It is a coordinated tribute which usually lasts for one minute, shortly before the start of the evening performances.
[1][2] The first documented occurrence was in 1952, after the death of actress Gertrude Lawrence, though the house lights inside the theater were dimmed.
[4] However, by the 21st century, it became a relatively common form of tribute, occurring multiple times a year.
[4] The Broadway League's Committee of Theatre Owners decide who will receive the tribute.
[1] Some decisions have proven controversial; choices not to dim the lights for certain figures, or to only dim the lights at select theaters, have caused backlash which occasionally lead the committee to revise its decisions.