80 Years of Theatre in the Catskills
For eighty summers, the lights have come up in Forestburgh.
What began in 1947 as a small summer theatre tucked into the woods of the Sullivan Catskills has grown into one of the longest-running professional summer theatres in New York State. Generations of artists have stepped onto this stage, audiences have gathered beneath the barn roof, and stories have come to life night after night.
The Forestburgh Playhouse has always been more than a theatre. It is a place where talent is nurtured, careers are launched, and audiences are delighted.
Many who first appeared on this stage as young performers or technicians have gone on to Broadway, television, national tours, and major regional theatres across the country. Others discovered here a lifelong love of the arts, returning year after year as part of a community that stretches across decades.
For families throughout the Catskills and visitors from around the world, the Playhouse has become a tradition. Summers are marked by opening nights, standing ovations, and the shared joy of live theatre.
Eighty years later, the mission remains the same: to create unforgettable theatrical experiences while cultivating the next generation of artists and storytellers.
A Living Legacy
Across eight decades, the Forestburgh Playhouse has created a cultural legacy that reaches far beyond our stage.
Over 500 productions brought to life, from beloved classics to new works and world premieres.
Over 200 Cabaret performances presented on our sister stage at the Forestburgh Tavern.
More than 6,000 artists and technicians employed, launching countless careers in theatre and entertainment.
More than one million audience members welcomed, creating memories that span generations of families.
These numbers represent something much bigger than statistics. They represent moments of laughter, music echoing through the woods, young artists finding their voices, and audiences experiencing the magic of live performance.
For eighty years, the Playhouse has been a place where creativity thrives and community gathers.
Then and Now
From black-and-white photographs of the early Playhouse seasons to vibrant productions lighting up the stage today, each image tells part of the story.
The buildings may have evolved, the productions may have changed, but the spirit remains the same: a theatre rooted in the Catskills that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike.
The Next Act: Building the Future
Anniversaries are not just a time to reflect. They are a moment to look forward.
The Forestburgh Playhouse continues to nurture emerging artists, launch new creative voices, and delight audiences with bold productions and unforgettable performances.
Your support helps ensure that this legacy continues for the next generation.
Gifts to the Playhouse help us:
• Produce world-class theatre in the Sullivan Catskills
• Support young artists through training and professional opportunities
• Maintain and improve our historic theatre campus
• Expand programming for audiences of all ages
• Preserve the cultural heritage of the Forestburgh Playhouse
With your help, the next eighty years will be just as vibrant as the first.
Be Part of the Legacy
The story of the Forestburgh Playhouse has always been written by the people who believe in it - artists, audiences, community members, and supporters who understand the power of live theatre.
As we celebrate our 80th Anniversary, we invite you to help carry this legacy forward.
Your contribution supports a theatre that has nurtured artists, launched careers, and delighted audiences for generations.
Together, we can ensure that the curtain continues to rise in Forestburgh for decades to come.