Brits Off Broadway
Showcasing work by UK writers and producers representing the breadth of British independent theater.
Submissions for 2025 are now closed.
Submissions for Brits Off Broadway are only accepted July 1 - August 31 each year.
Brits Off Broadway is an annual Season showcasing work by UK writers and producers in all three theaters for 3-5 week runs from April to June. Each year, we invite 7-9 exceptional productions from small-mid scale companies representing the breadth of British independent theater sector to present their work in NYC. In addition to our *All-Inclusive licensing package.
Launched in April 2004, the inaugural festival featured Tim Crouch's critically-acclaimed show MY ARM, Frantic Assembly's HEAVENLY, SUN IS SHINING, by the ground breaking British-Chinese Mu Lan Theatre Company, and THE STRAITS, presented by Paines Plough, directed by John Tiffany (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, BLACK WATCH and ONCE) with movement by Steven Hoggett (ROCKY THE MUSICAL, THE LAST SHIP). In 2006, Charles Isherwood of The New York Times hailed the festival as "a highlight of the theatrical year in New York." Past seasons have seen work by Richard Bean (TOAST), Mike Bartlett (BULL), and US Premieres of eight plays by Alan Ayckbourn (THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, CONFUSIONS), amongst other notable British playwrights.
David Byrne, Artistic Director of The Royal Court Theatre of London, calls it, “A leading example of the visionary, generous thinking we all need right now.”
Companies we’ve hosted in the past include:
- National Theater
- Bristol Old Vic
- Leicester Haymarket Theater
- Paines Plough
- Stephen Joseph Theatre
- Hartshorn-Hook Productions
- Crucible Studio Theatre
- Sherman Theatre
- Traverse Theatre
- Citizens Theatre
- Dundee Repertory Theatre
- New Diorama Theatre
- Jermyn Street Theatre
"Hey, 'History Boys' is fabulous," Ms. Kleinhans said, "but it's not the whole picture. We're serving a different purpose. We're bringing the stuff that would never, could never be seen on Broadway — small-scaled shows, one-person shows that deserve to find a wider audience but aren't appropriate for commercial theaters uptown or downtown.' - Elysabeth Kleinhans, Founding Artistic Director, 59E59 Theaters"- The New York Times
"If you've only read about such famous festivals as the Edinburgh Fringe or about ambitious Off-Broadway-style UK companies committed to new voices, this is a rare chance to witness the kind of work done over there, but on American soil.- Kenneth Jones, Playbill"- Playbill
LICENSING PACKAGE
In addition to our All-Inclusive licensing package, companies receive: visa application support, a stage manager, and our Purchase Program to be used towards travel, housing, and production expenses. The marketing and promotions package in support of an Off Broadway premiere includes:
- Team of marketing professionals
- Publicist to secure feature and review coverage
- Graphic designer to create show artwork
- A 6-8 week media campaign, that includes, but is not limited to print, digital and broadcast advertising, social media campaigns, and e-marketing.
- Creation, printing, and distribution of all materials including posters, direct mail, show programs, etc.
- A promotional teaser video
- Professional photographer to shoot a dress rehearsal and a photo package of production images.
Testimonials
"Back in 2008, as a fledgling producer, I had the upmost pleasure to produce my first ever production at 59E59 in Theatre B as part of the Brits off Broadway season. It was a play by the then unknown playwright, Mike Bartlett. I’m pleased to say he, and the rest of the team, have managed to forge a career in this crazy business of show and we all treasure the memory of that production. I have the poster and our New York Times Review above my desk". - Emma Brunjes (Artefacts, Brits Off Broadway 2008)
Pictured: Nemide May and Raphel Famotibe in FOXES (2023) by Dexter Flanders and directed by James Hillier. Presented by Defibrillator and M. Green Productions. Photo by Carol Rosegg.