Second Stage Theatre is a Tony Award-winning theatre that gives new life to contemporary American plays, provides new writers with Off-Broadway debuts, and produces world premieres by America's most respected playwrights. Founded in 1979 to produce "second stagings" of contemporary plays, Second Stage Theatre has expanded its mission to include the development and production of new plays and the creation of programs that nurture young theatre artists. This commitment has manifested itself in many ways, from presenting new productions to providing long-term residencies for playwrights, directors, composers and lyricists.