Columbus Performing Arts Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Columbus Performing Arts Center distinguishes itself by offering high-quality, impactful theatrical productions with seasoned, talented actors, often including free shows. It caters to families not just through performances but also by hosting children's theater camps. The venue, though small, provides an intimate setting for diverse entertainment genres.
Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional productions featuring excellent, seasoned, and amazingly talented actors
- ✓Availability of free-to-attend shows, offering high value entertainment
- ✓Performances are described as big, impactful, and moving, despite the venue's size
- ✓Welcomes different genres of entertainment, indicating diverse programming
- ✓Offers engaging theater camp experiences for children (e.g., 'daughter's first theater camp experience')
- ✓Friendly staff contributes to a positive experience
Standout Features
- ⭐Features two distinct performance stages: The Shedd auditorium and the Van Fleet Theater
- ⭐On-site Golden Hobby Gift Shop selling handmade items
- ⭐Few small stages that comfortably welcome guests, creating an intimate atmosphere
- ⭐Hosts vendors during some events
- ⭐Partners with Columbus Recreation and Parks for children's theater camps
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Keep track of the performance schedule, as some exceptional shows are free
- →Check the website for current hours of operation for performances and the gift shop
- →Arrive early for any event due to limited seating in the small venue
Things to Consider
- ⚠Small venue with very limited seating, requiring early arrival for events
- ⚠Risk of performer illness or absence, potentially leading to changes in scheduled performances
Price & Value
Offers high value due to the professional quality of productions and the availability of free shows. No specific paid ticket prices were mentioned, but the free options are a significant draw.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access details, sensory-friendly options) were mentioned in the reviews, beyond 'comfortably welcomes guest' for its small stages.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Convenient street parking available
- •Parking spaces located across the center
- •Parking is free and generally not difficult to find
👥Crowd Levels
- •Likely to get busy for popular shows, indicated by the 'small venue' and 'limited seating' warnings. Early arrival is advised.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Arriving late for performances, as seating is limited and can fill quickly
- • Reliance on a specific performer without confirming their availability on the day of the show
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
📅Booking Policy
- • A city building attendant is required for all rentals.
- • Call for info on basic blocking rehearsal options.
- • Pricing information updated March 1, 2025.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Richard Wilson
a month agoThere are two performance stages: The Shedd auditorium and the Van Fleet Theater. Lately, some shows have been free to attend, even though the casts are made up of excellent, seasoned actors, and the productions are exceptional. It's definitely worth keeping track of what is playing there next!
Sheila Davis
10 months agoThe Golden Hobby Gift Shop is in side of the arts center. Lots of handmade items are available. The plays that take place are also put on by amazingly talented people! Check the website for hours.
Miguel Hernandez
a year ago03/24/24 - Today was my first time revisiting CPAC in about 5 years. I went to see a performance that I did not see because the artist I wanted to see perform was out sick. Thankfully, they will reprise their role at another venue. While there I took a pic of the building. Enjoy your performances. This venue welcomes different genres of entertainment. They have a few small stages that comfortably welcomes guest, yet the performances are big, impactful, and moving. Convenient street parking and parking spaces across the center. Friendly staff.
E Tucker
6 months agoThis is a small venue. So get there early if you have any event here. Sitting is very limited. The show was excellent, and they also had vendors there. The parking wasn't bad and it was free.
Bryana Anderson Ross
a year agoWas here for my daughter's first theater camp experience with Columbus Recreation and Parks! It was a great week for her. She thoroughly enjoyed it!
Contact Information
549 Franklin Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
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