OffBroadway

OffBroadway refers to professional theatre productions staged in New York City outside the Broadway theatre district but typically larger than those found in the smaller Off-Off-Broadway venues. While there is no single official boundary, a commonly used criterion classifies Off-Broadway theatres as venues in Manhattan with seating capacities between 100 and 499. The term originated in the 1950s as a way to describe ambitious, artistically focused productions that were not on Broadway yet benefited from professional standards and audiences willing to pay Broadway-level prices.

Off-Broadway venues are concentrated in Manhattan, particularly in the East and West Villages and surrounding midtown areas, and operate as nonprofit companies, independent theatres, or smaller commercial houses. Productions tend to be smaller in scale and budget than Broadway shows, often emphasizing new writing, experimental work, or revivals.

The OffBroadway ecosystem has played a central role in developing notable plays and musicals, serving as a proving ground for writers, directors, and performers. Successful shows may transfer to Broadway, extend long runs Off-Broadway, or tour nationally, while others remain staple offerings of the Off-Broadway circuit for extended periods.

A related category, Off-Off-Broadway, encompasses venues with fewer than 100 seats that host more experimental or avant-garde work. Overall, OffBroadway remains a recognized tier in New York theatre, balancing artistic experimentation with professional production standards and audience access.