The Laguna Playhouse was founded in 1920, when a group of Laguna Beach citizens met in a living room to establish a local theatre. Initially they offered readings and performances in private homes and storefronts.

Today, more than 110,000 theatregoers yearly attend performances at the Laguna Playhouse. Its continued growth, expansion, artistic excellence, audience popularity, and critical acclaim have helped make it one of Southern California's most important nonprofit theatre companies.