About Taft Theatre
Taft Theatre offers a unique, historical, and intimate classical theater experience with a beautifully decorated 100-year-old venue and friendly staff. While reviews don't cover specific children's shows, the venue's ambiance and layout make it suitable for various performances, though parents should be aware of seating and visibility limitations for some areas.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with older children or teenagers who appreciate a classic, intimate theater experienceAttending specific shows where the historical ambiance and up-close viewing (from good seats) are a priorityThose seeking a downtown entertainment venue with convenient interstate access and nearby parkingReviews primarily describe shows appealing to adults or older teenagers (e.g., Alton Brown, Jeff Foxworthy, Joe Gatto). No specific feedback regarding performances or amenities for very young children.Parents considering this venue for children's shows should verify the suitability of individual performances and be aware that tight seating might be an issue for active younger children or parents needing extra space.
Why families love it
- Small and intimate theater setting, contributing to a unique viewing experience
- Historical venue, approximately 100 years old and beautifully decorated
- Friendly and professional staff noted for good service
- Convenient location, just a few blocks with no turns off I-71/75
- Good variety of shows accommodated in the venue
- Intimate atmosphere that allows for a closer connection to the performance
Insider tips
- Arrive at least 45 minutes early, especially if you plan to purchase drinks or desire a relaxed seating experience before the show starts.
- Consider seating closer to the stage if clear visibility is a priority, as balcony and far-away seats may not have screen views.
- Schedule pre-show dinner 2.5-3 hours in advance to avoid feeling rushed downtown.
- Be mindful of the tight seating; plan accordingly if comfort over long periods or personal space is a high priority.
Good to know before you go
- Families with young children who might struggle with tight seating or who require excellent visibility from all areas without auxiliary screens
- Last-minute arrivals who want a stress-free entry and pre-show experience (e.g., getting drinks or finding seats quickly)
- Patrons expecting modern amenities like large viewing screens for distant seats
- Seating can be tight and uncomfortable for longer durations or if seated next to larger individuals
- Balcony and far-away seats may have poor visibility of the stage due to lack of auxiliary screens
- Crowds
- Can be busy before showtime, making seating and drink purchases challenging without arriving at least 45 minutes early.
- Value
- No specific pricing was mentioned in the reviews. The perceived value appears to be tied to the quality of the specific performance and the unique, historical ambiance of the venue.
- Food
- Not explicitly detailed. However, one reviewer recommended arriving early to get drinks, implying beverage sales are available on-site before shows.
- Accessibility
- Easy access provided by its location just a few blocks off I-71/75 with no turns.
- Safety
- No specific safety features were mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"Show was good, venue, not so much. If I were to go again probably schedule dinner at least 2.5-3 hours in advance for a more relaxed time. I would plan on showing up at least 45 minutes early, more of wanting to get drinks and not walk straight to seat. Earliest I've been downtown for an evening and first time I wasn't able to get seated a good 15+ minutes before show started. But Alton Brown was very entertaining, one of the best performances I've been to."
2 weeks ago
"We've been here for a coupleof events: Jeff Foxworthy and most recently, Rock by Candlelight. This theater is unique, and I love the history. It's small and intimate. Definitely a great venue to see various shows."
a month ago
"Went there for the 1st time to see Joe Gatto from the Impractical Jokers. Had a great time. Old large classic style theater. Only critique I have is they should have screens showing him so people in the balcony and far away seats can see him better."
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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