Second Stage is an organization of students at Wesleyan University dedicated to producing theater and other performances. Founded in 1973 by Jan Eliasberg (class of 1974) with Samuel Miller (class of 1975), it originated as an alternative to Theater Department productions. In 1973, the Wesleyan Theater Department moved from the '92 Theater building (now known as the '92 Patricelli Theater) into the new Center for the Arts theater. This made it possible for Second Stage to use the '92 Theater space , and they frequently staged noontime performances of theater, music, and poetry. Second Stage soon began to produce full-length shows, with each production running for several days.

The mostly volunteer student group manages the administration, staging, finances, and selection of approximately thirty-five shows each academic year. Second Stage provides an opportunity for aspiring playwrights, directors, actors, and technicians to stage their very own productions. Many, but not all, of the fifteen or so Second Stage staff members are theater majors. A Managing Liaison, a Building/Maintenance Liaison, and a Lighting and Rigging Liaison, the only paid members of Second Stage, serve as links to the Theater Department, which does not have oversight of the group. However, the department and Second Stage work closely together, sharing facilities and equipment. Second Stage is funded by the Wesleyan Student Assembly, and the paid staff members are funded by the Theater Department.