About the Boch Center

Our Mission

We are a nonprofit innovator and guardian of iconic venues, providing relevant and inclusive performing arts entertainment and cultural educational experiences for the most diverse audiences possible.

Vision, Values and Background

The Boch Center has ignited a greater appreciation for creativity as an essential component to our society for generations and is home to Boston’s iconic Wang and Shubert Theatres, which have anchored the historic Theater District for 100 years. We believe it is a right, not a privilege, for all individuals to access the arts regardless of background or means. We believe the arts heal, transform lives, and create opportunities for expression, dialogue, and shared cultural experiences. We believe the arts keep us a civilized society, and accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and civic engagement are among our highest priorities. Our staff and Board leadership reflect the communities we serve because we believe diverse perspectives fuel compassion and innovation and help us see beyond our past experiences and toward the future ahead of us.

Performances

We welcome all to enjoy a diverse roster of performances. Our innovative programming includes classical and popular music, dance, spoken word, musicals, theater, multimedia, comedy, and family programs. Partnering with local, national, and international producers, we offer 200+ performances for 400,000+ audiences each year. A wide array of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds perform on our landmark stages – from internationally renowned legends to emerging artists and local ensembles.

Ticket Access

Leveraging a network of 200+ community partners, we provide 3,500+ free performance tickets each year to underserved neighborhood groups, schools, and families who might not otherwise be able to attend. Over the past 10 years, we have distributed 36,000+ premium tickets to professional shows, often with special receptions and/or cast meet-and-greets – inspiring passions and providing life changing opportunities.

FREE Arts Education and Community Outreach

Since 1988, the Center has been empowering youth from the most at-risk and underrepresented neighborhoods. Using the arts, our programs develop creative potential and build confidence and leadership skills while addressing important social issues. Our award-winning arts education initiatives include the City Spotlights Teen Leadership Youth Employment Program; K-5 Artist Residencies in Boston Public Schools; and Interactive Readings for children in libraries and community organizations. These programs have received numerous awards including the Ann Flagg Multicultural Award by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education, for significant achievements in multicultural arts education. We received the Ad Club’s Rosoff Nonprofit Initiative Award in recognition of our visionary work toward creating a more inclusive community.

The Boch Center’s ArtWeek, the nation’s first annual statewide arts festival, has grown to 700+ free or affordable arts experiences of all genres - bringing diverse voices, experiences, and creative communities together all over Massachusetts.

Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF)

In 2019, the Boch Center expanded and launched the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF) which celebrates the lifeblood of America’s musical and cultural heritage. Folk music provides an outlet for individuals of all races and backgrounds to express their highest joys and deepest sorrows. From the most challenging eras of our history, this music has given voice to the voiceless against oppression, inspired the movement toward justice, and preserved elements of American culture that need to be heard and better understood. We endeavor to explore our history to influence meaningful conversations today.

Cultural Heroes Exhibit

The Boch Center’s first exhibition features sculptures by Alan LeQuire of music artists who influenced social justice, equality, and the civil rights movement through their music, including Marian Anderson, Woody Guthrie, Billie Holiday, Lead Belly, and Bessie Smith.

Nonprofit Partnerships and Discounts

As a champion for greater Boston’s cultural community, we offer venue discounts enabling nonprofit organizations to call the Wang and Shubert Theatres home. For the past 25 years we have partnered with Express Yourself, and we have provided opportunities for BAMS Fest, City Ballet of Boston, World Music, Boston Theater Company, Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Lyric Opera, Celebrity Series, Passim, American Repertory Theater, Huntington Theatre Company, and many more.