A nonprofit theater company based on Manhattan, Broadway productions and theaters.
Founded in 1979 by producers Robyn Goodman and Carole Rothman, Second Stage Theatre (2ST) is a nonprofit company dedicated to producing contemporary American plays and supporting emerging playwrights. In addition to developing plays and musicals, the company owns and operates three theaters in Manhattan and is widely known by its nickname “2ST.”
Second Stage Theatre was founded with the goal of discovering new talent and presenting fresh theatrical voices, hence its name “Second stagings.” In 1984, the company’s production of “Serenading Louie,” created by Goodman and Rothman, was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival, bringing the theater to prominence.
The Drama Desk Awards recognize outstanding productions and artists across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway. Established in 1955 in memory of critic Vernon Rice, they were first known as the Vernon Rice Awards before being renamed in 1963. Unlike the Tony Awards, which focus only on Broadway, the Drama Desk Awards honor a broader range of work, making them one of the most respected honors in American theater.
Second Stage continued to build its reputation with works like “Lemon Sky” (1986) and “The Film Society” (1989), both recognized at the Drama Desk Awards. In 1999, the company opened its first permanent Off-Broadway home, the Tony Kiser Theater. Designed by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, the 296-seat venue is known for its modern architecture and distinctive box seating layout.
In 2002, Second Stage launched “2ST Uptown,” a program created to support both established and emerging artists. It offers training for playwrights, directors, designers, and actors, and culminates in performances before the public. Productions are staged at the company’s McGinn/Cazale Theater, a 108-seat venue on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Today, the building also houses WP Theater, and performances there are often listed under “WP Theater at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre.”
On April 18, 2015, Second Stage purchased the Hayes Theater, one of Broadway’s historic houses, for $24.7 million. Its inaugural production, “The 39 Steps,” earned three Tony nominations and won the award for Best Lighting Design of a Play. In 2018, the theater underwent a major renovation led by the Rockwell Group, combining the historic façade with modern upgrades including expanded dressing rooms, new elevators, and fully accessible seating.
The 2017 Tony Award-winning hit “Dear Evan Hansen,” which earned six awards including Best Musical, began as a limited Off-Broadway run at Second Stage in March 2016. Its critical and commercial success propelled it to Broadway later that year, where it became one of the most popular shows in New York.Along with producing plays and musicals and supporting new playwrights, Second Stage Theatre also runs the following services and programs:
The Tony Kiser Theater includes a third-floor rehearsal studio with space for about 70 people. It is available for rehearsals as well as private events.
Second Stage offers specialized learning programs for students. “Student Matinees” invites more than 1,000 middle and high school students annually to attend productions for free, with opportunities to observe rehearsals and participate in Q&A sessions with theater professionals.
Another initiative, “2nd Generation,” partners with local colleges, allowing students repeated access to Second Stage theaters and long-term mentorship from professional artists, along with opportunities to interact directly with casts and creative teams.
Here are the New York theaters owned and operated by Second Stage Theatre. Follow the links for details.
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Wicked |
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MJ The Musical |
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Mamma Mia! |
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Chicago |
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The Lion King |
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Moulin Rouge! |
