The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is an inspirational gathering place in the heart of downtown New Bedford that connects you with the best in live music, theater, dance, comedy, film, education, and festivals. We are a place where people gather, varied perspectives are welcomed, and the performing arts are celebrated.
The Z invites musicians and music lovers to grab your instruments for a no-cost jam session led by sax player and music educator Emmanuel “Manny” Escobar!
Shed all your cares, enjoy live music, improv and jam out with us. Musicians, vocalists, visual artists ,and audience welcome. No prior jam experience or tickets necessary.
The free Jazz Jam takes place on AHA! Nights on November 14 (7-8PM), February 13 (6-7PM), March 13 (6-7PM),and May 8 (6-7PM).
At the Co-Creative Center,137 Union Street, New Bedford.
Join us!
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Acushnet Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Help us transform The Z for the next century!
Join us in support of the Beyond100 Campaign to renovate and restore our 100-year-old building.
We’re throwing a party on the waterfront at Cisco Brewers with live music, dancing, roving entertainers, and fun activities for kids. The event will feature performances by Boston-based East Coast Soul, close-up magic, circus acts, and much more. Cisco’s fabulous food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can ($25 minimum) and kids under 12 are free! All proceeds directly support the Zeiterion’s restoration and renovation.
A special thanks to Cisco for hosting us!
Free Transportation!
Sign up here for free transportation by Reliable Bus Lines between downtown New Bedford and Cisco. Shuttles will leave every 30 minutes from the DeMello International Center parking lot starting at 5:15pm. The last departure from Cisco will be 10pm.
Admission
Pay-what-you-can starting at $25
Suggested price: $50
Card to Culture*: $5
Children under 12: free
Net proceeds from this event will directly support the Zeiterion’s renovation and restoration project.
Rain date: June 25
Become an Event Sponsor
Contact Molly McCarthy at mmccarthy@zeiterion.org to receive a sponsorship information packet.
East Coast Soul is a collective of world-class musicians with a repertoire spanning 1960s Soul & Motown through current hits and a reputation for delivering high-energy performances.
*Card to Culture is a program that provides discounted admissions to various museums and other educational and cultural institutions for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare cardholders.
An eclectic group of sixth-graders arrives at the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, each eager to win for very different reasons. Sweet and shy Olive brings only her best friend (the dictionary) with her to the bee; bold and hyperallergic speller William Barfee uses his “magic foot” to propel him to greatness; former champion Chip is struggling with his burgeoning puberty; easily distracted Leaf is unconvinced that he’s smart enough to be a challenger; overachiever Marcy is disappointed by her consistent success; and politically aware Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre only wants to impress her gay dads. In hilarious, touching, and catchy songs, each speller reveals his/her hopes, struggles, and passions as they make their way through the competition. With an engaging, tuneful score by William Finn and a sweet, funny book by Rachel Sheinkin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee causes audiences to fall in love, both with the show itself and its “perspicacious,” “jocular,” and “effervescent” spellers.
NOTE - this show is rated PG-13.
The Z is pleased to offer a number of complimentary shows and events each season. You can find these free events by clicking on FREE EVENTS under DEALS section of the EVENTS page.
Build your own package to experience the shows YOU want — at a discount! Choose from shows marked with the Bundle & Save icon, listed below. Then use code BUNDLE at check-out to save 10% with tickets to 3 or more eligible events.
Use the right arrow to scroll through eligible shows. Not sure which shows are eligible for Bundle & Save? The Z box office staff is happy to help!
Please note: discounts are not available on VIP tickets or tickets under $25.
Not sure which shows are eligible? The Z box office staff is happy to help.
Bring a group of 10 or more to a Zeiterion performance and save! Groups enjoy discounts up to 20% off tickets to most shows and pay no order or processing fees.
PLUS! Earn one free ticket for every 20 tickets purchased for most shows. Special group rates for students are available for most shows.
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra offers no fees, plus 10% of Section C and 15% off Sections A and B with a purchase of 10 or more tickets.
Even if a show isn’t eligible for a group discount, the order and processing fees will be waived.
To reserve your seats, give us a call! Group discounts are not available online. Promotional posters and social media graphics are available on request. Recommendations for restaurants, accommodations, and cultural destinations happily offered.
A deposit is required one week after you reserve your order. Full payment and final ticket count are due 30 days before the performance date. If your final ticket count falls below 10, the regular ticket prices will apply. You may add tickets to your order based on availability. We’ll do our best to seat your party as close together as possible.
— AGUSTINHO R.
When the curtain came down on performing arts in the spring of 2020, The Z was faced with an enormous challenge. Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community of supporters, The Z reopens its doors for the 2021/22 season.
That said, the road ahead is still uncertain. But we know we can navigate any challenge with your help.
Your support means The Z can continue to...
• Be a safe place for shared experiences that build community bonds and create connections
• Stimulate emotional healing through stories told on stage
• Make an impact on the learning and success of children through Pre K-12 Education Programs
• Offer life-long learning opportunities in The Z’s Creative Classroom
Performing arts education plays a vital role at The Z.
We believe the arts are an essential component of a well-rounded education.
From performances for grades Pre K-12 to life-long learning in our Creative Classroom, The Z uses the lens of performing arts to expand the hearts and minds of all ages.
As a place for learning at all ages, The Z offers:
• Classes in performing arts disciplines for many skill levels
• Pre K-12 performances
• Internships for teens
• In-school literacy projects
• Pre- and post-show discussions
For a full list and schedule, visit zeiterion.org/learn.
Over the last 96 years, the Zeiterion Theatre has been a much-beloved place in New Bedford’s history. In 1923, the Zeitz brothers opened the Zeiterion as a grand Vaudeville house, with the vision of creating a “palace for the people.” At the time, the Zeiterion was one of nearly twenty theaters operating in the city of New Bedford. Shortly after opening, it transitioned to a movie house, and was renamed “The State Theatre.” Countless memories were made as the theater hosted opening nights for films such as “Moby Dick” and “Down to the Sea in Ships.” As time passed and people began seeking their entertainment elsewhere, the theatre fell dark and faced an uncertain future. Thanks to some visionary leaders, organizations like WHALE, and the support of this community, the Zeiterion was saved from the wrecking ball. In 1982, the Zeiterion Theatre was restored and reborn as a non-profit performing arts center, fondly called “The Z.” Today, The Z is a thriving home for live music, dance, theater, and film. It is a beacon for some of the best and brightest artists from around the world, exposing audiences of all ages to the power of the performing arts. Once one of many, The Z is now the last operating theater serving the city and a treasured landmark in downtown New Bedford. With the continued support of the community, The Z will remain at the center of cultural activity, entertaining and inspiring audiences for generations to come.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THE Z’S STORY.
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