welcome Back

We’ve missed you, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back inside The Z, where our doors have been closed for more than a year. While we still face challenges ahead, we couldn’t have made it this far without YOUR support. Thank you for safeguarding performing arts for the Southcoast!

Ticket Options
Resilience
Health & Safety
Code of Conduct
Reopening FAQ

As we begin to welcome you back to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, our main goal is to create an environment where our audiences, artists, volunteer ushers, and staff feel safe and protected. We are also eager and excited for us all to reconnect with the art and culture we know and love — and have missed. Since the start of the pandemic, we have worked with our resident companies on a comprehensive, responsible reopening plan. Please read on for details about health and safety at The Z and what to know before you arrive.

A welcome back message from our Executive Director, Rosemary Gill

Box Office

 Hours

Mon:   
Closed
 To 
Tues - Fri:   
10am
 To 
5pm
Sat:   
Closed
 To 
Sun:   
Closed
 To 

Box office window temporarily closed to the public. Call us!

684 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

508.994.2900

Ticket Options

If you have tickets to postponed or cancelled shows, please let the box office know if you’d like to keep, exchange, donate or refund your ticket(s).

For rescheduled and future performances, please rest assured you can buy your tickets with confidence. If a show is cancelled or postponed for any reason, you will always have the option for a refund or credit to another show.

Give us a call

MaKE AN IMPACT

Will you join our community of amazing supporters with a donation today? Your support will allow The Z to be the space for healing, connecting, and learning that is so essential as we move forward together. A gift in any amount makes an impact.

Learn MoreDonate

WHILE THE THEATER was DARK,
OUR LIGHTs STILL SHINEd!

While the Zeiterion was dark during the Covid-19 closure, we were taking care of New Bedford’s beloved theater in lots of ways. From cleaning the historic Czechoslovakian gut-glass chandelier, to examining restoration efforts in the 1980s to reveal the original paint colors and design from 1923. Our paint expert is happy to report the restoration choices in the 80s honored the theater’s original elements!

Health & Safety

CLEANING AND AIR QUALITY

  • Frequent, rigorous cleaning procedures following CDC guidelines.
  • High traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces (like doorknobs, railings, and restrooms) are sanitized with increased frequency.
  • Hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the theater.
  • MERV-13 air filters and UVGI lights are used to optimize air quality inside our venues. UVGI for HVAC systems is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to destroy harmful micro-organisms in the air and disinfect duct work. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A MERV 13 filter catches 90% or more of air particles, removing allergens, pollution, viruses, and bacteria from indoor air.

TICKET INFORMATION

  • We encourage you to purchase your e-tickets on-line before the show.
  • On-site ticket sales may not be available at shows.
  • Ticket Options for Postponed Performances: If you have tickets to postponed or cancelled shows, please let the box office know if you’d like to keep, exchange, donate or refund your ticket(s). We thank you in advance for your patience as our reduced, remote box office staff works diligently to process a high volume of communication.
  • The box office window is temporarily closed to the public. For ticket-related inquiries please email boxofficeinfo@zeiterion.org

TOUCHLESS ENVIRONMENT

  • All tickets will be e-mailed to reduce touchpoints. These e-tickets may be printed or displayed on a mobile device.
  • The sale of food and drink may be minimized or eliminated.
  • All sales will be credit card only to create a touchless payment environment.
  • Playbills will be exclusively digital.
  • Select doors may be propped open.
  • We encourage all guests, staff, and volunteers to wash their hands frequently or to use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the theater.

FACE COVERINGS AND MASKS

  • Well-fitting face masks covering both nose and mouth are required for all guests regardless of vaccination status.
  • Guests must continue to wear their face covering unless actively eating or drinking while in their seat.

HEALTH AND SAFETY SCREENING

  • If you are experiencing symptoms or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay at home and contact our box office for information about ticket exchange options.
  • Before entering, all guests, staff, volunteers, and artists may be asked to certify that they are not experiencing symptoms and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19.

Patron Code of Conduct

For the safety of our audience, staff, volunteers, and performers, all guests should self-monitor their health prior to arriving. We ask that you stay at home if you are sick or have been in contact with anyone who is sick or has been sick within the last 14 days.

We require all patrons to adhere to this social contract as outlined below. Those who don’t will not be granted admission or will be removed from the event.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

  • Please leave at least six feet between yourself and other visitors as you line up to enter the theater.
  • We will carefully manage lines to enforce social distancing and avoid overcrowding in restrooms.
  • Shield guards have been installed in areas where guests and concessions staff come into close contact.
  • You may be asked to take your seats early to avoid congestion.
  • Remain in your ticketed group before, during, and after the performance.
  • Our staff and ushers will guide you with announcements and friendly reminders and respond to any questions or concerns you may have.
  • Socially-distanced seating for small audiences will be implemented during the early stages of reopening. We will continue to monitor capacity limits and adjust this procedure per the most recent recommendations from State and Local health officials.

STAFF & VOLUNTEER PROTOCOL

  • All staff and volunteer ushers have been trained on all health safety strategies and policies.
  • Staff and volunteer ushers will wear masks at all times.
  • Staff and volunteer ushers work respectfully with patrons to maintain social distancing in all spaces.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE & DURING THE SHOW

Entering the Lobby

  • Well-fitting face masks covering both nose and mouth are required for all guests regardless of vaccination status.
  • Face coverings must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking while in your seat.
  • To expedite our safety screenings as you enter, please bring minimal personal items with you.

Entering the Theater

  • Proceed to check-in for e-ticket scanning.
  • An usher will lead you to your seating area.
  • Follow all entrance, seating and exit instructions.
  • Playbills will be issued digitally.
  • Zeiterion Lounge and coat check are not currently offered.

During the Show

  • Remain in your ticketed group before, during, and after the performance.
  • Limited concessions available. The bar is open!

Restrooms

  • We will carefully manage lines to enforce social distancing and avoid overcrowding in restrooms.
  • Please follow all social distancing guidance as presented by theater signage and ushers.

After the Show

  • All audience must exit as soon as the show ends.
  • You may be asked to exit the theater in a prescribed order.
  • No lingering or congregating will be permitted.
  • No gathering to meet casts or crew will be permitted.

REOPENING FAQ

To ensure the safety of those who work at and visit our venues, we’re implementing several changes to provide the best performing arts experience. We have created protocols and safety measures and we are confident that we will have a comprehensive plan that meets government prescribed practices. we will continue to evaluate on a regular basis and upgrade as new and better products and practices are developed.

What do you have planned for the 2021-2022 Season?
Where can I find the status of an upcoming performance?
How will I be notified if a performance has been rescheduled?
What if I can’t make the new date?
Will the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and New Bedford Festival Theatre be providing any programming before the 2021/2022 season begins this fall?
Can I come to the box office to handle my tickets in person?
Will I continue to use my original tickets for postponed performances, or will you issue new tickets? How will I receive them?
Why are you asking me to donate the value of my tickets to the non-profit Zeiterion Performing Arts Center?
How do I donate the value of my tickets?
When can I get a refund?
Why have I not received my refund check?
When will performances resume?
What measures are being taken in your venues in response to COVID-19?
Will there be socially distanced seating and/or capacity limits when we return?