Up on the Marquee: Second Stage Theatre Takes Over the Helen Hayes

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Second Stage Theatre has added a Broadway theatre to its lineup of venues.The nonprofit company closed on the Helen Hayes Theatre last month for $24.7 million, making Second Stage the fourth nonprofit company to operate a Tony-eligible Broadway theatre. They have just taken ownership of their new space and you can check out photos of the new marquee below!

The smallest Broadway theatre, the Helen Hayes seats 597 theoretically may struggle with profitability due to its size, though it has housed Broadway engagements of successful shows such as XANADU, Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG TRILOGY, and ROCK OF AGES.

With this new home, Second Stage will be the only theatre company on Broadway dedicated exclusively to developing and producing works by living American playwrights. Second Stage Theatre is currently scheduled to begin renovations and upgrades to the theatre in 2016 and will stage its first production on Broadway during the 2017-18 season.

Second Stage Theatre produces an adventurous range of premieres, musicals, bold new interpretations of contemporary plays, and unique theatrical experiences from America's most dynamic writers of the 21st century. Through the discovery of emerging talent, the commissioning of new work, and the creation of a training base for directors, Second Stage reflects the diverse city and the world we live in today and reaches an ever-growing audience through its Broadway runs, national tours and regional productions.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

The Second Stage Theatre takes over Helen Hayes

The Second Stage Theatre takes over Helen Hayes

The Second Stage Theatre takes over Helen Hayes

The Second Stage Theatre takes over Helen Hayes

The Second Stage Theatre takes over Helen Hayes