Receptive venues in Hungary are the „stepchildren” of the theatre structure established in 1949, which has remained essentially unchanged since then. These spaces of the independent performing arts scene could be the breeding ground of artistic innovation, progression, and experimentation, if properly subsidized by the state. This has clearly not taken place over the last few decades: neither the ever-changing funding and legislative environment, nor the public and theatre professionals’ perception of the status of the receptive venues support an improvement in the situation. This study examines and compares the theatrical profiles of two emblematic performing arts centres on the Buda side of the Hungarian capital: the Szkéné Theatre on the second floor of the Budapest University of Technology and the MU Theatre, which grew out of the former Lágymányosi Community Centre.