Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that any answers are subject to change at the discretion of Second Stage.
Getting Involved
What exactly is Second Stage?
Second Stage is a student-run, volunteer organization overseeing Wesleyan's student theater. We help produce dance and theater shows that are entirely designed, directed, teched and performed by Wesleyan students. For more information, see our About Second Stage page.
How do I apply to put on a show?
At the end of every semester, we accept show sponsorship applications for the following semester. If you would like to put up a show in the Spring 2012 semester, fill out our Sponsorship Application (available here) and send it to any staff member by November 30, 2011.
What does putting on a show through Second Stage entail?
Please refer to our production guide (available here) or more information.
What resources can Second Stage provide for my show?
At the '92 Theater, we have a wonderful collection of hand props, a small collection of costumes, a fully functional scene shop, and a range of lighting and sound equipment. We also maintain an amicable relationship with the CFA's costume and prop shops. For more specifics, please contact the appropriate staff member. Contact information may be found here.
What spaces are available for Second Stage shows?
Second Stage places shows either in the '92 Theater or in alternate spaces. Directors of alt-space shows are responsible for finding their own locations, but some frequently used spaces include Westco Cafe and the Nics Lounge. However there are also many other lounges, outdoor spaces, and classroom-type spaces that can also be appropriate for certain shows. Whether you've been assigned to the '92 or an alternate space, please fill out a space request form (available here) and get it signed by the Managing Liaison of Second Stage (Dylan Zwickel) and Ed Chiburis, and then bring it to Elisa Del Valle, who will help you to reserve your space.
Can I put up my thesis with Second Stage?
No. As a student volunteer organization, we do not produce work that will be graded for academic credit. However, we welcome show applications that feature work which was created for a thesis. For example, a student may submit a show application that features music written for a music thesis as long as the Second Stage production is not graded.
How else can I get involved?
There are two other ways to become involved with Second Stage: you can join staff or work on a show. If you want to join staff, please fill out our staff interest form (available here) at the right by November 12, 2011. If you want to become involved with a show, try emailing the listserv to ask if anyone needs any help with anything.
How do I join the listerv?
Send an email to Ariella Axelbank.
Is theater experience required in order to get involved?
Absolutely not!
Second Stage is a student-run, volunteer organization overseeing Wesleyan's student theater. We help produce dance and theater shows that are entirely designed, directed, teched and performed by Wesleyan students. For more information, see our About Second Stage page.
How do I apply to put on a show?
At the end of every semester, we accept show sponsorship applications for the following semester. If you would like to put up a show in the Spring 2012 semester, fill out our Sponsorship Application (available here) and send it to any staff member by November 30, 2011.
What does putting on a show through Second Stage entail?
Please refer to our production guide (available here) or more information.
What resources can Second Stage provide for my show?
At the '92 Theater, we have a wonderful collection of hand props, a small collection of costumes, a fully functional scene shop, and a range of lighting and sound equipment. We also maintain an amicable relationship with the CFA's costume and prop shops. For more specifics, please contact the appropriate staff member. Contact information may be found here.
What spaces are available for Second Stage shows?
Second Stage places shows either in the '92 Theater or in alternate spaces. Directors of alt-space shows are responsible for finding their own locations, but some frequently used spaces include Westco Cafe and the Nics Lounge. However there are also many other lounges, outdoor spaces, and classroom-type spaces that can also be appropriate for certain shows. Whether you've been assigned to the '92 or an alternate space, please fill out a space request form (available here) and get it signed by the Managing Liaison of Second Stage (Dylan Zwickel) and Ed Chiburis, and then bring it to Elisa Del Valle, who will help you to reserve your space.
Can I put up my thesis with Second Stage?
No. As a student volunteer organization, we do not produce work that will be graded for academic credit. However, we welcome show applications that feature work which was created for a thesis. For example, a student may submit a show application that features music written for a music thesis as long as the Second Stage production is not graded.
How else can I get involved?
There are two other ways to become involved with Second Stage: you can join staff or work on a show. If you want to join staff, please fill out our staff interest form (available here) at the right by November 12, 2011. If you want to become involved with a show, try emailing the listserv to ask if anyone needs any help with anything.
How do I join the listerv?
Send an email to Ariella Axelbank.
Is theater experience required in order to get involved?
Absolutely not!
Wesleyan Theater Resources
Does Second Stage have a costume shop?
Not yet (we're working on it, though!). For now, the best place to borrow costumes is from the Center for the Arts (CFA) costume shop, located in the basement of the CFA theater (accessible through the TST theater studios).
What are the Center for the Arts costume shop lending hours?
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1pm-5pm, and Friday from 1pm-4pm.
Where can I get props for my show?
Second Stage maintains a nice collection of hand props (aka, small, hand-held props) housed in the basement of the '92 Theater. If you are looking for larger items (furniture, etc), we recommend you look at the CFA theater's collection.
What are the CFA props lending hours?
Lending hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 4:15pm-5:15pm, and Friday from 1pm-3pm, or by appointment. Please contact Lily Haje before coming, regardless of the time.
What are the Second Stage hand props lending hours?
The hand prop collection is housed at the Patricelli '92 Theater. Prop lending is by appointment only; please contact Claire Whitehouse or Grace Herman-Holland to set up a time.
Not yet (we're working on it, though!). For now, the best place to borrow costumes is from the Center for the Arts (CFA) costume shop, located in the basement of the CFA theater (accessible through the TST theater studios).
What are the Center for the Arts costume shop lending hours?
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1pm-5pm, and Friday from 1pm-4pm.
Where can I get props for my show?
Second Stage maintains a nice collection of hand props (aka, small, hand-held props) housed in the basement of the '92 Theater. If you are looking for larger items (furniture, etc), we recommend you look at the CFA theater's collection.
What are the CFA props lending hours?
Lending hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 4:15pm-5:15pm, and Friday from 1pm-3pm, or by appointment. Please contact Lily Haje before coming, regardless of the time.
What are the Second Stage hand props lending hours?
The hand prop collection is housed at the Patricelli '92 Theater. Prop lending is by appointment only; please contact Claire Whitehouse or Grace Herman-Holland to set up a time.
Other Useful Information
How do I get tickets for Second Stage shows?
Day-of tickets are available at the Wesleyan University box office for shows in the '92 Theater, and at the '92 starting an hour before the show opens. Alt space shows are not ticketed. All tickets are free, and all seating is first-come, first-serve.
How do you produce so many awesome shows without charging for admission?
Second Stage is funded through the WSA. However, if you'd like to make a small monetary contribution to help keep Second Stage alive and well, please email Dylan Zwickel.
I am a prefrosh interested in theater at Wesleyan. Who can I talk to?
Feel free to contact any of the staff members listed on our contacts page. If you're visiting Wes and would like to come see a show, please email Dylan Zwickel no later than the Tuesday before you come so we can reserve you a seat.
Day-of tickets are available at the Wesleyan University box office for shows in the '92 Theater, and at the '92 starting an hour before the show opens. Alt space shows are not ticketed. All tickets are free, and all seating is first-come, first-serve.
How do you produce so many awesome shows without charging for admission?
Second Stage is funded through the WSA. However, if you'd like to make a small monetary contribution to help keep Second Stage alive and well, please email Dylan Zwickel.
I am a prefrosh interested in theater at Wesleyan. Who can I talk to?
Feel free to contact any of the staff members listed on our contacts page. If you're visiting Wes and would like to come see a show, please email Dylan Zwickel no later than the Tuesday before you come so we can reserve you a seat.
