Columbus Performing Arts Center
General Information
About
The Columbus Performing Arts Center is a 21,000-square-foot space dedicated to the arts. It is home to two performance spaces, the Van Fleet Theatre and the Shedd Stage, and the Golden Hobby Gift Shop.
Rentals Fees
Interested in renting performance space?
Complete an Interest Form and check out the pricing information below.
RegisterPerformance Spaces
Van Fleet
Theatre
Capacity: 175
$200
Performance
$125
Technical Rehearsal*
$100
Rehearsal**
Shedd
Stage
Capacity: 160
$100
Performance
$60
Technical Rehearsal*
$40
Rehearsal**
*Technical Rehearsals include the use of stage lights. **Rehearsals do not include the use of stage lights.
Staffing and Extras
Staff
Required for all rentals
$20
Per Hour
Pianos
Per Performance
$50
Upright Piano
$50
Keyboard
Extras
Per Day
$50
Projector
History
The Columbus Performing Arts Center’s history dates back to 1923. However, it was not until 1957 that the two adjoined buildings merged to form the Van Fleet Theatre. Van Fleet Theater was renamed the Players Theatre, which was once the city’s oldest non-profit arts institution in continuous operation. In 1989, after Players Theatre moved out of the space, the city agreed to occupy the facility. The facility housed the Davis Performing Arts Programs for Youth, which had existed since 1970 as the Park Playhouse Teen Community Theatre, which started at Whetstone Recreation Center in Clintonville. In recent years, CATCO (Contemporary American Theatre Company) managed the Columbus Performing Arts Center and provided programming geared toward young theatergoers. In 2021, Columbus Recreation and Parks resumed management of the center.