During the 1900’s, theatre was the most popular form of entertainment in New York and other major cities. One of the first magazines dedicated to theatre was Our Players Magazine, founded by Lois and Paul Meyer and later renamed The Theatre in May, 1901. At the time, many individuals in the publishing industry were experimenting with different forms and styles to capture the art of theatre. The Theatre changed its name again in August 1917 to Theatre Magazine.

Theatre Magazine was well known because of the contributions of respectable actors and screenwriters. It included interviews with well-known actors, playwrights and critics, and displayed fashion styles from each play. The magazine also included summaries of plays as well as photographs to capture the attention of the general public. When film and radio developed, the magazine embraced these too by adding new sections to the magazine. Above all, advertising was a major part of the magazine. Every product was featured in its role in "a night out at the theatre." Products advertised included cigarettes, Lincoln automobiles, beauty products, and restaurants that were near the theatre. The magazine’s last issue was April, 1931.