Area Stage Shines Bright at the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Miami Metro Awards!

We are thrilled to share some incredible news: Area Stage has once again taken center stage, earning multiple accolades at the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Miami Metro Awards! These prestigious honors celebrate the exceptional talent and creativity of our team, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who made this achievement possible.

Our Award-Winning Productions
This year, two of our recent productions were recognized for their outstanding artistic contributions, cementing Area Stage's reputation as a leading force in Miami's theatre scene.

For our magical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, we took home:

• Best Musical

• Best Ensemble

• Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance, Michael Day

• Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical, Joe Naftal

• Best Scenic Design for a Play or Musical, Frank J. Oliva

• Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical, Abraham Oleksnianski

In addition, Las Marcas Del Mar (Sea Marks) by Gardner McKay was honored with:

• Best Direction of a Play, awarded to our very own Maria Banda-Rodaz

• Best Performer in a Play, Constanza Espejo

A Legacy of Excellence
These awards are a testament to Area Stage's unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, inclusive, and world-class theatre. For over 35 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to create productions that resonate with audiences, from large-scale musicals to intimate plays that spark thought and conversation.

Our success would not be possible without the steadfast support of our community. You—our patrons, donors, and partners—are the heart of everything we do. It’s because of your belief in our mission that we’re able to produce award-winning productions and achieve milestones like this.

What’s Next?
The curtain may have closed on 2024, but we’re already hard at work on an exciting lineup for 2025! From immersive productions to community events, Area Stage is gearing up to continue pushing the boundaries of theatre while providing a platform for local talent to shine. Thank you for celebrating this moment with us and for being part of the Area Stage journey. Together, we’ll continue to bring exceptional theatre to life for many years to come.

Connect with Us
Follow us on our social media for the latest news and stay tuned for updates on our upcoming Mainstage production, Lady Miasma, a workshop horror fantasy musical written and directed by Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz.

Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project to Receive $20,000 Award from the National Endowment for the Arts

South Miami, FL— Area Stage is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000.

This grant will support Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project, a one-of-a-kind performing arts program for children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The NEA will award 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants.

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including what the Inclusion Theatre Project has in store for its upcoming season.”

Founded in 2014 by Maria Banda-Rodaz, Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP) is a one-of-a-kind program for aspiring theatre professionals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Led by Irma Becker, ITP serves ~175 participants a year, offering performing arts classes taught by specialized instructors onsite and at local partner schools, presenting a total of two musical productions and twelve outreach performances that reach about 10,000 people per year. As part of the program, Area Stage is also very proud to host the United States' first Royal Academy of Dance ballet curriculum for neurodiverse dancers. ITP provides a platform for neurodiverse artists to develop their talents and share them with the community. These inspiring performances prove just how much individuals with disabilities are capable of, embodying the vision of a more inclusive society where such individuals are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of everyday life.

“We are deeply honored to receive this outstanding grant, which empowers us to continue making a meaningful difference through the work we do every day at Area Stage,” says Maria Banda-Rodaz, Executive Director of Area Stage. “Our heartfelt thanks to the NEA for recognizing and supporting our mission to enrich and uplift our community.” 

For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

PRESS CONTACT: Jennifer Gomez, jennifer@areastage.org 

Area Stage Wins 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award for Best Live Theatre

Area Stage , a beloved cornerstone of South Florida's theater scene, has achieved another milestone by winning the 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award for Best Live Theatre. This prestigious honor recognizes the company’s unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and its significant contributions to the cultural vibrancy of the Miami-Dade arts community.

Founded in 1989 by John and Maria Rodaz, Area Stage has consistently pushed boundaries in regional theater with bold, immersive, and critically acclaimed productions. The company’s dedication to excellence has earned it a reputation as one of Miami’s premier cultural institutions.

What Makes Area Stage a Favorite?
Area Stage’s success is attributed to its ability to captivate audiences with unique and transformative theatrical experiences. Productions like its immersive rendition of Disney's Beauty and the Beast—a multiple Carbonell Award-winning show—demonstrate the company’s innovative approach to storytelling. Audiences were invited to step inside the world of Belle and the Beast through a fully immersive staging that blurred the line between performers and attendees.

This creative vision led by Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, combined with world-class talent, has helped Area Stage stand out among Miami’s vibrant arts scene, securing its place as a community favorite year after year.

The Miami-Dade Favorites Awards
The Miami-Dade Favorites Awards celebrate businesses and organizations that significantly enhance the local community. The "Best Live Theatre" category acknowledges venues that provide exceptional performances and unforgettable experiences to audiences. Area Stage’s recognition as the Silver Award winner is a testament to its ability to enrich lives through the power of live theater.

A Commitment to Inclusion and Education
Beyond its professional productions, Area Stage is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers and fostering inclusivity. Its Conservatory Program offers training in acting, singing, and dancing for students of all ages and abilities. Additionally, the Inclusion Theatre Project provides individuals with developmental disabilities the chance to perform and thrive in a creative, supportive environment. These programs embody Area Stage’s mission to make theater accessible and meaningful to everyone in the community.

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Area Stage’s 2024 Miami-Dade Favorites Silver Award win is a shared triumph with its supporters, audiences, and community members. Thank you for making this achievement possible and for helping keep the magic of theater alive!

To learn more about Area Stage, explore upcoming events, or get involved, visit www.areastage.org.