One of the world’s premier arts districts, Playhouse Square is a cornerstone of Cleveland’s cultural identity, hosting more than 1,000 performances annually—from Broadway hits and concerts to comedy and special events. Playhouse Square is home to eight resident companies and 12 venues, including five beautifully restored historic theaters--the world’s largest theater restoration project. Free public tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the district’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant legacy. Its theaters and elegant lobbies are also available for private rentals, making it a standout venue for planners seeking a unique and memorable space. Whether you're planning a date night, group outing, or corporate event, Playhouse Square delivers unforgettable experiences in a grand and inspiring setting. Visit playhousesquare.org for show tickets, tour registration, and private rental information.
The Allen Theatre’s April 1, 1921 opening night attracted more patrons than its 3,080 seat capacity that scores of disappointed filmgoers had to be turned away. Originally built as an opulent silent movie house, the Allen required no backstage facilities (dressing rooms, storage, etc.). To later accommodate legitimate theater presentations, it was necessary to build a “stage house” onto the venue during restoration in preparation for its reopening October 3, 1998, when it began to host long-running, touring Broadway productions and concerts. The Cleveland Ballet’s move to San Jose made the State Theatre available for Broadway, and use of the Allen decreased, paving the way for Playhouse Square to invite new resident companies to the district. In August of 2010, the Allen was closed to undergo a dramatic reconfiguration from an historic theater with 2,500 seats to an intimate, 500-seat contemporary theater nestled in historic environs. The transformed Allen Theatre reopened in September of 2011, the flexible 300-seat Second Stage and the 150-seat Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, complete the Allen Theatre Complex to be shared by Playhouse Square, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and Case Western Reserve University’s MFA Acting Program.