What is a receiving house in the context of theatre?

A receiving house refers specifically to a theatre venue that hosts incoming touring companies. This type of venue is designed to bring in productions from other locations or companies and provide a space for these performances to be shared with a new audience. The primary function of a receiving house is to welcome and present these traveling shows, which can encompass a variety of performance styles, including plays, musicals, and other forms of entertainment.

This concept contrasts with other types of theatres, such as producing houses that create their own original productions rather than hosting external companies. Receiving houses often have the necessary infrastructure and audience base to support touring productions, which helps to diversify the offerings available to local theatre-goers.