by Lisa McPeek

For 40 years, CAPA (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) has protected and restored some of Columbus’ finest theaters while presenting a wide arrangement of performing arts and entertainment. The organization celebrates its 40-year milestone this year with continued strength and expansion.

CAPA was formed in 1969 to save the historic Ohio Theatre from demolition. After leading an extensive renovation on the theater, CAPA established a strong reputation in venue management, enabling the group to start other projects in the area.

CAPA has a strong entertainment presence in Columbus, owning and operating the Palace and Southern theatres and managing the Riffe Center Theatre Complex.

Recently the City of Columbus recruited CAPA to manage the historic Lincoln Theatre, which has suffered neglect since the construction of area interstates divided the east side from downtown. Restoration began in 2008 and the theater opened for performances in May. The Lincoln is expected to be home to 10 Columbus performing arts organizations.

CAPA also manages the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Conn. and recently announced a management agreement with TCAC (Toledo Cultural Arts Center) to run Toledo’s Valentine Theatre.

Due to CAPA’s reputation as a strong performing arts ally and the association’s history of collaborative management, TCAC sought out CAPA to run the Toledo venue. The new agreement emphasizes what Rolanda Copley, publicist for CAPA, believes is one of the group’s greatest achievements in its 40-year history — expansion.

“We have this Toledo project and roots in Connecticut and Chicago, too. We’re expanding and saving theaters outside of Columbus, and that’s a big accomplishment,” she says.

Copley adds CAPA plans to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year with events still being planned. She reflects on many of the artists CAPA has brought to Columbus, including Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, Smokey Robinson, The Boston Pops and David Sedaris.

While CAPA is able to draw some of the world’s best entertainers to its many establishments, Copley says the work CAPA has done to restore historic theaters is what attracts such attention.

“We do what we do well,” she says. “Many of the theaters were on the verge of demolition and we make sure they’re there for many years to come.”

For more information about the organization, its theaters and its upcoming schedule, visit www.capa.com.  

Lisa McPeek is a contributing writer for CityScene.