The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio performs in the Studio Theatres of the Riffe Center, right in the heart of downtown Columbus. We love that everyone has a different path to the theater, and we’re happy to do what we can to make it easy and enjoyable for you to be here.
Explore:
The Riffe Center
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
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Opening its doors in 1989, the Riffe Center for Government and the Arts houses the Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Theatre, three studio-style theatres, plus an on-site scenery and costume shop. The Contemporary has found a home here, performing and rehearsing in the Studio Theatres on the fourth floor.
Studio One
The larger of the two studios, Studio One is a 200-seat proscenium-style theatre. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, this space houses our larger musicals and plays.
Studio Two
Studio Two is a more intimate, black box-style, 146-seat theatre space. Seating is typically arranged in a thrust or “three-quarter round” set up, meaning that you are never more than six rows away from the performers on stage.
Getting Here
Public Transit
The COTA #1, #2, #10 buses, as well as others stop right outside the Riffe Center.
Driving
The Riffe Center is right in the middle of downtown Columbus. No matter which direction you’re coming from, we’re a few turns off of the major highways.
From the North
Take I-71 south to Broad Street exit and turn right onto Broad. Follow to 3rd and turn left onto 3rd. Take to State and go right onto State. The theatre is one block up on the right.
From the South
Take I-71 north to 4th Street exit and turn left onto 4th. Take 4th to State and turn left onto State. The theatre is one block up on the right.
From the East
Take I-70 west to 4th Street exit and turn right onto 4th. Take 4th to State and turn left onto State. The theatre is one block up on the right.
From the West
Take I-70 east to Front Street/High Street/Livingston Avenue exit. Continue east (straight ahead) on the exit ramp to High Street and go left onto High. Follow High, theatre is on left on the corner of High and State.
Entrances
High Street Entrance
Enter through the revolving doors on High Street, then head to the left. Directional signage with our logo on it will help show you where to go.
Riffe Center Garage Entrance
On each level of the garage, you will see a glass door leading to a small vestibule with two elevators. Go through those doors and take either elevator up to the third floor.
Getting to the Theatres
The Riffe Center can feel like a maze at first. Here are some helpful tips on how to find the Studio Theatres.
Escalators
If you’re coming off of the elevator from the garage, hang a right out of the third floor elevator vestibule. There, you’ll see the escalator to the fourth floor. Coming from High Street? Directional signage will point you up to the third floor. Once you reach the top of the stairs, take a left. After you pass a desk with a security guard, you’ll see the escalator to the fourth floor.
Elevators
It is possible to reach the fourth floor via elevator. If you are coming from the garage, the elevator on the left side of the vestibule can take you all the way to the fourth floor. If you get in the elevator on the right side, get off on three and take the elevator across the way up to four. If you are coming from High Street, elevators located near the lobby will take you up to the third floor. You can then follow signage to the elevators that can take you to the Studio Theatres on the fourth floor.
Come for the show, stay for the Columbus experience.
Where to Eat
“I really enjoy pasta and martini at Speck. Located about two blocks from the Riffe, it’s perfect for a pre-show dinner.”
Alexa Baker
The Contemporary’s Marketing Manager
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Where to Stay
The Junto is in a great location, right across the river in Franklinton.”
Leda Hoffmann
The Contemporary’s Producing Artistic Director
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Things to Do
“I LOVE libraries. If you haven’t been to the main branch of the Columbus Library, you definitely should check it out.”
Maureen Penko
The Contemporary’s Production Manager
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