CAPA Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2019

Established in 1969, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) turns 50 and will mark the important milestone with a new look and a year-long, community celebration. Through the generous support of the American Electric Power Foundation and Nationwide, with special support provided by Huntington Bank, a series of special events will be held throughout the year to thank the community for its 50 years of enthusiastic support of CAPA and the arts in Columbus. Established in 1969 to save downtown’s historic Ohio Theatre from imminent demolition, CAPA has since grown into a $21 million non-profit performing arts organization that stewards ten central Ohio entertainment venues, provides administrative services to seven local arts and culture organizations, presents more than 60 national touring artists each season, presents Broadway in Columbus (in partnership with Broadway Across America), produces Festival Latino, and creates educational performing arts experiences for thousands of students each year.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate CAPA’s many achievements over the last 50 years and to share our exciting vision for the future,” stated CAPA President and CEO Chad Whittington. “We are thrilled to commemorate this important milestone by thanking the community that has made it all possible through their incredible generosity and support.”

The New Look
To refresh and evolve the brand, CAPA selected Fechtor Advertising to helm the rebranding process. CAPA’s work with Fechtor began with a months-long discovery and research process that included focus groups and in-person interviews with CAPA personnel, board members, and donors, leading to a new logo and updated color palette.

With its hand-drawn brushstroke design, the distinct and expressive letters of the new CAPA logo communicate a modern, creative energy that is passionate, bold, and at its core, uniquely human. Its color palette is built upon a central color of Byzantium purple that conveys richness and depth. The new logo is coupled with the tag line—“Living, breathing art”—speaking to the distinctive intensity and universal connectivity of the performing arts genre.

The Celebration
CAPA today announces the following 50th anniversary special events. Additional events will be announced throughout the year as CAPA celebrates in a variety of ways with the many diverse arts organizations it collaborates with each season.

Mighty Morton Organ Free Concert & Singalong
Sunday, March 17, 3pm
Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.)
Celebrate the 91st birthday of the Ohio Theatre with a free concert and singalong showcasing the Ohio’s original “Mighty Morton” theatre pipe organ. CAPA featured organist Clark Wilson will replicate the audience singalong performed by former resident organist Roger Garrett on February 16, 1969, as part of the “final performance” at the Ohio Theatre. This will be followed by a concert from world-renowned organist Simon Gledhill featuring music from Broadway, Hollywood, and the Great American Songbook. Generous support provided by The Tom E. Dailey Foundation and Leo Klise.

2019 CAPA Summer Movie Series – 50th Anniversary Edition
June 14 – August 11
Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.)
The longest-running classic film series in America, the CAPA Summer Movie Series will offer 50¢ tickets to opening weekend and select showings on its 2019 lineup. The 50th anniversary edition of central Ohio’s beloved annual summer tradition will present its usual mix of classic film favorites, series premieres, and special events—including a silent film with live musical accompaniment on the “Mighty Morton” theatre organ, Saturday morning classic cartoons, and Fright Nite Friday with Fritz the Nite Owl—but will sprinkle in a few fun birthday surprises throughout the summer. More details and the 2019 lineup to be announced soon. Generous support provided by PVS Chemicals.

CAPA Theatres Free Open House Walking Tour
Saturday, July 13, 1-4pm
Ever wondered what it would be like to stand on the stage of the Ohio Theatre? See the Palace from a performer’s perspective? Or to know you’re standing inside the same gilded arches as the thousands of stars that have graced the Southern Theatre stage over the past 123 years? Well, now’s your chance. Learn more about the storied histories behind CAPA’s treasured Ohio, Palace, and Southern Theatres as they open to the public to tour, touch, and even take selfies from their stages.

See www.capa50.com for additional events.