Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts

Usdan Center is an arts education facility located on 140 acres of woodland in Wheatley Heights on Long Island. The grounds contain approximately 70 studios, theaters, and an amphitheater with 1,000 seats for performances.

The facility was established in 1968 by Dr. Maurice Hexter, Andrew McKinley, and Samuel Lemberg, starting with approximately 1,000 students in its first summer program. It was designed to give young people diverse opportunities for artistic growth during the summer months.

The center welcomes young people to explore music, dance, theater, visual arts, creative writing, and digital media during summer sessions. Visitors can observe students working intently in various studios and spaces as they develop their artistic skills.

The center offers three summer sessions lasting three, four, or seven weeks, with each day including arts instruction, recreation periods, and evening performances. Visitors should know that the grounds, while expansive, are easy to navigate and different areas are devoted to various art forms.

Individual buildings such as the McKinley Amphitheater, Lemberg Drama Center, and Hexter Center characterize the grounds and shape its identity. These structures are each named after one of the three founders, allowing visitors to recognize their legacy directly in the facility's physical layout.

GPS coordinates: 40.76177,-73.39007

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30