Short North Stage - Garden Theater

Located in the heart of Columbus’s vibrant Short North Arts District, the Garden Theater is a historic landmark with a storied past. Originally opened in 1920 as a premier vaudeville and movie house, the venue underwent several transformations—serving as a cinema, a burlesque house, and even a church—before being meticulously restored by the Short North Stage theater company. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s cultural scene, blending ornate, old-world architecture with the eclectic energy of the surrounding galleries and boutiques. The venue offers a professional yet intimate atmosphere across three distinct spaces: the grand main stage, the versatile Green Room, and Ethel’s Stage Left Lounge. While known for high-caliber musical theater and Broadway classics, the theater also hosts regular comedy programming, including weekly stand-up sets in the lounge. From campy comedic productions like those of Charles Busch to regional showcase acts, the Garden Theater provides a warm, character-filled setting for fans to enjoy live performance and sharp wit.