Ever wonder how a theater company can champion living American playwrights? Here at Second Stage Theater, that’s precisely the mission. Founded in 1979 by Robyn Goodman and Carole Rothman, Second Stage has become a vital part of New York City’s cultural scene.
Second Stage Theater is not just any Broadway company. It is the only one exclusively dedicated to developing and producing works by living American playwrights. This focus makes it uniquely contemporary showcasing fresh and engaging works. The theater bypasses many traditional theatrical pieces. It highlights works highly relevant to today’s audiences.
The company produces work both on and off-Broadway. In 2015, Second Stage purchased the historic Helen Hayes Theater. This acquisition provided a permanent Broadway home after decades of off-Broadway productions. The Helen Hayes seats 597 people. The first Broadway season opened in 2018 featuring Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero and Young Jean Lee’s Straight White Men.
But Second Stage has not abandoned its off-Broadway roots. It operates two other venues. The Tony Kiser Theater on 43rd Street has 296 seats. Celebrated Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas designed it and it opened in 1999. The McGinn Cazale Theater on 76th Street has 99 seats. Having three venues of different sizes gives Second Stage more flexibility. Bigger shows from established writers can be produced at the Helen Hayes. Smaller riskier shows from newer playwrights can find a home at the other smaller venues.
Remarkably Carole Rothman, one of the original founders, remained the company’s artistic director for over 40 years. Rothman and Goodman shared the artistic directorship until 1992. Goodman then left to pursue writing opportunities in television. Under Rothman’s leadership Second Stage produced hundreds of plays including many world premieres. Rothman has received an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Directing. She also received the Rosamund Gilder Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement.
Second Stage has earned many awards. These include six 2017 Tony Awards for Dear Evan Hansen. It also won three 2009 Tony Awards for Next to Normal and two 2005 Tony Awards for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The company has also received 29 Obie Awards and 17 Drama Desk Awards. It has received 11 Outer Critics Circle Awards and many other citations.
Several shows originally produced by Second Stage have earned Pulitzer Prizes for their creators. These include Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for Next to Normal. Stephen Adly Guirgis also won for his play Between Riverside and Crazy. Most recently Second Stage received two Tony Awards for its 2022 revival of Take Me Out.
Second Stage champions new playwrights. Initiatives like the Second Stage Theater Uptown Series give full productions to new plays. These plays are from up-and-coming writers at the McGinn Cazale Theater. The Judith Champion New Voices Reading Series produces staged readings of new plays. These readings occur at the Tony Kiser Theater. Second Stage works to launch and support the next generation of diverse writers and artists. It ensures that a wide range of voices and ideas are represented on New York’s stages.
In early 2022 Second Stage made Broadway history. It offered 16 livestreamed performances of Clyde’s. This play by Lynn Nottage is about a truck stop sandwich shop. The shop is staffed by formerly incarcerated people seeking a second chance. The simulcast of Clyde’s marked the first time a Broadway show had been streamed virtually live. It was a response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In June 2024, Evan Cabnet was hired as Second Stage’s incoming artistic director. Cabnet succeeded Rothman. Second Stage continues to be a vibrant and essential part of the American theatrical landscape. It supports living American playwrights and embraces innovation. Second Stage provides memorable and thought-provoking theatrical experiences.