Off-off-Broadway

Off-off-Broadway theaters are small venues in New York City with fewer than 100 seats. They are smaller than both Broadway and off-Broadway theaters. These theaters began in 1958 as a way to react against the commercial focus of traditional theaters. They became known for trying new and experimental kinds of drama and theater. Over time, some of these productions changed and moved away from their original experimental style, but they still remain an important part of theater history.

History

The off-off-Broadway movement started in 1958 as a way to move away from big, commercial theaters. It was a place for new and creative plays. One of the first places for these plays was a coffeehouse in Greenwich Village called the Caffe Cino. The person who ran it liked actors and playwrights and let them perform without reading their plays first.

Over time, off-off-Broadway became less experimental and started to look more like off-Broadway theaters. Some off-off-Broadway plays can be shown in special events called Equity Showcase productions, where actors can perform under certain rules.

In 1964, off-off-Broadway plays could be considered for the Obie Awards, and in 1974, the Drama Desk Awards began to include them too. Since 2005, the New York Innovative Theatre Awards have honored the best off-off-Broadway theater work each year.