off Broadway

American  

Or Off Broadway

noun

1. professional drama produced in New York City in small theaters often away from the Broadway area and characterized by experimental productions.

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off-Broadway British  

adjective

1. designating the kind of experimental, low-budget, or noncommercial productions associated with theatre outside the Broadway area in New York

2. (of theatres) not located on Broadway

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off-Broadway Cultural  

1. A descriptive term for part of the theatrical community of New York City that presents small-scale, often experimental dramas. The costs of off-Broadway productions are generally much lower than those of Broadway (see also Broadway) plays.

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Other Word Forms

• off-Broadway adjective

Etymology

Origin of off Broadway

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

And he transmits the inanity to his characters, who speak, move and act as if they are all part of a stage play that would get laughed off Broadway before previews have even ended.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2025

Despite appreciation for the dancing, neither show proved a commercial or critical success — and Maurice Hines was forced to do much of his best work off Broadway and on tour.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

She agreed and the play was staged off Broadway in 2015.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2023

In the past week, more than a dozen productions on and off Broadway canceled performances because of covid outbreaks detected within their casts or crew or, in some cases, mere fears of covid-19 exposure.

From Washington Post • Dec. 20, 2021

The four of them jogged off Broadway toward the ramp, and Moss let relief take over.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• arena
• scene
• set
• spotlight
• theater