little theater

American  

noun

1. generally noncommercial drama, usually of an experimental nature and directed at a limited audience.

2. a small theater, producing plays whose effectiveness would be lost in larger houses.

3. amateur theatricals.

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Etymology

Origin of little theater

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

little theater

“Buyers expect a little theater when they look out of the window, and here, they get it in spades,” the listing agent said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

But Allison and I rehearsed it like a play, and we would just run lines like little theater nerds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

I was doing a little theater here and there, but I was doing construction.

From Salon ● Jun. 25, 2023

“It’s a small, funky little theater with people doing it really close to you. You feel and smell the sweat.”

From New York Times ● Jan. 4, 2023

“Do what you will, little bird, but consider that your gifts are meant for more than hiding in your little theater, afraid of your appetites.”

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny