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.