Boch Center facts for kids
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The Wang
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The Boch Center Wang Theatre, 2018
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| Address | 270 Tremont Street |
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| Location | Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Capacity | 3,500 |
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| Renovated | 1983 |
The Boch Center is a special place in Boston, Massachusetts, that helps bring amazing live shows to people. It's a nonprofit organization, which means it uses its money to support the arts, not to make a profit. The Boch Center manages two famous old theaters: the Wang and Shubert theaters. Here, you can enjoy all sorts of performances like plays, operas, concerts (classical and popular), comedy shows, and dance. They also offer fun workshops and activities for the community, working with artists and other local arts groups to make art a big part of daily life in Boston.
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Discover the History of the Boch Center
The Boch Center has a long and interesting past. It has changed names a few times over the years.
Early Days of the Wang Theatre
The Wang Theatre first opened its doors in 1925. Back then, it was known as the Metropolitan Theatre. For 30 years, it was a popular spot for shows. Later, it was called the Music Hall, and then the Metropolitan Center.
A New Name and a Big Renovation
In 1983, a generous couple named An and Lorraine Wang donated money to fix up the theater. Because of their help, the theater was renamed the Wang Center for the Performing Arts. The Wang Theatre is a very important building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a historic landmark. With over 3,600 seats, it's one of the biggest stages in the entire country!
Expanding to Include the Shubert Theatre
In 1996, the Wang Center started managing another famous theater, the Shubert Theatre. They signed a 40-year agreement to operate this beautiful venue.
Name Changes Over the Years
The center's name changed again in 2006. It became the Citi Performing Arts Center after partnering with Citigroup. Then, in 2016, it became the Boch Center. This new name came from a long-term partnership with the Boch family. In the past, the center also helped manage the Emerson Colonial Theatre and the Strand Theatre.
What Shows Can You See at the Boch Center?
The Boch Center offers a wide variety of performances and events at the Wang and Shubert Theatres. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
Types of Performances
You can catch exciting plays, beautiful dance shows, hilarious comedy acts, and grand opera performances. They also host classical music concerts, popular music concerts, and even big Broadway musicals.
Working with Other Arts Groups
The Boch Center works with many other arts groups in Boston. These partnerships help bring even more amazing shows to the city. Some of their partners include Fiddlehead Theatre Company, Handel and Haydn Society, A.R.T., Celebrity Series of Boston, and Huntington Theatre Company.
Special Events and Movie Filming
The Wang and Shubert Theatres are also used for special events. These can include company meetings, award shows, fancy parties, and even weddings. Sometimes, these theaters are even used as locations for filming movies!
Movies Filmed at the Wang Theatre
Several popular movies have been filmed at the Wang Theatre. These include:
- Ghostbusters (2016)
- American Hustle
- The Pink Panther 2
- The Witches of Eastwick
- The Great Debaters
The Boch Center's Nonprofit Work for the Community
The Boch Center is not just about putting on shows. It also does a lot of important work to help the community through arts education.
Arts Education Programs
In 1988, the Boch Center started its Education Department. The next year, they created the Walter Suskind Memorial Education Fund. These programs help young people learn about and get involved in the arts.
City Spotlights Leadership Program
This is a seven-week summer job program for teenagers in the Boston area. Teens learn about arts and leadership, how to speak up for their community, and even perform. In 2016, 61 students from many different high schools took part.
Teen Leadership Council
A smaller group of teens from the Boston area meet all year long. They create their own performances, lead workshops, work for social change, and volunteer to help others.
Target Arts Program
Started in 2009 with Boston Public Schools, this program brings artists to four different Boston schools each year. It's funded by Target Corporation.
Interactive Reading: Stories Alive
This program brings fun, interactive storytelling to children in different neighborhoods across Boston.
Ticket Access Program
Each year, this program gives free tickets to about 3,000 community groups and schools in the greater Boston area. This helps more people experience live performances.
ArtWeek Boston
The Boch Center also organizes ArtWeek Boston. This is a special 10-day festival that happens twice a year. It features over 150 unique and creative experiences. You can get hands-on, join interactive activities, or even go behind the scenes to see how artists create their work. It's presented by the Highland Street Foundation.
Theatres
See also
- An Wang
- The Shubert Organization
- List of concert halls
