Zeiterion Theatre
Project Details
Location: New Bedford, MA
Our Work: Stages' scope included theatre planning, acoustics, audio-visual and theatre equipment design.
Architect: Wilson Butler Architects
Services: AV, Acoustics, Programming and Feasibility, Theatre Planning, Theatre Technology
Completed: 2026
Team Member(s): Damian Doria, FASA, Alec Stoll, ASTC, Adam T Huggard, ASTC, Micah Rahn, ASTC, Bob Jenista, and Nora Carr
The Zeiterion opened as a vaudeville house in 1923 with 1,226 seats. Today, it serves as a cultural destination for the South Coast region, hosting more than 250 theatre, dance, music, and comedy events annually, including performances by resident companies such as the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and New Bedford Theatre Festival.
The $37 million renovation reimagined the historic theatre as a contemporary multi-venue cultural destination, expanding its civic and community functions through enhanced lobby and gathering spaces, educational and rehearsal facilities, and a new basement performance venue, all within the existing footprint. The project also updated seating, sightlines, accessibility, and performance infrastructure, including new audio, lighting, assisted listening, orchestra lift, and acoustical systems, seamlessly integrated into the historic architecture. Stages’ scope included theatre planning, acoustics, and audio-visual design. The Zeiterion reopened in January 2026.
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