Playhouse Square has a fascinating history.  Hear about how five beloved Cleveland theaters escaped the wrecking ball and inspired city-wide urban renewal. The rejuvenation of Playhouse Square became one catalyst for Cleveland’s larger comeback from industrial decline.  

Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City, second overall only to Lincoln Center. It features nine distinct theaters, hosts over 1,000 events a year, and anchors a massive downtown entertainment district.

John Vacha wrote a book: “Playhouse Square and the Cleveland Renaissance, 2024” that places the birth, decline, and revival of Playhouse Square within the wider history of the city.  He is a lifelong Clevelander who taught history and journalism for 30 years in Cleveland School System. In retirement, he serves as associate editor of Encyclopedia of Cleveland and 19 years as district director for History Day in Ohio. He has written five books on regional theater history, dozens of articles on local and cultural history for various periodicals.

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