How vibrant is theatre culture in Columbus? (Cleveland, Newark: theater, high schools)

[Tgkds]

Hi! My family and I are considering moving to the Columbus area. A major drawback for us, though, relates to our our high-school age daughter, who is heavily involved in theatre. Where we currently live (outside Cleveland), she knows the theatres/directors/teachers that will best help in her acting/singing/dancing development, and she has been involved with them for years. Obviously, she is serious about this area of her life; she'd like to attend a conservatory and make theatre her living. (She's already been in professional productions.) What is the theatre culture like in Columbus? Is it vibrant, as it is here? What are some of the best venues/directors/vocal teachers/dance studios that produce students who go on to conservatories and successful careers? Also, the Cleveland area has an email list on which people post audition and other theatre-related information. Is there a similar list in Columbus, and, if there isn't, what is the best way to find out about auditions?

[other1]

I can't give you any direct answer, but I would suggest starting with the colleges for information as Columbus has several Universities. Capital comes to mind - The Conservatory of Music - as a place to check. Good Luck.

[CVCMH]

Also not an expert, but this might be a helpful start:

Check out CATCO (CATCO is Theatre | CATCO is Resident Professional Theatre in Columbus Ohio) and their affiliated Phoenix Children's Theater, and the Columbus Children's Theater (Columbus Children's Theatre of Columbus, Ohio). Also, Weathervane Playhouse in Newark (*Weathervane Playhouse, Newark, Ohio*&#124* Weathervane Playhouse, Newark, Ohio). It's a small venue, but there is also the Columbus Civic Theater (Columbus Civic Theater • Theater on a Mission).

Madlab (Home) and Shadowbox Cabaret (Shadowbox Live | Performing Music, Sketch Comedy, Musicals, Dance, Drama, and New Media Weekly) have more edgy/adult fare.

Good college theater departments in the area would include OSU, Otterbein in Westerville, and Denison University in Granville.

Good luck (er, break a leg?)

[Dewddd]

One of the things about Columbus that many people don't recognize is our talent and love for the performing arts. With that said, I also, am not an expert in this area. You should try looking at local university programs at OSU or Captial University. Many high schools have partnership programs with theatre programs at local universities. (at least I know Gahanna and Reynoldsburg do)

[CVCMH]

You may also want to ask the same questions you are asking here on the messageboard at Columbus Underground (ColumbusUnderground.com).

[streetcreed]

Columbus was (late 90s early 2000s) considered one of the fastest growing theatre markets in the US. This was exhibited by an increase in number of tours, local theatre companies, etc.

Because of this the number of shows and troupes is higher today than it was 20 years ago. The recession kind of halted the growth in the scene, but it is picking back up again. There is a decent number of local professional and non professional theatre troups. The number of touring shows is about the same as Cleveland.

Something Columbus has in the theatre culture that Cleveland doesnt (and be sure to tell your wife this) is the Wexner Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Wexner Center is a world renowned museum for fine arts, film, theatre, live music, dance, and performing artists. The focus of the museum are top rate, edgy and modern world wide arts being brought to Columbus. They bring renowned theatre troups from Brazil, NYC, Japan, etc. Just last week I saw a great Argentinian show (all in spanish with subtitles how cool) They also host artists lectures and have other interactive roles for local artists with the guest artists.

Here is the website: Wexner Center for the Arts

ALSO visit these:

Columbus Arts
http://columbusarts.org

CAPA (manage or fund many Columbus Performing Arts organizations)
http://capa.org

CATCO (the leading local contempoary professional theatre company)
CATCO is Theatre | CATCO is Resident Professional Theatre in Columbus Ohio

[Tgkds]

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. We did contact some people at area universities, and they were helpful, as well.

If anyone else has suggestions, keep them coming, please!