Founded in 1969, CAPA has achieved international recognition over the past three decades for the diversity of its performing arts and entertainment programming, its dramatic restoration of historic theatres, its excellence in facility management, and its contributions to quality of life and vibrant downtowns.

CAPA's restoration of the Ohio Theatre (Columbus), the 1928 movie house which it saved from the wrecking ball in 1969, is celebrated as a vanguard achievement in the field of theatre rehabilitation and downtown redevelopment. In addition to the Ohio Theatre (now a National Historic Landmark and the "Official Theatre for the State of Ohio"), CAPA owns and operates the Palace Theatre (1926) and Southern Theatre (1896), which reopened in 1998 following its dramatic, $10 million CAPA-led restoration and modernization.

In 1994, CAPA entered into an agreement with the State of Ohio to manage the contemporary Riffe Center Theatres in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts. CAPA's consolidated management of these downtown Columbus facilities has resulted in a performing arts complex that provides spaces for the best arts and entertainment events at reasonable rates. CAPA theatres provide a downtown home to nearly all Columbus performing arts groups.

From 1998 to 2003, CAPA managed and programmed the Chicago Theatre, first under agreements with Chicago Alameda Theatre Enterprises, Inc.