Deborah's Stage Door: Exploring Performing Arts in Rochester Hills, MI

Deborah's Stage Door Introduce

For families and individuals in Michigan with a passion for the performing arts, Deborah's Stage Door in Rochester Hills presents a range of opportunities to engage with dance, music, and theater. Celebrating over 40 years in the community, this center for the performing arts has aimed to provide comprehensive training for students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults. Deborah's Stage Door offers instruction across various disciplines, including dance, voice, piano, guitar, acting, musical theater, gymnastics/tumbling, and cheerleading. Whether you're seeking a recreational outlet or pursuing serious study, the academy strives to offer a platform for artistic development and expression.

Deborah's Stage Door describes itself as a place where all students are welcome to learn in a healthy and exciting atmosphere. The academy has a history of nurturing talent, with many former students reportedly returning to enroll their own children, indicating a certain level of confidence in the programs over time. They have also highlighted national-award winning competition dance groups, performing arts companies, ballet companies, and show choirs, with students appearing at various high-profile events and even performing with well-known artists. These achievements suggest a robust program for those dedicated to competitive and performance-oriented training.

The facility aims to cater to a wide spectrum of interests and skill levels, providing avenues for both recreational participants and those with aspirations for professional careers in the performing arts. Their long-standing presence in the Rochester Hills community suggests a commitment to local arts education. For Michigan residents considering a performing arts program, Deborah's Stage Door outlines a diverse offering designed to engage students in multiple facets of artistic development, fostering skills that extend beyond the stage into everyday life, such as teamwork, goal setting, time management, and self-confidence.

Deborah's Stage Door is located at 161 S Livernois Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA. This address places the performing arts center in a readily accessible part of Rochester Hills, a well-known community within Michigan. Its location on South Livernois Road, a primary thoroughfare, ensures ease of access for families and students traveling from various surrounding areas, including Oakland Township, Troy, Auburn Hills, and other nearby Michigan communities.

The convenience of the location is a notable aspect for local users. Being situated on a main road simplifies the commute for parents dropping off and picking up children, and for adult students attending classes. While public transportation options might vary, the general accessibility by car with available parking is typically a key factor for local establishments. This central placement in Rochester Hills aims to make quality performing arts education within reach for a broad segment of the Michigan population, allowing for easier integration of lessons and rehearsals into busy family schedules.

Deborah's Stage Door offers a wide array of programs across various performing arts disciplines, catering to students from preschool age through adults. Their comprehensive offerings are designed to accommodate both recreational participants and those interested in more serious, competition-focused training. The services include:

Dance Classes: A broad spectrum of dance styles, including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Pointe, and more, for all ages and skill levels.
Voice Lessons: Private music instruction focused on vocal technique, range, and performance for various genres.
Piano Lessons: Private music instruction covering piano fundamentals, music theory, and repertoire for different skill levels.
Guitar Lessons: Private music instruction for guitar, catering to various styles and proficiency levels.
Acting Classes: Programs designed to develop acting skills, stage presence, improvisation, and character development for aspiring performers.
Musical Theatre: Integrated programs that combine singing, dancing, and acting, often culminating in full-scale musical productions.
Gymnastics/Tumbling: Classes focused on flexibility, strength, and acrobatic skills, often complementing dance training.
Cheerleading: Programs that teach cheerleading techniques, including stunts, jumps, and routines.
Competition Dance Lines: Audition-based groups for students aged 5-19 interested in additional performance and competition opportunities, with a history of national championships.
Performing Arts Camps: Summer and holiday camps for various age groups, incorporating elements of dance, acting, singing, and musical theater, often culminating in performances.
Birthday Parties: Specialized party packages that include dance classes (e.g., hip-hop, jazz, gymnastics) led by staff, with additional amenities like pizza and goodie bags.

Deborah's Stage Door highlights several features that underscore its long-standing presence and offerings in the Michigan performing arts scene. While some customer experiences have raised concerns, the academy's broad range of programs and established history are aspects it promotes.

Longevity and Experience: The academy emphasizes "Celebrating our 40th year," indicating a long history of providing performing arts education in the Rochester Hills area. This suggests a significant track record and experience in the field.
Diverse Program Offerings: A key highlight is the extensive variety of disciplines taught under one roof, including dance, voice, piano, guitar, acting, musical theater, gymnastics/tumbling, and cheerleading. This allows students to explore multiple artistic avenues.
National-Award Winning Competition Groups: The academy proudly features its "national-award winning competition dance groups, performing arts companies, ballet companies and show choirs," some of which have appeared on national television and performed with celebrities. This indicates a strong competitive program for dedicated students.
Scholarship Opportunities: Deborah's Stage Door states that its graduates have been awarded over $2.5 million in performing arts scholarships in the last 10 years, suggesting a focus on preparing students for higher education in the arts.
Performance Opportunities: Students are offered various opportunities to perform, including annual recitals, community events like The Michigan Thanksgiving Parade and Woodward Dream Cruise, and even at venues like Disney World and Universal Studios.
Catering to All Levels: The academy aims to welcome "pre-schoolers through adults" and cater to both "recreational or serious study," indicating an inclusive environment for various commitment levels.

For inquiries, registration, or to learn more about the programs offered at Deborah's Stage Door, please use the following contact information. The academy is located in Rochester Hills and can provide details on schedules and enrollment.

