Internet Off-Broadway Database: A Digital Archive of Theatre History
For researchers, historians, and theatre enthusiasts, tracking the vast history of productions outside the main commercial hubs of Broadway can be a challenge. The Internet Off-Broadway Database (IOBDB) was established to solve this problem, serving as a comprehensive digital catalogue for theatre productions shown off-Broadway.
Originally known as the Lortel Archives, the IOBDB provides a centralized location to document the diverse array of plays and musicals that define the off-Broadway scene. As of March 2025, the database library is hosted at the spectra.theater website.
Key Facts
- Official Name: Internet Off-Broadway Database (IOBDB), formerly the Lortel Archives.
- Purpose: Cataloguing theatre and musical theatre productions shown off-Broadway.
- Founder: Funded and developed by the non-profit Lucille Lortel Foundation.
- Launch Date: April 30, 2001.
- Current Status: Offline.
- Access: Non-commercial and registration-free.
Origins and Governance
The IOBDB was created through the efforts of the Lucille Lortel Foundation, a non-profit organization. The foundation is named in honor of Lucille Lortel, a distinguished actress and theatrical producer who played a pivotal role in the development of off-Broadway theatre.
By providing a free, non-commercial resource, the foundation ensured that the history of smaller-scale professional theatre remained accessible to the public without the barrier of registration fees or commercial paywalls.
Database Specifications
The database was designed specifically for the English-speaking theatre community, focusing on the meticulous recording of production details. While it served as a vital resource for over two decades, its current status is listed as offline.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Content Type | Theatre and Musical Theatre Database |
| Language | English |
| Owner | Lucille Lortel Foundation |
| URL | www.spectra.theater/library |
| Commercial Status | Non-commercial |
| Registration Required | No |
| Launch Date | April 30, 2001 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Internet Off-Broadway Database?
The IOBDB is an online database, formerly called the Lortel Archives, that catalogues theatre and musical theatre productions performed off-Broadway.
Who funded the development of the IOBDB?
The database was funded and developed by the Lucille Lortel Foundation, a non-profit organization named after actress and producer Lucille Lortel.
When was the database first launched?
The IOBDB was officially launched on April 30, 2001.
Is there a cost to use the IOBDB?
No, the database was non-commercial and did not require registration for access.
What is the current status of the IOBDB?
As of the latest records, the database is currently offline, though its library is housed at the spectra.theater website.