Planning Your Arrival
COVID – Protocols
As of January 2023, the Palace Theater no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for patrons and staff attending performances, events, or activities in the building.
Masks are recommended for those not vaccinated. If you or any of your guests are not feeling well or have any COVID symptoms, please do not attend commencement.
Should the State, local municipality or health authority issue further changes to policy in response to an increase or decrease in COVID infection rates, Post and The Palace Theater reserve the right to comply with such changes and recommendations, including the reinstatement of social distancing, mask mandates and vaccination/test requirements.
PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE JUST PRIOR TO YOUR CEREMONY FOR ANY COVID-RELATED UPDATES.
Planning Your Commencement Ceremony Arrival on Saturday, May 13, 2023
10 a.m. Ceremony
Graduating Students
Graduates participating in the morning commencement ceremony should check-in from 8:00 a.m. at Post University Downtown, 140 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. This check-in and line-up area is around the corner from The Palace Theater, and graduates and faculty will process as a group to the venue starting at 9:55 a.m. SHARP. (In the event of heavy rain, graduates will be asked to check-in at The Palace Theater stage door entrance, located on Brook St.)
Guests
Guests of graduates participating in the morning commencement should arrive at The Palace Theater, 100 E. Main Street Waterbury, from 9:00 a.m. and by 10:00 a.m. Outer lobby doors open at 9:00 a.m., and inner house doors open at 9:30 a.m. All guests must have a ticket to enter the theater. Seating is assigned and guests must use the main theater entrance only. Guests arriving after the start of the processional, which will start at 10:00 a.m. SHARP, will be asked to wait in the lobby until the processional is complete, and will then be seated.
Parking
Free student and guest parking is available at the Scovill Street Garage, 33 Scovill Street, Waterbury. Both The Palace Theater, where guests should report, and Post University’s downtown offices, where students should report for check-in, are a short walk away. Post Associates will be on duty to guide you to and from the parking garage. A handicapped drop-off zone is located directly in front of The Palace Theater.
3 p.m. Ceremony
Graduating Students
Graduates participating in the afternoon ceremony should check-in from 1:00 p.m. at Post University / Downtown, 140 Bank Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. This check-in and line-up area is around the corner from The Palace Theater, and graduates and faculty will process as a group to the venue starting at 3:00 p.m. SHARP. (In the event of heavy rain, graduates will be asked to check-in at The Palace Theater stage door entrance, located on Brook St.)
Guests
Guests of graduates participating in the afternoon ceremony should arrive at The Palace Theater, 100 E. Main Street Waterbury, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and by 3:00 p.m. All guests must have a ticket to enter the theater. Seating is assigned, and guests must use the main theater entrance only. Guests arriving after the start of the processional, which will start at 3:00 p.m. SHARP, will be asked to wait in the lobby until the processional is complete, and will then be seated.
Parking
Free student and guest parking is available at the Scovill Street Garage, 33 Scovill Street, Waterbury. Both The Palace Theater, where guests should report, and Post University’s downtown offices, where students should report for check-in, are a short walk away. Post Associates will be on duty to guide you to and from the parking garage throughout the day. A handicapped drop-off zone is located directly in front of The Palace Theater.
Palace Theater Etiquette:
NOT PERMITTED INSIDE THE THEATER: alcoholic beverages, smoking or vaping, and balloons of any kind. Balloons will need to be checked in the box office lobby upon arrival and may be picked up following the ceremony.
Please note there is no place to store valuables during the ceremony (i.e. large purses, cameras, etc.), so please only bring what is necessary that will fit under your seat or on your lap.