Always Worthwhile

We produce and present shows that are a must-see.

It’s nerve-racking to see a live show and we take the guess work out of it. If it’s here, it’s been work-shopped, vouched for, and recommended.

The Rockwell as a space has survived multiple owners and management, and yet, it lives on! A trusty block-box theater with a well-equipped light plot and sound system able to support performances from full stage productions to 18-piece bands to comedy podcasts to heart-racing burlesque.

Nestled in Davis Square, a hotbed of bars, outdoor markets, and arts-centric events, in Somerville, Massachusetts, The Rockwell twinkles with its old-fashioned marquee on Elm Street. Just steps away from The Davis Square “T” (subway) station. Formerly The Davis Square Theatre and Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway, our underground theater controls all its light sources to house any event at any time. We seem small but we accommodate up to 203 people and host over 500 performances annually.

MEET US
Small But Kickass

DEBY XIADANI
DEBY XIADANIArtistic Director & General Manager
DEBY XIADANI is a comedian, producer, musician, and award-winning comedy director earning “Best Physical Comedy,” and “Critic’s Choice Award,” for her Fringe Festival work. She has been a recurring invited director at Dartmouth College, her alma mater, and also emceed “Dartmouth Idol” for 5 years after she graduated. With a stage-presence that is confident, comfortable, and goofy, she loves performance and every detail that goes into it.

Raised in Cambridge, she is working hard to elevate The Rockwell to be a legendary basement for art that is Funny, Dark, Smart, and Great.

Selected credits include The Public Theater, 59E59 Theater, Northern Stage, Dixon Place, The Tank, La Mama, New York Theater Workshop, UCB, Second City.

Photo by Victoria Rubin

IN
Great Company

Rowan M.
Technical Director

Josh G.
Comedy Technical Lead

Heather T.
Audio Engineer

Dan M.
Audio Engineer

Mateo G.
Audio Engineer

Ellie P.
Lead Bartender

Gaelon K. 
Bartender & Front of House

Anna K. 
Front of House Host

Jenna S. 
Graphic Designer & Front of House

 

THE ROCKWELL HISTORY

over the years

An Idea is Born

Boston Baked Theatre (BBT) seeks to build a performance theater in Boston and with Mayor Brune’s encouragement they lease space in the former Gorin Department Store basement at 255 Elm Street.

Boston Baked Theatre Opens

Boston Baked Theatre Closes – Various Groups Operate Theatre

Jimmy Tingle opens “Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway” producing his own shows in the theater

Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Closes

Ken Kelly Leases the Theater and Construction Begins for Foundry on Elm While the Theater is Dark

Saloon is Built and Opens Next Door to the Theater

The Theater Reopens as “The Davis Square Theatre”

The Theater Rebrands as “The Rockwell”