Primary Stages was founded in 1984 by Casey Childs as a New York State non-profit theater company with the mission of producing new plays and fostering the artistic development of emerging and established playwrights. In 2004, Primary Stages moved from its 99-seat home of 17 years on West 45th Street to the 199-seat theater at 59E59 Theaters. In 2014, The Duke on 42nd Street became the home for all Primary Stages productions.