INTRODUCING THE PATIO: THE SPRINGER OPERA’S NEWEST OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE

Inspired by the success of the Springer’s 2021 Outdoor Theatre Festival which attracted 10,000 people during the COVID emergency, a new downtown beautification project and open-air stage will be built on the corner of 10th Street and 2nd Ave that supercharges our cultural district. 

The new Pierce Anderson Theatre in the Outdoors, or The PATIO, will transform a bleak, surface parking lot into a lush downtown oasis and gathering spot with tree-shaded canopies for casual lunches and meetups.

In addition to the public green space, The PATIO will feature:

  • Musical theatre productions that can be enhanced by an outdoor environment.

  • New themed concert experiences like a Ma Rainey Blues Festival, a Country and Bluegrass Festival, Jazz, Gospel, Mariachi, Ranchera, Hindustani and other forms.

  • Children’s Theatre and Theatre Camp experiences.

  • Dance concerts of all traditions.

  • Open-air space to add to the Springer’s rental portfolio for community events, festivals, concerts, parties, recitals, dances, weddings and religious services.

  • A capacity of 600+ patrons with comfortable outdoor seating, concessions and accessible restrooms - all in a festival atmosphere.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PATIO

  • The PATIO Park is a new urban green space and outdoor performance venue being developed by the Springer Opera Theatre. It will transform the surface parking lot at the corner of Tenth Street and Second Avenue into a vibrant park featuring tree canopies, greenspaces, park benches, and a fully equipped outdoor stage for community and cultural events.

  • The PATIO is an acronym for Pierce Anderson Theatre In the Outdoors, honoring Paul Pierce, the Springer's longtime producing artistic director, and Ron Anderson, the founder of the Springer Theatre Academy.

    Paul Pierce, who retired in 2023 after 35 years as the producing artistic director of the Springer, played a pivotal role in shaping the theatre’s legacy. Ron Anderson, the founder of the Springer Theatre Academy, made significant contributions to arts education and inspired countless young performers. Naming the park after them honors their transformative impact on the Springer and the Columbus arts community.

  • The PATIO is designed to be a resource for the entire Columbus community. It will provide a serene downtown retreat for Columbus State University students, nearby residents and Downtown employees, and visitors. It will also serve as a venue for events like concerts, plays, weddings, festivals, and markets, with both Springer-led and community-organized programs.

  • Construction is anticipated to be completed Spring 2026 with the first performance held sometime shortly after

  • The PATIO will host a wide range of events, including music concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, weddings, community festivals, and farmers markets. It will also be available for rental by local citizens, music promoters, and community groups.

  • The PATIO is designed to enhance downtown Columbus by adding a welcoming green space that attracts visitors, supports local events, and fosters a sense of community. It aligns with efforts to create a vibrant, walkable downtown area that benefits businesses and residents alike.

  • Yes, The PATIO will be a public space, offering a relaxing environment for anyone to enjoy. While some events may require tickets, the park itself will be open to the community for daily use.

  • The Springer’s new outdoor theatre space is a $1.7M project. Initial funding for The PATIO was included in the Springer’s recent capital campaign which was launched to the public last year with a goal of $10.7M. Learn how to contribute to the campaign here.

  • Information on booking the outdoor stage will be announced closer to the completion of the project. Interested parties can stay updated by contacting the Springer Opera Theatre or visiting their website.

  • The existing surface parking lot at the corner of Tenth Street and Second Avenue will be replaced by The PATIO Theatre Park. Public parking is available on the surrounding city streets: First Avenue, 10th Street and Second Avenue. The Springer may provide additional alternate parking arrangements, details of which will be shared as construction progresses.

  • Updates on The PATIO will be shared via the Springer Opera Theatre’s website, social media channels, and press releases. Community members are encouraged to follow these platforms for the latest information.