I went to opening night of SpongeBob the Musical Youth Edition, ITP did it once again. The ITP cast at Area Stage performance was spectacular. ITP supports the special needs community by showing the general public what this community CAN do. This performance exemplified this commitment given by ITP. If you want to support a non profit, family owned, and giving the special needs community the opportunity to shine visit Area Stage Company. You will not be disappointed! read more

Families with children and/or friends on the autism spectrum who intend to enroll in the ITP (Inclusive Theatre Program, now called Inspired Theatre Program) classes at Area Stage, please read below before moving forward. Our daughter, now a 9-year-old girl on the spectrum who loves art and music in an incredible way, started her journey with Area Stage in mid-2024 by taking private lessons with Annette, an amazing instructor at Area Stage. Under Annette's guidance and patience, our daughter improved tremendously and was able to perform in three showcases where she sang and danced alongside other children. This success did not come without challenges. Raising and supporting a child on the spectrum can be very difficult. From meltdowns and lack of attention to struggles with taking turns and stimming, families connected to autism understand these behaviors can be caused by many factors such as inflexibility or sensory overload, which are often misunderstood by neurotypical people as misbehavior or poor parenting. Fortunately, everywhere we have gone to help improve our daughter's behavior and skills, we have been blessed with people who truly understand autism and know how to support autistic children, just like Annette did. That changed on May 14th, 2026, when our daughter's instructor had an emergency and could not attend class, so a substitute instructor was assigned to the ITP class. Our daughter had a rough day during class and, as we were told, she was not following directions and was being disruptive. She was repeatedly told not to do certain things because they were "not allowed," as if that alone has ever been an effective way to regulate or support a child on the spectrum. Our daughter was in deep distress, as she often becomes when something triggers a shutdown. Her behavior escalated to the point that the Director of Inspired Theatre Project, Irma Becker, stepped in and told her she was misbehaving, that wh. This is a 1 hour class. Meanwhile, I, her father, was sitting outside waiting for the class to finish. Once the time was up, I approached the door where the children exit from, but no one came out. As I got closer, I heard, "So who's coming to pick up this child today?" To my surprise, it was Irma asking who was picking up my daughter. When I explained that I was her father, Irma approached me aggressively and explained that my daughter did not want to participate and that she was a "mean girl" who pushed her multiple times while she was trying to get her to follow directions. My daughter was listening to everything Irma was saying because they were standing next to each other. While Irma discussed my daughter's behavior with me, my daughter became even more overwhelmed, yelling and completely out of control. I told Irma that I would talk to my daughter later at home, but she continued escalating the situation. In the middle of the chaos, she told me that we needed to discuss next year's enrollment because of my daughter's behavior, although she still had to commit to participating in this year's showcase. I was speechless and asked, "Do you even know that my daughter is on the spectrum?" In response, Irma began listing her titles and degrees in behavioral therapy, completely contradicting herself through her own behavior. It is truly sad that someone like this could be in charge of a program such as this one. We formally contacted ownership via email to explain the situation, hoping to schedule a meeting, discuss possible solutions, and receive an apology. Instead, we were told that after conducting an investigation with the people present, ownership concluded that Irma never said anything inappropriate about our daughter. Additionally, our daughter was removed from the inclusive program entirely only two weeks before her showcase. During a call with ownership regarding our email, the owner himself told us that he believed the problem with our daughter was that she was "not used to hearing no." Imagine saying that about a child on the autism spectrum, as if simply hearing "no" were ever a solution for autism-related behaviors. This was coming from someone who has never spent even a second with our daughter, yet still felt comfortable giving an opinion about her behavior. What I see here is a major red flag. When someone reports misconduct, unethical behavior, or unprofessional conduct and their concerns are immediately dismissed or denied, it creates an environment where that behavior can continue unchecked and potentially lead to even more serious problems. It is like calling a police department to report misconduct by the chief of police, only for the person making the complaint to be punished for speaking up. Thank you for creating a program that helps so many students with special needs. I truly hope this experience serves as an opportunity for growth and improvement so the program can become even more inclusive moving forward. read more

