obie

Obie is a term that can refer to several different things, but it is most commonly associated with the Obie Awards, a United States theater honor. The name Obie is a nickname derived from Off-Broadway, reflecting the awards’ original focus on non-Broadway productions in New York City.

The Obie Awards were established in 1956 by The Village Voice to recognize excellence in Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway theater. They aim to highlight artistic merit and innovation outside the commercial Broadway system. The awards are presented in multiple categories, including acting, directing, design, and overall production, along with occasional special citations for notable contributions. The Obies have historically provided visibility for emerging playwrights, performers, and companies, helping to raise the profile of smaller-scale theater in New York and beyond.

Beyond the awards, Obie can function as a given name or nickname. Notable individuals include Obie Benson (1936–2005), an American musician and member of The Temptations, who co-wrote the song My Girl. The name also appears in various cultural contexts and fiction, reflecting its use as a personal name in English-speaking communities.

In summary, Obie most commonly denotes the Obie Awards for Off-Broadway theater, while also existing as a personal name used by several people and characters.