Donate to Area Stage Theatre & Conservatory in Miami

Since 2014, Area Stage has dedicated significant resources to an innovative performing arts program that stands unprecedented in the realm of exceptional student education: The Inspire Theatre Project (ITP). This unique theatre training program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities stems from our belief that performing arts education equips participants with vital life skills.

Last year, generous supporters helped us surpass our fundraising goal during the giving season and expand our mission to “Make an ImpACT.” This Giving Tuesday, we’re ready to build on that momentum and invite you to join us once again.

“Every ACT Inspires” is our campaign for this year — with the goal of raising $190,000 to provide more scholarships, broaden access to our programming, and offer new avenues for artistic expression and growth. The Inspire Theatre Project is much more than just a performing arts program; it is a life-changing experience for actors of all abilities, especially those whose talents are often overlooked.

This Giving Tuesday, take ACTion with us. Together, we can ensure every performer has a stage to shine on.

It was 1989 when John Rodaz founded Area Stage. Maria Rodaz joined the company that same year and together became pioneers of the Miami Beach arts community on Lincoln Road. Since its inception, the critically acclaimed nonprofit has presented a mix of contemporary and classic plays and musicals, world premieres, forever changing the standards of what South Florida’s theatres can be. Throughout its 35 year history, Area Stage productions have earned over 150+ awards, nominations, accolades, etc, including eighty Carbonell Award nominations and awards, numerous acknowledgments such as the Miami New Times’ “Best Of,” including 1992, 1993, 1997, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 for Best Theater Company; national recognition on Travel & Leisure Magazine, WLRN, CNN, CNN International, Univision, Telemundo, and on ABC’s Nightline with Ted Koppel as the only theatre company ever featured on the program.

In 2008, Area Stage moved into the beautiful Riviera Theatre in Coral Gables, a dream come true and an opportunity for the company to reinvent itself. With a reimagined mission and vision, the company established a professional-level conservatory program in addition to maintaining a full season of professional productions, concerts, and community events. In 2014, the Inspire Theatre Project (ITP) was established, a life-changing program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In 2020, Area Stage moved to The Shops at Sunset Place. Its current headquarters, built from the ground up for its needs, hosts state-of-the-art dance and voice studios and a black box theatre.

Under the visionary leadership of newly appointed Artistic Director Giancarlo Rodaz, Area Stage has undergone a transformative phase, embracing immersive productions as a means to elevate storytelling, forcing multi-generational, multicultural audiences to rekindle new relationships with classic tales. A community partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami’s premier cultural institution was established in 2022, which has allowed the organization to produce at a much higher level reaching larger audience circles, with sold out performances. The company’s forward-thinking approach and innovative spirit have placed it at the forefront of immersive theater, garnering relationships with Disney Theatricals, GFour Productions, and the MacKintosh office. 

Recently, Area Stage was recognized with the 2024 Miami Dade Favorites Silver Award and honored by Miami-Dade County with a Proclamation designating June 6, 2025, as Area Stage Inc. Day in celebration of the Inspire Theatre Project’s outstanding contributions to the community, a true testament to the company’s lasting impact. With over 36 years of artistic excellence, Area Stage thanks you for your continued support. This remarkable legacy celebrates creativity, talent, innovation, and the privilege of serving our beloved community.