Went here to one of the Beauty and the Beast showings and it was fantastic! I was so impressed with the show and the immersive experience of the theater! I can't wait to see the next show, it was such a fun night and something that I have never experienced be. The only thing that I would have liked to be different is that the benches that we sat on had some sort of cushion. By the end of the show my backside and back were aching. The singing and acting was top notch! read more

Area Stage - Inside the set of Beauty and The Beast - Performing Arts Near Me - South Miami, Florida

Be their guest -- seriously, you won't regret it! I saw Beauty and the Beast at Area Stage in December, and it was honestly one of the best theater experiences I've had. The immersive setup made it feel like you were right in the middle of the story, and the cast was incredible. Their singing was amazing, but what really impressed me was how versatile they were -- everyone just embodied their roles so naturally. The attention to detail was next level. Even the lobby was themed to match the show, which made the whole night feel extra special. It reminded me a little of Sleep No More in New York -- not quite as interactive, but it had that same feeling of being part of the story rather than just watching it unfold. A couple of tips if you're planning to go: Get there early if you care about where you sit. Since it's immersive, the experience can vary depending on where you're positioned. Parking is in a garage nearby, and you'll have to walk a bit to the venue, so check the map on their website beforehand -- it'll save you some stress (especially if you do end up running late) They do have concessions, but dont expect anything super fancy or unique. I think they missed out on an opportunity to do something fun and thematic with this. Overall, I'd see this again in a heartbeat, and I'm already looking forward to checking out more shows here. Highly recommend! read more

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Went here to see the Beauty and the Beast show and it was amazing! Parking is in a garage and you walk a short distance to the venue so look at the map on their website to find it. I recommend you get there early to choose the best seats if you want to be in on the action vs not. I wouldn't recommend sitting in the main seats if you have kids under three because they can get nervous about certain scenes (like beast dying and dropping right in front of them on the table). This was such a fun experience and the cast did an amazing job. They offer concessions too, I got a cupcake and a candy bar for $6. And read more

Area Stage - Program and concessions - Performing Arts Near Me - South Miami, Florida

My daughter has taken classes and done 2 summer camp productions and this conservatory is the real deal. Not only are they fantastic with kids, but their productions are innovative and impressive. From the student to professional route, they are pushing the limits and bringing arts to Miami on a level it needs, winning awards as they go. When she auditions they are kind and supportive. As she grows in this field, I'm grateful we started here and will continue with them in the future thanks to their kindness and what they bring to the table. read more

On my trip to Florida, I was hoping to partake in the arts at a small, local theater; something that really doesn't exist here in Vegas. My family and I found ourselves here on a Saturday night to see Sweeney Todd (the production was phenomenal by the way), my father ordered tickets and it turns out he had ordered them for the previous weekend. After I told the girls in the lobby the situation, they informed the director. He came over and told us the show was sold out, but if we waited there may be seats for us. So, we waited. When everyone was seated, I approached the front desk and the stage manager said she'd heard the story of what happened and found us seats! I was so thrilled! Anyway, during intermission I was reading cast bios, I was gobsmacked to see that the actors were teenagers! Teens! I was even further blown away. Area Stage Company is a not-for-profit theater that hosts shows, workshops, dance lessons, improv, tap, and voice. I learned from a fellow attendant that it used to be a movie theater. The theater is small and has an intimate feel to it. I wish nothing but the best for this theater and I will rave about the generosity, courtesy, and phenomenal talent! I will for sure be hitting up ASC on my next visit to SoFlo. Until then, ASC, break a leg! read more

Area Stage - Right through these double doors. - Performing Arts Near Me - South Miami, Florida

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The best experience!!!! A must try for anyone! Incredibly fulfilling. The heart of this team is captivating

Area Stage is an amazing theatre company! Every show is inventive, well-acted, and well-directed. I have loved their recent productions of well known shows including Beauty and the Beast and Annie. These productions make shows and movies that you've seen a million times fresh! Best of South Florida theatre! read more

