- Legitimate theaters: Melodramas were often performed in traditional theaters that presented a broad range of plays. These theaters primarily catered to the middle and upper classes.
- Vaudeville theaters: Melodramas were also popular in vaudeville theaters, which featured a variety of acts such as comedians, musicians, and skits. Vaudeville shows were popular with a wide range of audiences, including working-class people.
- Traveling shows: Melodrama companies would often tour small towns and rural areas, bringing their performances to communities that might not have had access to regular theater productions.
- Melodrama theaters: As the genre gained popularity, some theaters specialized in presenting melodramas exclusively. These theaters were built with elaborate stage sets and special effects to enhance the emotional impact of the performances.
- Fairgrounds and circuses: In the early days, melodramas were also performed at fairgrounds and circuses as part of larger entertainment events. These venues provided opportunities for the genre to reach diverse audiences.
Over time, melodrama also found its way into other forms of entertainment, such as early silent films and later Hollywood movies, where it continued to captivate audiences with its heightened emotional narratives and sensationalistic storytelling.