions, come from diverse backgrounds, including individuals of various ages, gender, and economic and educational levels. The communities we serve are multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-generational in makeup. We offer discounted admission to students, senior citizens and special interest groups.
In honor of one of our founding members and to further promote theatre arts in our community, the Margaret W. Smith Memorial Scholarship was established in 1965 to provide awards to graduating seniors of the Bellport High School who demonstrate an interest in the performing arts. In 2018, we added the Desmond W. Burke Memorial Scholarship to students with rising achievement in the performing and expressive arts. To date, we have awarded more than $60,000.
Playcrafters Theatre Company programming provides Main Stage productions, reader’s theatre, cabaret performances and fundraisers. On behalf of the board of Playcrafters, we hope YOU will get involved!