My daughters have been attending Area Stage on and off for several summer camp options, since one of my daughters attend school of rock we wanted to get a few improv classes at ASC, apparently I did not read the contract fully to understand that from the 6 week classes i signed up my Daugther with an specific director, she will have a substitute for four classes, after the second time she got a substitute I called and I was told the Director will return the following week, therefore I told my daughter to text me if there was a substitute so we can just go home, when she texted me she was spoken to unkindly by Director and founder, Ms. Banda-Rodaz by screaming at my daughter to put the phone away, my daughter replied with " I am texting my mom" the unkind tone of voice was uncalled for, therefore we decided to withdraw my daughter from all summer camps. With that said in the pass years we did have an amazing experience, but between the new location and parking drop off and pic ups hassles and the unkind tone of voice used on my daughter and finding out that different Substitute instructors might cover the classes, we decided to take classes somewhere else. make sure you read this part of the agreement Instructor/Director: Substitute instructors or directors may lead classes or rehearsals at ASC's discretion. All provided substitutes are of the highest quality and are fully vetted ASC-trained staff members. Absences because a different instructor or director is leading class or rehearsal will not be tolerated. Refunds or exchanges will not be given if a student chooses to withdraw from a class or production due to an alternate instructor or director substituting or taking over a class or production." out of read more

Sincerely one of the best places there is. So many good friends and people to look up to. I love ASC

My daughter has performed in three Area Stage shows. It is truly a terrific place for young actors. The directors/owners go above and beyond to develop children's natural talent with just the right mix of firmness and fun. Our daughter has developed tremendously and has had an excellent experience. In addition, the quality of the performances is outstanding. The sets and costumes are so professional; better than many adult performances I have seen at huge professional theaters. We often attend shows that our child is not in, simply because they are really enjoyable. For example, we enjoyed the recent performance of Les Mis every bit as much as when we saw it on Broadway and in London (and much more than the movie!). This conservatory is a great option for actors and spectators alike. read more

The first production I did at Area Stage Company was Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It was an exhilarating, thrilling, and beautiful experience. The cast , director and production crew were all amazing and I felt right at home since the first day of rehearsal. Since then, I've been in several productions and have had a 10 star rating experience every time. The quality of the productions are amazing, the growth that you see in yourself or your child are astonishing and the conservatory classes that are offered are remarkable. Every day was fun and rigorous. Personally, I am very fond of the ambiance which is why it was so easy for me to spend all my hours here and consider it my second home. This non-for-profit theatre company always strives and succeeds to give audiences a total breath taking theatre experience. I now live in NYC continuing training to pursue my career in theatre and it is due to the guidance, knowledge and experience Area Stage provided me with. Extremely worth supporting and checking out this company!!! Area Stage is still my home and will forever be in my heart. read more

I always have such a great time here. The level of professionalism from these productions is almost unheard of especially since they are smaller company. These performances are breathtaking, and even the junior productions are as amazing as the professional shows! So fun to work with other actors and make an amazing show come to life. Very much recommend for EVERYTHING theatre. read more

Amazing place to develop your talent! Best team of professionals and broadways shows with a production quality like no other in Miami!

Area Stage is really an amazing place. The theater is great, and the kids learn so much. Definitely come here for your kids to improve at theater, confidence, and making friends. Area Stage isn't just a theater, it's a fun, professional experience. The kids make so many friends and I can't recommend Area Stage enough. read more

My daughter has been attending area stage for over a year and starting at age 5. It has been an amazing program that encourages her independence, confidence, creativity, and empathy. As a parent, I see that acting is a tool that can be applied to so many aspects of life, and the program is really fun yet challenging. I was blown away by our first showcase, which takes place at the end of each session. Of all the after school activities we've tried with our daughter, acting is the only one she loves and has stuck with...I really encourage anyone to try Area Stage. We've been so happy and our daughter just loves it! read more

I received an email from Yelp, letting me know that a response was posted to my review. Since I had a few extra minutes in my day, I read what Ms. Rodaz posted. I'm glad I read it because it has made me laugh SO hard, I'm actually crying. I'm not sure what she's recalling, but I NEVER yelled or called out ANYTHING, much less any threats or trash talking. That's just not my style. Ms. Rodaz, you are mistaken. The rest of non-truths that you are writing about really are just sad. I wish you the best of luck. read more

