Famed writer, Mary Austin incorporated the Playhouse in 1922 as the Santa Fe Little Theatre. Celebrating and preserving the richness and texture of the Anglo, Native American and Spanish cultures through live theatre is what Mary Austin envisioned. The Playhouse has stayed true to this vision since 1922, earning it the distinction of being the oldest continuously running theatre west of the Mississippi.

Today the Playhouse offers never-produced playwrights the chance to see their work on stage and first-time performers the opportunity to be on stage with seasoned actors. The Playhouse welcomes everyone who wants to participate in live theatre. Each season offers comedies, dramas and musicals. Children are encouraged to experience live theatre through SFP's children's programming, after school classes in the Fall and Spring, and a Sizzlin' Summer Sensational Theatre Camp in Summer. Not only do theatregoers enjoy quality productions, they partake of a sense of history when they enter the old adobe walls of the Santa Fe Playhouse. The adobe building is in the heart of the Barrio de Analco, one of the oldest town sections in the United States.