Zeiterion Theatre

The Zeiterion Theatre, affectionately known as 'The Z', is a nonprofit performing arts center located in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. It is described as South Coast Massachusetts' premiere nonprofit performing arts center. The theater opened on April 2, 1923, as the last new theater built in New Bedford's downtown area. It was envisioned by Barney Zeitz and his brothers as a 'palace for the people' for live vaudeville performances. The building, designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker, is a two-story tapestry brick structure in an adaptation of the Georgian Revival style. Its interior originally featured marble-columned walls, a Zeitz family 'Z' shield above the proscenium, silk tapestry walls, a frieze of gold leaf Grecian dancing muses, a large oval sunset ceiling scene, an orchestra rail of solid gum wood, and a $7,000 cut glass Czechoslovakian chandelier. Over the decades, the Zeiterion has hosted a wide array of performers, including Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Yo-Yo Ma, Peter Frampton, and Alvin Ailey Dance. Today, it presents a diverse lineup of events, including mainstage concerts, film screenings, cultural celebrations, and educational programs. The organization is led by President & CEO Rosemary Gill and a dedicated staff. It is committed to equity and inclusion, having participated in the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative and established an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Committee. The theater remains a cultural anchor for the region, offering performances and community events.

The Zeiterion Theatre opened on April 2, 1923, as the last new theater built in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. At the time, New Bedford was one of the wealthiest cities in the world and already had two dozen theaters. Barney Zeitz and his brothers envisioned the biggest and best theater in the city, calling it a 'palace for the people' for live vaudeville performances. The building was designed by Frank Leary and Frank Walker in an adaptation of the Georgian Revival style, featuring a two-story tapestry brick exterior. The interior was lavish, with marble-columned walls, a Zeitz family 'Z' shield above the proscenium, silk tapestry on the walls, a frieze of gold leaf Grecian dancing muses, a large oval sunset scene on the ceiling, an orchestra rail of solid gum wood, and a $7,000 cut glass Czechoslovakian chandelier. The total project cost was substantial for the time. Over the years, the theater hosted many famous performers, including Bernadette Peters, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Yo-Yo Ma, Peter Frampton, and Alvin Ailey Dance. In 2018, the Zeiterion was welcomed into the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative (BKMAI), beginning a six-year journey of learning, collaboration, and growth. In 2020, the organization started an Anti-Racist Task Force to address systemic racism, which was expanded in 2023 to become the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Committee. The building's 100th birthday and a renovation/restoration project have prompted critical reflection on its role and practices. Today, the Zeiterion continues to operate as a nonprofit performing arts center, offering a diverse range of programming and community events.

• 2023

  The Anti-Racist Task Force expands to become the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Committee; the building celebrates its 100th birthday.

• 2020

  The organization starts an Anti-Racist Task Force.

• 2018

  The Zeiterion joins the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative (BKMAI).

• 1923

  The Zeiterion Theatre opens on April 2 as the last new theater in downtown New Bedford.

South Coast Massachusetts' premiere nonprofit performing arts center, offering diverse programming in a historic venue.

• Mainstage performances

  Concerts, theater, dance, and other live performances.

• Film screenings

  Screenings of films such as Disney•Pixar's Coco.

• Community events

  Cultural celebrations and social gatherings, such as Cultura & Comunidad: A Hispanic Heritage Month Social.

• Educational programs

  Enroll programs and workshops.

1. 1Zeiterion — Official Sitezeiterion.org
2. 2History | The Zeiterion — Official Sitezeiterion.org
3. 3Staff & Board | The Zeiterion — Official Sitezeiterion.org
4. 4Equity Goals | The Zeiterion — Official Sitezeiterion.org
5. 5Zeiterion Theatre - Wikidatawikidata.org