CLEVELAND, Ohio — Since the 1920s, the five historic theaters along Euclid Avenue have made Playhouse Square a jewel among theater districts.  

  • Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York
  • Only Lincoln Center is larger based on the number of seats
  • Playhouse Square may not be big as Broadway, but it’s a non-profit organization, bringing quality entertainment to Northeast Ohio

“Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York, so only Lincoln Center is larger than Playhouse Square and that’s based on number of seats,” said Cindi Szymanski, assistant director, communications. “We have 10 performance spaces, we welcome more than a million guests and more than 100 performances each, so Playhouse Square is a very busy place, especially around the holiday season.”

Playhouse Square may not be big as Broadway, but it’s a non-profit organization bringing quality entertainment to Northeast Ohio. 

“Playhouse Square is a performing arts center just like Lincoln Square is a performing arts center. Broadway is a theater district which is made up a number of theaters that are owned and operated by a variety of different people,” said Szymanski.

Some theater goers buying tickets say Playhouse Square has a friendlier atmosphere, compared to New York’s Broadway.

“I think coming to Cleveland, there is more of an intimate setting, there’s history, and being in the theater is a homey experience that you don’t really get elsewhere, and I think it’s kinda underrated, compared to Broadway,” said Rachel Aranowitz, Cleveland resident.

Another interesting fact about Playhouse Square is they have more season ticket holders than most big cities.

“We lead the nation in season ticket holders for Broadway, when you think about the size of Cleveland in comparison to markets like Dallas or Los Angeles, the fact that we lead the nation is pretty amazing, and that’s a testament to the enthusiasm for Broadway here, that’s why we are able to bring so many great shows here,” said Szymanski.