CAPA enriches lives by cultivating and nurturing the arts, spreading an appreciation that can be felt in hearts, minds and the economy of our communities. CAPA was formed in 1969 to save the historic Ohio Theatre (Columbus) from the wrecking ball. After the theatre was saved, CAPA renovated the magnificent 1928 movie palace to its original glory.
It was then, that CAPA became the leaders in theatre rehabilitation and downtown redevelopment. Since then, CAPA has adopted Columbus' Palace Theatre (1926) and Southern Theatre (1896). The 925-seat Southern Theatre was CAPA's second major theatre rehabilitation project, reopening in 1998 after a dramatic $10 million renovation.
It was then, that CAPA became the leaders in theatre rehabilitation and downtown redevelopment. Since then, CAPA has adopted Columbus' Palace Theatre (1926) and Southern Theatre (1896). The 925-seat Southern Theatre was CAPA's second major theatre rehabilitation project, reopening in 1998 after a dramatic $10 million renovation.
Services
Due to fire code, ALL people attending shows need a ticket. However, if your child plans to sit in your lap for the duration of the performance, you may buy them the lowest-priced ticket available. If you believe you have lost an item in one of our theatres, please contact us at 614-469-1045.
Our theatres include the Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, Drexel Theatre, the McCoy Center for the Arts, and the Riffe Center's Davidson Theatre, Studio One, Studio Two, and Studio Three.All guests of CAPA venues are subject to inspection. Guests who refuse may be denied entry.
Our theatres include the Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, Drexel Theatre, the McCoy Center for the Arts, and the Riffe Center's Davidson Theatre, Studio One, Studio Two, and Studio Three.All guests of CAPA venues are subject to inspection. Guests who refuse may be denied entry.
CAPA takes personal safety very seriously, and has implemented security measures to better assure the comfort and protection of all persons who work, volunteer, and visit our venues. By attending an event, guests agree to comply with the below inspection policy, including handling of prohibited items, and the guest code of conduct, waiving any and all related claims against CAPA.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Our ALDs transmit sound from a live microphone, directly to a set of headphones. CAPA offers headphones, or you can bring your own if you wish. ALDs are available free-of-charge at all CAPA venues for all performances on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) is committed to celebrating, supporting, and advocating for high school musical theatre education throughout central Ohio. Festival Latino is a free, family-friendly event celebrating family and community with two days of children's activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America.
This free Facebook series featured 30-minute sets from a variety of local artists, offering viewers the chance to connect with a wealth of local talent and providing the performers an opportunity to earn an income while venues are closed. Mukiss is the recently launched solo project of prolific, Columbus-based musician Caeleigh Featherstone.
Reviews (16)
Ron Eckert
May 17, 2021
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Breana Higgins
Jan 28, 2020
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Stephen McCafferty Steve
Jun 09, 2019
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Sheri D.
May 23, 2019
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Dianne Battigaglia
Oct 05, 2018
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Going on only my second year volunteering...many of my cohorts have 15+ but by no means are they all seniors! Wonderfully diverse entertainment schedule. Beautiful historic theaters. Volunteers choose their schedules two months in advance and must only commit to two shows a month. If you have free time and you’re looking for something different, explore CAPA volunteering!
Jl Fryman
Aug 20, 2018
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Jerry Corrodi
Aug 19, 2018
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Absolutely a total insult! Paying $10 per person for the morning dress rehearsal of the Columbus Symphony, featuring two numbers by Ballet Met dancers and a fine piano concerto, plus Symphony offerings, with a promise of coffee and doughnuts, of which they ran out before the rehearsal began.
I estimated over a thousand people were in attendance at the CAPA-run gorgeous Ohio Theater. That's revenue of $10,000. Give me my hot cup of coffee on a freezing cold morning!
This IS NOT CAPA's doing; it is solely on the shoulders of the CSO.
What did not happen that should have? There was nothing telling
I estimated over a thousand people were in attendance at the CAPA-run gorgeous Ohio Theater. That's revenue of $10,000. Give me my hot cup of coffee on a freezing cold morning!
This IS NOT CAPA's doing; it is solely on the shoulders of the CSO.
What did not happen that should have? There was nothing telling
Jared E.
