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!

Vaccination Policy
Ticket Options
Health & Safety
Resilience
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. 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

COVID-19 PANDEMIC SAFETY POLICY & PROTOCOLS

Effective March 13, 2022, patrons are encouraged, but no longer required, to wear facial coverings at events unless specifically requested by the artist. The Z still requires ALL attendees to provide documentation demonstrating full vaccination against the COVID-19 virus OR documentation of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test within 72 hours or antigen test administered by a provider within 24 hours of the show that you are attending). Photo ID is required for ages 18 and older.

Proof of vaccination or a negative test as described above will be required for all ages before entering any Zeiterion indoor venue. We accept physical vaccination cards as well as clear digital images of vaccination cards on a mobile device. We will communicate how these requirements will be managed and what to expect in an email before your next visit.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please stay at home and contact our box office for accommodations. All tickets are now exchangeable for another Zeiterion performance within the season. You can find details in TICKET OPTIONS below.

If you or someone you love needs information on how to attain a COVID-19 vaccination, information can be found here or you can call 1-800-232-0233.

We will continue to evaluate and update these policies as the situation evolves.

Ticket Options

To further support our community’s well-being and in recognition of the many uncertainties due to the pandemic, all tickets are now exchangeable for another Zeiterion performance within the season. Our intention is that greater flexibility will help further discourage attendance at a presentation by anyone with symptoms or potential exposure. We also want to support those who are providing care to someone who is ill by allowing easier exchanges. Our box office staff is ready to make the accommodation you need.

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

Box Office

 Hours

Sun:   
Closed
 To 
Mon:   
Closed
 To 
Tues:   
11am
 To 
5pm
Wed:   
10am
 To 
5pm
Thurs:   
10am
 To 
5pm
Fri:   
10am
 To 
5pm
Sat:   
10am
 To 
3pm

Box office now located on the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets.

684 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

508.994.2900

Health & Safety

The Z wants to ensure we can continue to gather safely. ALL attendees must provide documentation demonstrating full vaccination against the COVID-19 virus OR documentation of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test within 72 hours or antigen test administered by a provider within 24 hours of the show that you are attending). Photo ID is required for ages 18 and older. Ticket buyers accept responsibility that the people for whom they are buying tickets will also adhere to these guidelines. Should you have any questions, please contact the box office. We appreciate your help in keeping fellow patrons, staff, artists and our community safe!

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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 online before the show.
  • On-site ticket sales may not be available at shows.
  • All tickets are now exchangeable for another Zeiterion performance within the season. Our intention is that greater flexibility will help further discourage attendance at a presentation by anyone with symptoms or potential exposure. We also want to support those who are providing care to someone who is ill by allowing easier exchanges. Our box office staff is ready to make the accommodation you need.
  • 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).

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

  • Patrons are encouraged, but no longer required, to wear facial coverings at events unless specifically requested by the artist.

HEALTH AND SAFETY SCREENING

  • The Z requires all attendees provide documentation demonstrating either full vaccination against the COVID-19 virus OR a negative COVID-19 test, as outlined above.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay at home and contact our box office for accommodations.

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. Please contact the box office; they are ready to make the accommodation you need.

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

  • 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.

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 and are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or submitted proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE & DURING THE SHOW

Entering the Lobby

  • Patrons are encouraged, but no longer required, to wear facial coverings at events unless specifically requested by the artist.

Entering the Theater

  • Proceed to check-in for e-ticket scanning and vaccination/negative COVID test screening.
  • An usher will lead you to your seating area.
  • 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. 

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 you taking against Covid-19?

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!