About The Boulton Center
About The Theatre
The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts is a 260-seat theatre located in the heart of downtown Bay Shore. It features cozy, intimate seating and unbelievable views from every seat, all at an affordable price. The theatre is managed and operated by The Great South Bay Arts and Entertainment Foundation, Inc. The foundation received its official designation as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in April 2023.
Who has performed at the
Boulton Center?
The intimate 260-seat gem has hosted outstanding artists, including Patti Austin, Judy Collins, Bryan Adams, Eileen Ivers, Christopher Cross, Bebe Neuwirth, Edwin McCain, Richard Marx, Robert Klein, Paula Poundstone, Colin Quinn, Marvin Hamlisch, Richie Havens, Timothy B. Schmit, Leon Russell, Jorma Kaukonen, Howard Jones, and many more. The Boulton Center helped launch the Jonas Brothers, who made their debut on our stage in 2005. We are proud and privileged to provide outstanding entertainment to our audiences and look forward to continuing this level of excellence in the next decade.
History
Originally known as the Regent Movie Theater, the building that is now home to the Boulton Center was erected in 1929. After many decades as a movie theater and a brief stint as an entertainment venue, the shuttered building was purchased by the Boulton Family. Envisioning the creation of a premier performing arts center, the Boulton family gifted the building to the Great South Bay YMCA in 1997. The YMCA Boulton Center opened its doors in 2003 and for the next 18 years presented marquee entertainment, quickly becoming one of Long Island's great cultural venues. In March of 2020, the YMCA Boulton Center was forced to close its doors due to the pandemic. In May of 2023, the Boulton family repurchased the theater and reopened its doors this past November.
