Neighborhood Tours

ArtsEmerson works to break down many kinds of barriers, including the ones that can keep people out of the theater. One way to do this is by making the theatre environment itself more accessible and welcoming, offer affordable tickets, represent diverse voices, and build diverse audiences. Another is to bring the art, artists, and conversations to neighborhoods around Boston. ArtsEmerson does both.

Specific performances throughout the season welcome groups from neighborhood partners, schools and other nonprofits by making available a limited number of discounted tickets (generally at $5/ticket). Community groups can apply for the tickets, and ArtsEmerson facilitates an equitable process for determining eligibility and ticket availability. Scholarships are also available for schools and educators that demonstrate exceptional financial need.

ArtsEmerson also brings performances into neighborhoods. Mr. Joy: The Neighborhood Tour has brought a play that explores issues of race, class, and community in America to neighborhoods and schools around Boston for several seasons. The tour encourages an ongoing city-wide conversation and has encouraged residents to think about its theme of “transforming pain into power” and their own positions in their community.