I have to say that I am a Sweeney Todd aficionado and have seen many productions from the 1979 original to the current Lincoln Center production with Emma Thompson. I was totally blown away last night when I saw this production! I cannot saw enough wonderful things from the acting to the set design, and the orchestra! And to be lucky enough to have this show extended for another week made me run out this morning and buy another ticket. Congratulations Area Stage Company! read more

Area Stage is quality theater in many ways. The performers and directors know how to put on a play and captivate the audience. Many of the performances have a live orchestra. The music is beautiful. The actors and actresses are sooo talented. Their children's theater is of the highest quality, too. The directors are professionals and really teach the children the art of performing. Each child is very special to the director and treated with utmost respect. A wonderful gem in Coral Gables/Miami. read more

The work Maria and John Rodaz do and have done for our community is nothing short of remarkable. With patience, discipline, professionalism, artistry and love, they bring out the best in their students. They are the quiet heroes of our community who make the unimaginable happen and derive genuine satisfaction in seeing their students thrive.The staff at Area Stage is also worthy of recognition. They are a dedicated, efficient and talented team of professionals. The productions are also impressive and quite entertaining. Area Stage Company is a gem in this city of ours. read more

I recently attended the Sweeney Todd show and, I loved it! It was my first time watching a play at Area Stage Company and I will definitely go again. The staff was friend and the actors were extremely talented. I'm honestly looking forward to attend future plays. I recommend for everyone to attend any of the plays and to support Area Stage Company. read more

This is our "to go destination" as a family fun day. My 5 and 4 years old completely enjoy the performances. The productions are very well down. Stage and music are professional and the audience loves to engage with cast at the end of the performance. I have invited other children whom have never been exposed to theater and now love it after. We just saw the Wizard of Oz last week. read more

We are extremely fortunate to have this wonderful pocket of culture at our fingertips. The professional productions are always of the highest standards. The Stage 3 conservatory productions are as good if not better than many of the professional productions I have seen of shows like Les Miserable, Rent, Chicago, etc. Then there is the younger conservatory which nourishes budding talent in our City and offers children the opportunity to perform on stage in first class productions. Maria and John Rodaz and their family pour their heart and soul into this theater and are contributing something of tremendous value to our community. Area Stage should be applauded for all of their efforts. read more

I didn't have the highest expectations for this performance of "The Little Mermaid" and the truth is I was blown away by the talent of the cast. I've seen Avenue Q and Spongebob on Broadway and honestly I think the Area Stage actors were as good or better as anything I saw there. What's even more amazing is that Area Stage Company includes actors of all ages, including a fifth grader who played a huge role in this production and was absolutely spectacular. My daughter was so inspired that she's asking to take acting lessons. The actress who played Ariel was only 17 and had the poise of an experienced professional. Some other standouts were the guy playing Ursula the Witch and the one playing the Chef. The Chef's song was delivered so hilariously that I actually had tears on my cheeks, and normally it takes a lot to get me to even laugh out loud. The truth is, I didn't care very much for the material but they really made the best of it. I would love to see the same group doing a show that made the most of their talents, like Little Shop of Horrors or an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. I've bookmarked their website and will definitely be watching for future performances. read more

While professional as far as performances and teachers, Area Stage needs a permanent receptionist who knows what she/he is doing. Upon certain issues with the constant changing of my child's instructor, and confusion caused by disorganization, I encountered a person on the phone who sounds (and certainly behaves) like a teenager. She was extremely unprofessional. There seems to be a lack of communication. No one seems to know anything regarding schedules and classes. read more

We love going to the theater and my daughter attends the conservatory for voice lessons, she has also participated in a few productions. Area stage company is very professional. They teach the children how the theater functions very well and honestly. The kids love spending time there and volunteering their services when not involved in the productions. That to me speaks of a place where they feel at home. If you have a chance make sure to pick up tickets to a production, they always do an amazing job! read more