As 2025 kicks off, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year filled with unforgettable memories and incredible talent. Whether you joined us as an audience member, a student, or one of our passionate supporters, you were part of the story this year. Let’s relive the magic, shall we?
MAINSTAGE
We kicked the year off right with OLIVER!, bringing Dickens’ timeless story to life in a bold and immersive experience that transformed the Adrienne Arsht Center into a Victorian London orphanage. Audiences became part of the story in a way only Area Stage can deliver.
Our summer production made a splash with Disney’s The Little Mermaid! A stunning partnership with Loxen Productions, this incredible production became a landmark moment for Area Stage, garnering significant recognition across the country. From packed houses to glowing reviews, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling to enchant audiences of all ages. This sensational production featured Delaney Benson as "Ariel", daughter of Jodie Benson, the original voice actress of Ariel, and Henry Thrasher returning to reprise the role of "Prince Eric" for this reimagined 90-minute musical spectacular.
In the fall, we were thrilled to debut Las Marcas Del Mar, a Spanish translation of Gardner McKay’s Sea Marks, beautifully crafted by our very own Executive Director, Maria Banda-Rodaz. This heartfelt production, starring award-winning actors Mariano Chiesa and Constanza Espejo, was part of our ongoing “eñe Project,” celebrating Latin voices and culture.
The year continued with whimsical brilliance as we tumbled down the rabbit hole with Alice and the Mad Tea Party, a truly immersive and interactive delight. This original workshop production, described by director Giancarlo Rodaz as "part party game, part escape room, part play," amazed audiences by pushing the boundaries of immersive theater to new heights. By making the audience an integral character in the story, the production earned rave reviews from notable sources, including the Miami New Times.
We closed the year with a tale as old as time. Back by popular demand for its third and final encore run, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast reminded us all why this classic holds such a special place in our hearts. Area Stage’s recent production reimagined the classic tale with immersive staging that brought audiences into the heart of the story. Featuring a talented cast, stunning costumes, and enchanting scenic design, the show captivated audiences. This production exemplified Area Stage’s commitment to redefining theater in Miami through bold storytelling and community engagement.
CONSERVATORY
2024 was an important year for Area Stage Conservatory, the heart and soul of our educational mission. Throughout the year, we offered classes in acting, musical theatre, voice, dance, and many other disciplines that gave students the opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of passionate, professional instructors.
Our productions showcased the incredible talent of our Conservatory students. While Anastasia transported audiences to the grandeur of imperial Russia, Finding Nemo Jr. brought the undersea world to vibrant life, and Heathers: Teen Edition explored the complexities of high school. In the fall, Hadestown: Teen Edition captivated audiences with its epic, soulful retelling of ancient myths, and Annie Jr. charmed with its classic tale of optimism and resilience.
ITP’s Anastasia: Youth Edition was a particularly meaningful production. Starring our Inclusion Theatre Project actors, this talented neurodiverse cast delivered performances filled with heart and determination, embodying the spirit of our mission to make the arts accessible for everyone.
Rounding out the year, our Spring and Winter Showcases were perfect opportunities for our students to highlight what they had been learning throughout 2025. With a variety of performances, students celebrated their progress and shared their skills with friends and family.
Our community’s incredible support for Area Stage Conservatory programming took center stage last November during our Give Miami Day campaign in support of the Inclusion Theatre Project. Thanks to 214 generous donors, we surpassed our fundraising goal, raising an impressive $187,921. These funds will directly support more scholarships, program expansions, and new opportunities for creative expression and growth. Our mission is to sustain this vital program, continuing to provide a stage for actors of all abilities while inviting even more participants to join. The Inclusion Theatre Project is far more than a performing arts program for neurodivergent individuals—it’s a life-changing experience that celebrates talents and abilities too often overlooked. Thanks to this year’s donors, we’ve taken ACTion for all abilities, together!
The Inclusion Theatre Project took center stage this year as the recipient of the 2024 Arts and Accessibility Award, presented by Miami-Dade County's Arts and Business Council. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals or organizations creating programs and events for all abilities, while pioneering innovative outreach and engagement for differently-abled arts enthusiasts and artists.
Area Stage is proud to have received several prestigious awards and recognitions this year, including being named the Silver Winner of the Miami Herald's Miami-Dade Favorites in the Best Live Theatre category. The company was also honored with the Bill von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence by the Carbonell Awards Board of Directors. This award celebrates a theater company that exemplifies excellence across its programming, including productions, educational outreach, developmental initiatives, and the diverse audiences it serves. Additionally, our mainstage production of OLIVER! garnered critical acclaim, earning Carbonell nominations for Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Giancarlo Rodaz) and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role in a Musical (Katie Duerr). Our Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz, was further recognized at the 2024 Silver Palm Awards for Outstanding Direction for his exceptional work on OLIVER!. We closed out the year with several awards as part of the 2024 Miami Metro BroadwayWorld Awards, including wins in categories such as Best Musical, Best Direction of a Play, and many more!
None of this would have been possible without you- our audiences, donors, staff, students, and families who pour their hearts into making Area Stage a home for creativity and community.
Thank you for having been part of our journey in 2024, and we look forward to the many stories we’ll tell together in 2025.
