Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

Located in the heart of Port Jefferson, Theatre Three is one of Long Island’s longest-running professional regional theaters, presenting musicals, plays, children’s productions, comedy and special performances from its historic home on Main Street. The year-round nonprofit theater was founded in 1969 and has become an important part of the arts and cultural scene on the North Shore.

Theatre Three operates inside Athena Hall, a historic late-19th-century building at 412 Main Street. Long before becoming a permanent theatrical venue, the building served a variety of community and entertainment purposes, including use for public gatherings, vaudeville and motion pictures. Its long history gives Theatre Three a character quite different from a modern performing arts center and connects today’s productions with generations of entertainment in downtown Port Jefferson.

The theater’s Mainstage season typically combines musicals and plays with its longstanding production of A Christmas Carol. Theatre Three also supports children’s theater, educational programming, workshops and other performances designed to introduce audiences of different ages to live theater. The organization describes its mission as developing appreciation for live theater while providing opportunities for performers and other theater artists to develop their talents.

Its Main Street location also makes Theatre Three particularly convenient for visitors spending time in Port Jefferson. The surrounding downtown includes restaurants, shops and the waterfront, allowing a performance to be incorporated into a larger afternoon or evening visit to the village.

Theatre Three, Port Jefferson

Key Facts & Details

With its combination of professional live theater, children’s programming and a historic Main Street setting, Theatre Three remains one of Port Jefferson’s principal cultural attractions and an established destination for performing arts on Long Island. Its location within the walkable village center also makes it easy to combine a show with dining, shopping and time along the Port Jefferson waterfront.