Arts & Culture in Upper Arlington

Even though the crimson neon sign recalls that of a classic movie theater, the stadium seating and digital-projection system of Gateway Film Center point toward a modern polish. The same can be said of the cinema’s choice of films, a mix of classic pictures, arthouse darlings, Hollywood blockbusters, and home videos of David Cronenberg’s horrifying family reunions. For refreshments, the Martini Shot Bistro pairs standard concessions of popcorn, candy, and soda with unique options such as sushi, freshly baked pizzas, and a full bar with 20 draft beers.

Dixie Twin Drive-In transports moviegoers back to the 1950s with a constantly changing selection of first-run films on two outdoor screens, one 120’ x 52’ and the other 100’ x 65’. Cars pull into the drive-in’s tree-enclosed grounds and tune into a private FM radio station, which provides the audio accompaniment to movies’ car chases, star-crossed love affairs, and alien invasions wedged awkwardly in the middle of historical biopics. The theater starts the season with weekend screenings, then kicks into full swing with daily screenings during the warmest weeks of summer.

The Murder Mystery Company's talented troupe of improv actors performs live-action murder mysteries at public and private events to sharpen guests' latent detective skills. Throughout the play, the cast drops hints and misdirects blame, inviting audience members to get involved in a web of intrigue and hilarity. Besides public dinner parties, murder mysteries can unfold during corporate events, team-building exercises, and birthday parties for aging Sherlock Holmes impersonators.

Check the schedule for showtimes. Student tickets are regularly $10 each, and Thursday performances are pay-what-you-can shows.

Movie Tavern transfixes one's taste buds and imagination by blending all-digital cinema with premium seating and sit-down dining. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to showtime, so that they can leisurely peruse an extensive menu of chef-inspired American cuisine, from kobe beef sliders to pizza and sandwiches. Nimble and unobtrusive servers slip in during the show to deliver orders, and can be called on for more drinks or dessert with the push of a button. At select locations, guests can opt to sip margaritas or signature cocktails at the bar before heading in to see a show. Audiences get to enjoy first-run films every week, retro cinema every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and breakfast food paired with early morning movies on Saturday and Sunday. While geared toward adults, the family-friendly establishment also serves finger food for kiddies along with film-inspired dishes. Guests can head to the bar or straight to the movie without ordering food, giving them some latitude in shaping their night out.

Additionally, Movie Tavern treats audiences to myriad benefits with their membership program. Anyone can sign up for free online to receive one free movie ticket on the spot and one free ticket every year on their birthday, as well as invites to screenings and other special events.

Act Out Talent Studio offers classes for all levels of entertainers to begin or continue their path towards a successful acting, modeling, or performing career. The studio employs a stable of coaches, each with experience working within their industry, that imparts students with an inside understanding of show business. Acting classes instill confidence and foster talent using emoting exercises covering such basics as observation, improvisation, and translating Shakespeare from the original Swedish. Aspiring models learn everything from expressing an image to nutrition in order to help build a marketable portfolio, and vocal classes allow singers and songwriters to step into an actual recording booth to practice chugging honey before crooning into the mic.