ITP Annie Jr. Closes Out A Successful Run With A Sold Out Weekend!

On January 24th through 26th, Area Stage’s Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP) took center stage with an unforgettable production of Annie Jr., performed to sold-out audiences each night! The production was a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our ITP performers, who brought the beloved story to life with heart and energy.

A Classic Tale of Hope and Determination

Set in 1930s New York City, Annie Jr. follows the journey of a spirited young orphan determined to find the family she’s always longed for. With the help of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his warm-hearted secretary Grace, and a lovable rescue dog named Sandy, Annie discovers that hope and love can be found in the most unexpected places. Featuring classic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” the show captures the resilience and optimism that makes it a fan favorite.

A Celebration of Inclusivity and Talent

At Area Stage, we believe that theatre should be a place for everyone. Through ITP, we provide individualized, adaptive performing arts training for actors with disabilities, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to develop their skills, gain confidence, and shine on stage. This production of Annie Jr. was no exception, proving once again that theatre is for all—and that the magic of storytelling is even more powerful when shared by such a dedicated and diverse cast.

Thank You for Your Support!

To our performers, creative team, volunteers, and of course, our enthusiastic audiences—thank you for making ITP Annie Jr. such a special production. Your cheers, applause, and unwavering support mean the world to our students and to the entire Area Stage community.

As Annie Jr. takes its final bow, we look ahead to even more inspiring productions to come. Stay tuned for what’s next with ITP- Seussical Jr. opening in June!

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