Welcome to the centre of America's theatre district! Welcome to Off-Broadway. The name has originated from the location of this place. It is based on a road intersecting Broadway in Manhattan. New York, USA. It is actually an umbrella term that includes musicals, plays, revues and much more approximately at the same location. It was later christened as the League of Off-Broadway Theatres and Producers. It is indeed a professional venue which takes its shows very seriously. The theatres here have a capacity of about 100 to 500. Different productions are presented at different theatres decided primarily by the trade unions and the producer's union.
Though initially the actors, directors and technicians were paid poorly as compared to Broadway Theater (considered its richer cousin) now the situation has greatly improved. In fact there is no difference in production quality between a show in off-Broadway and Broadway. The salaries that the people draw are the highest ever paid to any one in America. The perception of this place as poor man's theatre world has changed due to the phenomenal success of some of the plays and musicals here.
Many off-Broadway plays have later run in Broadway with much success. Some of the most famous names are- Godspell, Rent, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, Avenue Q, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Sunday in the Park with George, Doubt, I Am My Own Wife, Coastal Disturbances, In The Heights, Grey Gardens, Bridge & Tunnel, Stomp, Blue Man Group, Perfect Crime, Altar Boyz, Naked Boys Singing and many more. The largest running musical in the art circle The Fantasticks has run for 42 years in off-Broadway.
Most people who work here are experts. The various award organizations do celebrate the success of these people. At first, the scene was different. The plays, actors or technicians associated with off-Broadway were not included in the nomination list. But now it is great scene out here. You can start you career here without the fear of losing recognition. The wards that include people and creations form off-Broadway are New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Circle Critics Award, the Obie Award (since 1956) and the very own the Lucille Lortel Award (started in 1985 by the League of Off Broadway Theatres & Producers to recognize their own talents). The only award which does not include off-Broadway is the Tony Awards. An exception (the only on in its long history) was made when Lotte Lenya got the Best Performance ward as an actress in a musical in 1956. She won it for the musical The Three penny Opera, an off-Broadway production.
This the best place to spend a great time with your family and friends. Beside the theatre houses there are excellent food joints, bars and entertainment options here at a budget range.