Jan 20, 2018
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This review is for the Davidson Theatre. Came here last night to see CS Lewis. Tickets were expensive for a one man show, and the venue really let us down, and ruined it for us. First, this show was a monologue--just one guy talking. Volume was not high enough to hear on the main level, so I can only imagine how hard it was to hear on the top levels. Next, the venue sold concessions, and candy in boxes and crinkly wrappers. The awful setup of this theater means that your head is nearly in the lap of the person behind you. So, you can hear every single crinkle and munch and crunch of candy
Brian P.
Oct 10, 2017
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Years ago Republican and Democratic elected officials used to battle over who did more to support culture and arts (in addition to jobs, jobs, jobs). The late Ohio House Speaker Vern Riffe decided he wanted an art gallery and a performing arts space in the building that was being built to house certain government officials and agencies. This gem of a theatre got tucked into that building's design.
I have seen shows, and I have seen my children perform here with BalletMet and with Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra. I have seen political speeches here.
The space is arrayed in a fashion where
I have seen shows, and I have seen my children perform here with BalletMet and with Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra. I have seen political speeches here.
The space is arrayed in a fashion where
Jessica P.
Oct 05, 2015
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The theater was hard to find, we had our purses checked on the way in and will call was a tiny card table. But that's okay, I like security.
There is only one bathroom for the whole theater, there are plenty of stalls but it's on the top floor and it's fairly inconvenient and gets a long Line. Also there was a broken toilet and a broken sink. And only one functional paper towel dispenser.
If you look at the ceiling in the lobby there's a lot of water damage and missing ceiling. Plants are placed around but you end up hitting your head into them walking around.
We were seated
There is only one bathroom for the whole theater, there are plenty of stalls but it's on the top floor and it's fairly inconvenient and gets a long Line. Also there was a broken toilet and a broken sink. And only one functional paper towel dispenser.
If you look at the ceiling in the lobby there's a lot of water damage and missing ceiling. Plants are placed around but you end up hitting your head into them walking around.
We were seated
Jerry E.
May 06, 2013
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We went to see Five Guys Named Moe on Saturday, May 4th at the 8:00pm performance. We were disappointed overall for several reasons. First, the choice in musical styles was very disjointed. Styles ranged from Jive, which was expected, to Calypso, which was totally unrelated and seemed forced. Second, the abilities of the cast were widely varied. Several members had a strong presence and others did not. Those that were strong seemed to hold their talent in check, unless given a solo and then they wowed us. Third, the mix of the talented band tended to overpower the vocals. Fourth, for the
Brian D.
Dec 18, 2012
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The Riffe Center Theatres provide a great venue for acts and events which just don't have enough draw to fill the much roomier Palace or Ohio theaters. The layout provides each and every seat with a great view. Acoustics are also excellent. We recently saw Under the Streetlamp here and Riffe offered up the perfect, intimate venue for this event. You can easily feel like you're part of the show.
My only nits on the Riffe:
1. Very sterile/modern feel (I like the old theater feel - there is nothing here to visually stimulate you while you wait for your show to begin);
2. Restrooms
My only nits on the Riffe:
1. Very sterile/modern feel (I like the old theater feel - there is nothing here to visually stimulate you while you wait for your show to begin);
2. Restrooms
Brian W.
Dec 16, 2012
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Went to Studio 3 to see The 12 Dates of Christmas. Cute little theater space set with chairs at high and low tables, as well as individually. Probably held 100 people. Obviously no problems seeing or hearing. Apparently adequate systems for lighting, sound, etc. Located in a relatively new office tower, so kind-of an unexpected place to find this. Snack bar with full bar service located in lobby. Ticketing was a bit confusing in the lobby, since there are different ticketing setups for the three shows going on, with no signs to tell you which is which.
Sarah F.
Oct 25, 2010
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Morgan D.
Sep 26, 2008
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I saw The Drawer Boy at the Riffe Center. I was in a smaller, more intimate theatre for this production. The actors were very close to us. The layout of the theatre seats was comfortable, not at all congested. The staging was nice, realistic.
I have to admit, my level of interest before seeing the play wasn't very high. As I understood, the story was about two old men and there was some sort of significance to a drawer; I pictured a kitchen drawer. Let's just say I didn't purchase my own ticket. But after the lights dimmed, I found myself being suckered into the plot. It could have
I have to admit, my level of interest before seeing the play wasn't very high. As I understood, the story was about two old men and there was some sort of significance to a drawer; I pictured a kitchen drawer. Let's just say I didn't purchase my own ticket. But after the lights dimmed, I found myself being suckered into the plot. It could have
Trish S.
Feb 12, 2008
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