Off West End refers to theatres inLondon which are not included asWest End theatres. The term is a relatively recent one, coined after the similarAmerican term "off-Broadway" (though without the same strict definition). It is usually used synonymously with the more widespread termfringe (or, specifically,the London Fringe), but sometimes is also used to refer to more mainstream or commercial theatre which is located within London but outside the centre, or to especially small and non-commercial theatres located within the centre.[1] According to London Theatre, "Smaller theatres, including many pub theatres, are called fringe, although some of these small theatres are also called off West End, particularly those located in theWest End of London, where most of the big commercial theatres are. These small theatres can vary in size, with seating capacities of around 40 to 400."[2]
While West End Theatres must register with theSociety of London Theatre, SOLT membership for the off West End is optional and is not widespread. The industry organisations for off West End and fringe venues are OffWestEnd,[3] the London Theatre Consortium[4] (larger venues), and the Society of Independent Theatres (smaller venues).[5]
The Off West End Theatre Awards, known as the Offies for short, have been awarded to off West End theatre productions since 2011.[6]
 | ThisLondon-related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |
 | This British theatre–related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byadding missing information. |
