Off-Broadway Movement (1947–1969)

1. The Living Theatre founded in New York

   Jan 1, 1947Labels: The Living, Judith Malina, Julian Beck

   • Living Theatre
   • Britannica

2. Circle in the Square opens at Sheridan Square

   Feb 1, 1951Labels: Circle in, Sheridan Square

   • Circle History
   • Circle Square

3. "Summer and Smoke" succeeds Off-Broadway

   Jan 1, 1952Labels: Summer and, Jos Quintero, Geraldine Page

   • Summer Smoke
   • Circle Square

4. Phoenix Theatre launches as an Off-Broadway company

   Jan 1, 1953Labels: Phoenix Theatre

   • Phoenix Theatre

5. "The Threepenny Opera" begins landmark run at Theatre de Lys

   Sep 20, 1955Labels: The Threepenny, Theatre de

   • IBDB

6. Obie Awards created to recognize Off-Broadway

   Jan 1, 1956Labels: Obie Awards, The Village

   • Obies About
   • Village Voice

7. Caffe Cino opens, seeding Off-Off-Broadway

   Jan 1, 1958Labels: Caffe Cino, Joe Cino

   • NPS Cino

8. The Living Theatre premieres "The Connection"

   Jan 1, 1959Labels: The Living, The Connection

   • Britannica
   • Connection

9. "The Fantasticks" opens at Sullivan Street Playhouse

   May 3, 1960Labels: The Fantasticks, Sullivan Street

   • Fantasticks

10. La MaMa founded as a home for new playwrights

    Oct 18, 1961Labels: La MaMa, Ellen Stewart

    • La MaMa

11. Off-Off-Broadway becomes eligible for Obies

    Jan 1, 1964Labels: Obie Awards, Off-Off-Broadway

    • Obies About
    • Obie Award

12. "The Madness of Lady Bright" draws mainstream attention

    May 1, 1964Labels: The Madness, Lanford Wilson

    • Lady Bright

13. NYC proposes Special Theater District zoning amendment

    Oct 1, 1967Labels: Special Theater, NYC zoning

    • Gershwin Hist
    • Circle Square

14. NYC approves Special Theater District amendment

    Dec 1, 1967Labels: Special Theater, NYC

    • Circle Square
    • Gershwin Hist

15. Off-Broadway’s early era gives way to new “downtown” growth

    Jan 1, 1969Labels: Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway

    • Off Broadway
    • NPS Cino
    • Obies About