Mission Statement:
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. Algonquin Arts Theatre engages local and regional audiences in the performing arts through our on-stage programming and Performing Arts Academy.
The organization’s programming and operations are centered in Manasquan’s business district, a Rockwellian Main Street that's character has remained the same since the 1930s when the Algonquin movie house opened its doors. After closing as a movie theatre in the early 1980s, in 1994 the theatre reopened as a performing arts space; still showing first-run movies when the stage was dark. In 2011, the theatre stopped showing first-run movies to present and produce more performing arts programs in a shift aligning closer with the mission statement.
With ticket revenues only covering a portion of operating and production costs, Algonquin Arts Theatre relies on the generosity of sponsors and individual donors to continue providing high-quality programming to the community.
