Dolan Performing Arts Center
The Dolan Performing Arts Center is part of Ipswich High School, a modern middle/high school facility that opened in September 2000 at a total cost of $31.9 million. The 600-seat hall has served as one of the orchestra’s two primary full-orchestra venues since 2018.
The center is named for John F. “Jack” Dolan (1922–2013), a distinguished Ipswich resident, World War II Navy veteran (USS Pastores; gun-crew captain on the USS Chicago), and nine-term State Representative. Beginning in 1957, Dolan filed the bill that became the Conservation Commission Act — the law that lets every Massachusetts town form a conservation commission to protect its natural resources.
The auditorium’s modern engineering supports the full orchestra cleanly: contemporary sound and lighting systems, careful acoustic treatment, and a stage versatile enough for chamber programs, full symphonic works, and theatrical productions alike.
Driving directions
Driving Directions from the South to Ipswich High School
Destination: 134 High Street, Ipswich, MA 01938
From Boston Area (I-95/Route 1 North):
- Take I-95 North for approximately 30 miles
- Take Exit 20A for Route 1A North toward Newburyport
- Follow Route 1A North for about 6 miles
- Take the exit for Route 133 West toward Ipswich
- Follow Route 133 West into Ipswich center (about 3 miles)
- Continue through downtown Ipswich - you'll pass Brooks Drugs on your left, then Dunkin' Donuts on your left
- The high school will be on your left at 134 High Street, just after Shaw's Market
From I-95 North (Alternative Route):
- Take I-95 North to Exit 20B for Route 133 East toward Essex/Gloucester
- Follow Route 133 East for about 8 miles through Essex
- Continue on Route 133 as it becomes Route 133 West into Ipswich
- Follow directions above from downtown Ipswich
From Route 1 North (Direct Route):
- Take Route 1 North toward Newburyport
- Take the exit for Route 133 West toward Ipswich
- Follow Route 133 West for approximately 8 miles into Ipswich center
- Follow directions above from downtown Ipswich
From Route 128 North:
- Take Route 128 North to Route 1A North
- Follow Route 1A North to Route 133 West toward Ipswich
- Follow directions above from Route 133
Alternative Route via Linebrook Road:
- From Route 1, take Old Route 1 to the intersection of Linebrook Road
- Turn left onto Linebrook Road (from north) or right (from south)
- Follow Linebrook Road to School Street
- Turn left onto School Street
- Follow School Street to High Street
- Turn right onto High Street - the school will be ahead on your right
Key Landmarks:
- Shaw's Market - The school is located just after Shaw's Market on High Street
- Downtown Ipswich - You'll pass through the town center with Brooks Drugs and Dunkin' Donuts
- The school building houses both Ipswich High School and Ipswich Middle School
- Jack Welch Stadium and athletic facilities are located on the same campus
Parking:
- Student and visitor parking is available on the school campus at 134 High Street
The school is easily identifiable as it's a modern facility (opened in 2000) that replaced the previous building, and it includes the Performing Arts Center as part of the complex.
Every venue, fully accessible.
All five venues have wheelchair seating and step-free access. If you need help planning a visit — companion seating, a specific section, or accessible parking — call the box office at (978) 281-0543 and we'll make arrangements ahead of the concert.
Concerts often sell out, so we recommend reserving your spot early in the season. If you'd like a quieter seat or a particular vantage point, just say so when you call — every seat is unreserved by section, and we're happy to help.
See you in the hall.
Browse the season to find what's playing where — or get in touch if you have questions about a particular space.