BCA Plaza Theatres

Plaza Theatres at Boston Center for the Arts


Applications for performance venues are open.

Looking for performance spaces for 2024-2025? 2024–2025 applications are also now open.


The Plaza Theatre and Plaza Black Box Theatre are located beneath the BCA Cyclorama. These underground theatre spaces have been home to some of Boston’s most innovative artists and arts organizations for decades.

The Plaza Theatre is 5,118 square feet, and the Plaza Black Box Theatre is 1,200 square feet. The Plaza Theatres have hosted artistic events like BCA’s Theatre, Dance, and Music Residency performances and popup performance series like #HellaBlack and She Said.


Plaza Theatre

Capacity: 142 persons (fixed seating)

Amenities:

  • Assistive listening devices
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Dressing rooms
  • Lighting and Sound packages
  • Optional Sprung Dance floor

Ideal for:

  • Performances
  • Concerts
  • Release parties
  • Workshops
  • Auditions/rehearsals
  • Reception events

Black Box Theatre

Capacity: up to 90 persons (depending on the configuration of space)

Amenities:

  • Assistive listening devices
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Dressing room
  • Sound and Lighting packages
  • Optional Wenger seating riser system

Ideal for:

  • Performances
  • Concerts
  • Release parties
  • Workshops
  • Auditions/rehearsals
  • Reception events 
  • Experimental work

For groups or guests looking for a local charter bus rental to the BCA Plaza Theatres, buses are available through GOGO Charters Boston or Boston Charter Bus Company.


Accessibility Information

  • Accessible Access: For patrons who need it, a chair lift is available in the BCA Plaza Theatres. (Patrons must otherwise descend nine steps to reach the lower level where the theatres are located.) The total weight capacity for the lift is 750 pounds.
  • Box Office Accessibility: A patron of shorter stature or who uses a seated mobility aid can comfortably reach the vent to pass items back and forth. Communication with the Box office staff person is via a microphone and speaker through a pane of transparent glass.
  • Accessible seating: Wheelchair/accessible seating is available. Please request this type of seating through the box office.
  • Accessible restrooms: Accessible restrooms are located on the lower level of the BCA Plaza Theatres. This is the same level as the individual theatre entrances.
  • Assistive Listening: Assistive Listening Devices are available for many of the performances in the BCA Plaza Theatres. Please check the website to see if the show you are interested in has this option available for you.
  • ASL Interpretation: ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances are only offered when a presenting company makes arrangements for such a performance. Please check the presenting company’s website to see if the show you are interested in has this option available for you.

    For more information and booking-related questions or inquiries for the Plaza Theatre or the Plaza Black Box, contact the Boston Center for the Arts Venue Services Team at 617.456.1138 or theatrerentals@bostonarts.org.