Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Professional Musical Theatre in Southern New England
Founded in 1990, New Bedford Festival Theatre has established itself as a premier regional performing arts organization dedicated to delivering high-quality musical theatre. Our productions combine professional talent with innovative staging techniques, earning recognition through prestigious awards such as the New England Theatre Conference Moss Hart Award for Best Theatrical Production. We maintain a strong commitment to community engagement through free educational programs like our Summer Academy, which provides hands-on theatre experience to teenagers.Our organization has produced over 30 seasons of fully-mounted musicals, entertaining more than 300,000 audience members while serving as a cultural resource for Southern New England. The theatre holds a distinguished legacy as resident company of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and continues to expand its impact through initiatives like senior citizen theatre workshops. Our team of industry professionals and dedicated board members work collaboratively to maintain artistic excellence while making theatre accessible to diverse audiences.
Services
Musical Theatre Productions
Summer Academy Program
Community Outreach
Educational Workshops
Corporate Sponsorship
Senior Citizen Programs
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have produced 30+ seasons of professional musical theatre since 1990
- Our productions have won multiple New England Theatre Conference awards
- We offer free educational programs for both youth and senior citizens
- We utilize professional production techniques and industry experts
- We serve as cultural ambassadors for Southern New England's arts community
Services
Musical Theatre Productions
We produce professional Broadway-style musicals featuring local and national talent. Our shows utilize advanced lighting, sound, and costume design to create immersive theatrical experiences. Each production combines classic storytelling with modern staging techniques to engage diverse audiences.
Summer Academy Program
This tuition-free educational initiative trains high school students in theatre production. Participants work on professional crews, learning technical skills while earning mentorship from industry professionals. The program includes workshops on acting, playwriting, and stagecraft fundamentals.
Community Outreach
We provide accessible theatre experiences through discounted tickets and educational initiatives. Our outreach includes senior citizen workshops and partnerships with local organizations to promote cultural enrichment across all age groups.
Corporate Sponsorship
Local businesses can support the arts while gaining marketing exposure through sponsorship packages. Benefits include program advertising, priority seating, and community goodwill from supporting cultural education initiatives.
Special Event Screenings
We host themed movie events like The Rocky Horror Picture Show with live hosts and prop kits. These interactive screenings offer unique entertainment experiences that complement our mainstage productions while attracting diverse audiences.
People
Alison Arruda
President
As board president, Alison leads strategic initiatives while maintaining community partnerships. She brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience to ensure organizational growth and artistic excellence.
Dr. Elizabeth Bettencourt
Producing Artistic Director
Dr. Bettencourt oversees artistic programming and production quality. Her expertise in theatre education and community engagement drives both creative direction and educational outreach efforts.
Olivia Marques
Summer Academy Coordinator
Olivia manages the tuition-free educational program, mentoring youth in technical theatre skills. She develops curriculum and coordinates industry professionals to train the next generation of theatre artists.
Questions
What types of productions does New Bedford Festival Theatre present?
We produce professional musical theatre productions ranging from classic Broadway shows to contemporary works at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.
Do you offer educational programs for young people?
Yes, our tuition-free Summer Academy provides hands-on theatre experience for high school students working on professional productions.
Are there opportunities for senior citizens to participate?
We offer theatre workshops for seniors focusing on acting and creative engagement at local community centers.
How can I purchase tickets to performances?
Tickets are available through our website for mainstage productions and special events like the Rocky Horror Picture Show screening.
Can local businesses get involved with the theatre?
Yes, we offer corporate sponsorship opportunities that provide community visibility while supporting the arts.