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Southern Theatre — Kids Theaters in Columbus

Southern Theatre

4.7(769)4.7 out of 5 stars, 769 reviews Columbus, OH

About Southern Theatre

The Southern Theatre is a beautifully decorated, intimate venue known for its enchanting classical architecture and acoustics, offering a cozy yet open atmosphere that often provides surprisingly close proximity to the stage. It hosts a diverse range of performances including concerts, opera, and cirque, maintaining a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Its prime location near German Village adds significant value for pre- and post-show activities.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Teens and Adults interested in intimate concerts, opera, cirque performances, or comedy shows.Those seeking a relaxed and non-pretentious cultural experience with excellent acoustics.A night out combining a show with exploring the charming German Village area.Based on the reviewed performances (concerts, opera, cirque, comedy), this venue is primarily suitable for Teens and Adults. The reviews do not mention specific programming or facilities for young children, despite the business being categorized as 'Kids Theaters'.

Why families love it

  • Super helpful and friendly staff who contribute to a relaxed and non-pretentious atmosphere.
  • Enchanting classical architecture and decor with a 'monarchy appeal' that creates a beautiful setting.
  • Excellent acoustics and surround sound allows audience to 'hear and feel the entertainment'.
  • Intimate setting where many seats offer surprisingly close proximity to the stage, enhancing the experience.
  • Hosts a diverse crowd and welcomes all types of concerts/performances (e.g., opera, cirque, comedy).
  • Enchanting classical decor and monarchy-appeal architecture that is 'beautiful and immaculate'.

Insider tips

  • If legroom is a priority for comfort, specifically avoid balcony seating.
  • Be aware that many seats offer surprisingly close proximity to the stage, which can be a positive aspect for the viewing experience.
  • Plan to explore the nearby German Village area for dining and other activities before or after a show.
  • The theatre has a bar that offers signature cocktails, so plan accordingly if you wish to purchase drinks.

Good to know before you go

  • Balcony seating if legroom is a major concern for extended periods.
  • Seating is generally described as 'tight', with particularly 'awful' legroom reported in the balconies, compared to 'flying economy'.
  • Some perceive the venue as 'smaller and less refined inside than the Ohio Theater', which might be a concern for those expecting a grander scale.
Crowds
Reviews indicate events can attract a 'healthy' crowd (e.g., for the bar line), but staff manages it efficiently with a 'fast moving line'.
Value
No specific pricing information for performances is available from the reviews. Value is implied by consistently positive experiences for the quality of performances and venue ambiance. Parking incurs a fee.
Food
The venue has a bar that serves drinks (e.g., 'excellent signature Manhattan'). No information on outside food policies or other food options is available from the reviews.
Accessibility
No specific accommodations for special needs are mentioned in the reviews, beyond easy access to parking directly across the street.
Safety
No specific safety features are mentioned in the reviews.

What parents say

Cari Burns
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"An intimate concert experience. I absolutely love how beautiful and immaculate the architecture is. The seating is tight, but it was a great view where we sat. Parking garage was right across the street for easy access. I would go here again with no hesitation. There are a lot of great places in the area to eat and see too."

2 weeks ago

Chris Davison
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Wonderful experience coming here for the Opera. The staff were super helpful, and the vibe was relaxed and not pretentious at all. There was a diverse crowd, a healthy but fast moving line for the bar (which made an excellent signature Manhattan for the event), and the branding was all top notch. Smaller and less refined inside than the Ohio Theater, this was a nice venue for a small dcake production."

a week ago

Miguel Hernandez
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"10/22/2024 - Haven’t been to the Southern Theatre in a few years and I’m glad I attended the Cirque Kalabanté performance. Truly an entertaining evening. Thank you, Southern Theatre for hosting this event. Comfortable seating, good surround sounds, nice stage, and the decor is still enchanting. Classically decorated with monarchy appeal. The Southern Theatre welcomes all types of concerts. The sounds that repel from the walls you will be able to hear and feel the entertainment. Nicely carpeted that compliments the theatre. Nice and friendly staff. Meter parking and nearby by parking garages f"

5 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.