Kids Theaters Open
Columbus Performing Arts Center
4.6(263)4.6 out of 5 stars, 263 reviews Columbus, OH
About Columbus Performing Arts Center
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking high-quality, professional theatrical experiences, potentially at no costParents looking for enriching theater camp opportunities for their childrenIndividuals interested in supporting local arts and finding unique handmade items at the gift shopAnyone appreciative of diverse entertainment genres in an intimate settingSuitable for school-aged children (e.g., 6-16 years) interested in theater camps/workshops
Why families love it
- 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
Insider tips
- 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
Good to know before you go
- 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
- Small venue with very limited seating, requiring early arrival for events
- Risk of performer illness or absence, potentially leading to changes in scheduled performances
- Crowds
- Likely to get busy for popular shows, indicated by the 'small venue' and 'limited seating' warnings. Early arrival is advised.
- 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
- 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.
What parents say
"There 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!"
a month ago
"The 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."
10 months ago
"03/24/24 - 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."
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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