Area Stage Inc

ASC is an award-winning professional theatre organization founded on the principles of artistic innovation, education and inclusion. In the nearly 35 years since its inception, the diverse company has presented a mix of classical and contemporary plays and original new works. ASCs artistic excellence and singular status has been reflected in the notable honors received by our productions, as well as the high-profile media attention our company has. Earning over sixty nominations and wins at the Carbonell Awards, the company has garnered national recognition on Travel & Leisure magazine, WLRN, CNN, CNN International, Univision, Telemundo, and on ABCs Nightline with Ted Koppel as the only theatre company ever featured on the program, and has received Miami New Times Best Theatre Company (1992, 1993, 1997, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023).

The inclusion theatre project is a one of a kind program that provides arts training within the musical theatre medium to students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The program, pioneered by executive director maria banda-rodaz in 2014, is rooted in asc's belief that training in the performing arts can help these students develop essential life skills and should be accessible for all. The program offers 2-3 productions a year, private and group classes, and many performance opportunities at outreach and community events. Itp's innovative, comprehensive curriculum was developed by asc conservatory founders with the help of special education expert consultants. As attested to by a growing body of formal research associating arts education with gains in emotional intelligence and academic performance, we have observed its power firsthand in our itp students as they gain skills, confidence, and the capacity for self-expression. The performance opportunities associated with itp classes also provide an additional sense of purpose and engagement to our students while also fostering increased understanding in their audiences, paving the way for a more inclusive community overall