The Playhouse opened in September 1994 with a 348-seat theatre, office and concession areas, an 18-piece orchestra pit and scene workshop.The building design by Ewing Architects won a 1992 award from the Pasadena and Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and adds a striking, modern look to downtown Palmdale.
On September 9, 1994, Desert Opera Theatre provided the first performance at the new theatre with The King and I.Palmdale Repertory Theatre followed with their performance of Nunsense! on September 30, 1994.
During the past five years the Playhouse has developed several community arts programs and series. The Playhouse is now home to the Palmdale Youth and Community Dance Company, the Palmdale Youth and Community Orchestras, the Palmdale Youth and Community Choir, the Palmdale City Players, the Writers’ Roundtable, the Palmdale Visual Arts Program, and the Summer Theatre Camp program.
The Playhouse performances emphasize education along with entertainment. The Cultural, Historical, and Educational Drama series, created in 1995, has included performances of the Vietnam War drama A Piece of My Heart, the adventures of Huck Finn in Big River and the world premiere of Edgar Rice Burroughs' You Lucky Girl.
The Playhouse has won several awards for its work including 1996 and 1997 recognition for the season brochure design.The Playhouse has also earned accommodations from City and state representatives, and won other acting and production awards.
The rich history of the Playhouse can be seen in a permanent historical exhibit, collected and arranged by current Palmdale Playhouse Volunteer Coordinator Jo Anne Smith and the late City Historian Fred Strasburg, on display in the Playhouse Gallery.