What does Broadway mean?
Broadway refers to the pinnacle of American professional theater — the large commercial theater district in New York City centered around Times Square, where the most prestigious and financially significant theatrical productions are mounted. Broadway theaters are defined by Actors’ Equity Association as those with 500 or more seats in the Manhattan theater district. A Broadway credit is considered the highest achievement in American stage performance and carries significant prestige in the entertainment industry. The term is also used more broadly to describe the commercial theatrical industry at its highest level, as distinct from Off-Broadway, regional theater, and non-commercial productions.
Example:The child actor’s Broadway debut — a young performer’s ultimate theatrical milestone — came at age ten in a major musical revival, a booking that her agent described as transformative for her professional profile in both theater and television.
Example: The casting director noted that the young performer’s regional theater work had built an impressive foundation, and that with the right opportunities, a Broadway audition was a realistic next step in her development as a stage actress.
Did you know?
The term ‘Broadway’ has become synonymous with theatrical excellence globally — productions described as ‘Broadway-quality’ carry an implied standard of professionalism and production value regardless of where they are actually staged. The Tony Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in Broadway theater, are considered the theatrical equivalent of the Academy Awards and are broadcast nationally each year. Broadway’s economic significance to New York City — generating billions of dollars annually before the pandemic — makes it not just a cultural institution but a major commercial enterprise.
