Performing arts are performed in front of a live audience where artists use their voices, bodies, or inanimate objects to convey artistic expression. Performing arts includes theater, music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression, often performed in purpose-built buildings. These buildings have evolved to accommodate the changes in style and type of performing arts being performed. Western theater dates back to the 6th century BCE where plays were performed in outdoor amphitheaters. In the 17th century, the proscenium arch was introduced in Italy, which is a stage that is set back and separated from the audience by an imaginary plane or "fourth wall." In the 19th century there was growth in performing arts for all social classes, including the introduction of gaslight theaters, burlesque, minstrel dancing, and variety theater. In the 20th century, other styles of theaters such as black box theaters and theaters in the round were developed as new styles of performance evolved.

As of 2018, performing arts are performed in a range of venues, including theaters, opera houses, auditoriums, and performing arts centers. Buildings for specific types of performances were created to accommodate the specific needs of certain types of performances, such as opera houses and theaters. Performing arts centers, which first appeared in the latter part of the 20th century, consist of either a multi-use performance space for use by various types of the performing arts or a cluster of specialized performance spaces.