ArtsBoston is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts.
The 1,700 seat Emerson Colonial Theatre was designed by Clarence Blackall and first opened its doors for a performance of Ben-Hur on December 20, 1900. In the early and mid 20th century, Boston was considered a launching pad for Broadway producers to try out new productions before bringing them to New York. Boston theatergoers were treated to a sneak peek of many well-known Broadway shows at the Colonial including Anything Goes, Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma!, Annie Get Your Gun, and La Cage aux Folles.
Venue Type: Theater
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An ADA accessible restroom is located on the Orchestra level.
Assisted Listening services are available for all performances. Please visit the House Manager’s podium in the lobby upon entry to receive a listening device.
ASL: During American Sign Language performances, skilled theatrical Interpreters use American Sign Language to interpret the performances on stage. The audience can see both the Interpreters and the stage action simultaneously. To purchase American Sign Language tickets for one of the following productions via the website, use promo code ASL.
ALD: Assisted Listening services are available for all performances. Please visit the House Manager’s podium in the lobby upon entry to receive a listening device.
Captioned Performances: A form of accessibility for the deaf and hard of hearing population where text is displayed simultaneously to the live speech of the performance. There are currently no captioned performances scheduled at this time. Captioned performances will be listed below as they are announced.
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Ticketing: All official Emerson Colonial Theatre ticketing platforms (website, call center and box office) provide opportunities for guests to purchase accessible seating.
In order to ensure a premium experience, Emerson Colonial Theatre representatives are available in person by phone or online to best provide additional support or answer any questions. Please contact us at 888.616.0272 or email infocolonial@theambassadors.com for assistance. Advance ticket purchase may be required.
Audio description is a live narration of the visual aspects of the performance broadcasted to visually impaired patrons who wear a small receiver (headset). This narration includes pre-show descriptions of the theatre and of the costume and scenic elements as well as narration of blocking and choreography between the show’s dialogue and musical numbers. To purchase Audio Described tickets for one of the following productions via the website, use promo code AUDIODESCRIBED.
Service animals:
Service dogs that are trained to provide services or tasks for guests with disabilities are permitted. Examples of services include: guiding a guest who is blind, alerting a guest who is deaf, interrupting a compulsive behavior.
All service dogs must:
• Be under the handler’s control at all times. In most cases this means on a harness or leash.
• Be housebroken.
• Not pose a legitimate, direct threat to health or safety.
• Not take up additional seats unless a ticket has been purchased for the adjacent seat for the service dog.
Emotional support animals, sometimes referred to as “comfort animals” or “companion animals”, whose sole function is to provide comfort or support, are not considered service animals under the ADA or the Massachusetts law and are not permitted.
Wheelchair access is available at the main entrance to the building on Boylston Street. Please request wheelchair seating from a sales representative at time of purchase. Designated ADA seating locations are located on the Orchestra level of the theatre. An ADA accessible restroom is also located on the Orchestra level. There is no elevator access in the building.
ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY INFO: More info at: https://www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com/your-visit/accessibility/
The Emerson Colonial Theatre has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests during all events. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, feeling thermometer, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Usher Stand located in the main entry way, across the way from the orchestra bar. Sensory bags can be used for all abilities of all ages.
Learn more about our venue's offerings and explore our social story!
https://venue.kulturecity.org/venues/emerson-colonial-theatre