Playhouse

A playhouse is a building or space used for the performance of plays. The term also refers to a small, child-sized structure designed for imaginative play. In practice, the intended meaning depends on context.

In theatre history, playhouse describes a venue built for staging dramatic works. In 16th- and 17th-century England, purpose-built playhouses hosted plays for paying spectators; notable examples included The Theatre, The Curtain, and The Globe. Such venues typically featured a stage, a yard or galleries for the audience, and various backstage areas for designers and performers. In contemporary use, "playhouse" remains a generic term for theatres and performing-arts venues, ranging from small community theatres to professional regional houses.

A children's playhouse is a toy or play structure that resembles a small house. These structures may be made of wood, plastic, or fabric and can be placed indoors or outdoors. They provide space for role-play, social interaction, and creative exploration, and are frequently designed with windows, doors, and simple furnishings. Safety considerations include sturdy construction, non-toxic materials, and appropriate sizing for children.

The word is also used in institutional contexts, such as private or school-based performance spaces, and as a cultural reference to theatre in general. As a concept, the playhouse symbolizes a stage or workshop for imaginative activities and live performance.