Address: 161 S Livernois Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA

Phone: (248) 852-8133

In conclusion, for Michigan residents seeking a performing arts institution with a long history and a diverse array of programs, Deborah's Stage Door in Rochester Hills offers numerous opportunities. Its central location on South Livernois Road provides convenient access for families across the region, making it a viable option for integrating artistic pursuits into daily life. The academy's extensive offerings in dance, music, acting, and musical theater, catering to all ages and skill levels, are designed to appeal to a broad audience.

While some past customer experiences have highlighted concerns regarding communication, organization, and production quality, Deborah's Stage Door also emphasizes its decades of experience, its national-award winning competition teams, and its track record of securing college scholarships for its graduates. For Michigan locals who prioritize a wide selection of performing arts disciplines under one roof and value a long-established presence in the community, Deborah's Stage Door presents a comprehensive option for artistic development. Those considering enrollment are encouraged to explore the programs directly to determine if they align with their specific aspirations and needs.

Deborah's Stage Door Photos

Deborah's Stage Door Location

Deborah's Stage Door

Michigan Oakland County Rochester Hills South Livernois Road

161 S Livernois Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA

Deborah's Stage Door Reviews

⭐☆☆☆☆Parents, be warned—this program is not what it promises to be.My daughter has participated in several camps and musicals with this theater company, and each experience has steadily declined in quality. After our most recent experience, we are completely done. My daughter deserves far better than what this program offers.Over the past three months, there has been a complete lack of communication regarding schedule changes—no emails, no announcements, nothing posted at the studio. Families were left guessing. Then, with little notice, the cast of Wicked was added to a dance recital that was 30+ minutes away. The catch? Kids were told they’d only receive a medal if they attended. They were expected to sit for over 4 hours just to perform one song. It felt like a blatant attempt to boost ticket sales—each family had to pay $18 per ticket for this recital.During show week, my daughter was asked to come in early to help with set construction. We showed up—only to wait around for 45 mins because the staff wasn’t prepared. When we arrived for the actual performance, we were greeted by tattered curtains safety-pinned to windows, plywood walls, and a single, barely used platform. The "set" consisted of dollar-store tablecloths taped to the wall, paper trees that looked like a class art project, and a cardboard box with an eye falling off it representing Oz. Cheap props and lack luster costumes.There were no microphones, no sound system, no proper lighting, and absolutely no choreography. Just a boombox playing music and kids doing their best under the circumstances. I couldn’t hear my daughter and had to stand in the back just to see her because seating was nothing more than folding chairs. The lack of professionalism and creativity did not go unnoticed.This was deeply disappointing for both parents and kids who worked so hard. What could have been a joyful, confidence-building experience turned into a chaotic, low-quality production that felt more like a cash grab than a celebration of young talent.Now let’s talk about the new location—it’s a joke. Construction is clearly incomplete. They should have finished the facility before running programs, instead of overselling camps and shows they aren’t equipped to handle just to fund their own build-out.Please reconsider before enrolling your child here. There are far better programs in the area that actually respect families' time, money, and most importantly, their children. The staff running these programs are rude and inexperienced.
Jun 18, 2025 · Christa Zamora
If you’re considering enrolling your child in a production at Deborah’s Stage Door, I strongly urge you to reconsider. What should have been a fun and enriching experience for my daughter quickly turned into months of chaos, poor leadership, and unprofessionalism—topped off with gaslighting from management.1) Leadership & Direction – Or Lack ThereofThe only real choreography the kids learned was during their first practice—coincidentally, the one rehearsal the teenage director wasn’t at. While I’m sure she is a talented actress, she was in no way equipped to manage a group of children aged 7-15. Instead of coaching and motivating, she repeatedly told them they were “awful” and sat on the floor for most rehearsals rather than leading.2) Management’s Gaslighting & DeflectionThe teenage director’s mother, Erin, serves as the studio’s manager. When parents raised legitimate concerns about the constant disorganization and ineffective rehearsals, we were brushed off with, “Everything is fine, don’t worry.”Many of us emailed requesting our feedback be shared with Debbie (the owner), but to this day, we have no idea if she ever saw a single message—because she was nowhere to be found. Not once did she acknowledge concerns or attempt to make things right.3) Bait-and-Switch ChaosOne of the most infuriating aspects was the complete disregard for the schedules we agreed to upon paying.They suddenly announced a move to a “new location” without telling us where.The “couple weeks” transition took five months.Rehearsals bounced between locations with last-minute cancellations.The original November show? Canceled—no refunds. Instead, they postponed it to January… and then changed the date twice more.Parents were never consulted. We were simply expected to accommodate endless scheduling issues, no matter what.4) Spamming, But No CommunicationDeborah’s Stage Door had no issue flooding our inboxes with marketing emails—sometimes four in two minutes. That is illegal. Their excuse? “That’s not how our system works.”5) Poor Value for MoneyIf you’re prepared to spend $12-$18 per ticket to watch a play in a flat room with no risers, where your child is barely visible—then this is the place for you.Other financial disasters included:They aggressively push ticket sales, requiring you to commit to exactly which night each guest will attend.No refunds. No matter how much they change, cancel, or rearrange things, your money is gone.6) The Kids Deserved BetterDespite all of this, the children pulled off a great performance—not because of the studio, but in spite of it. Their perseverance and resilience held this production together.7) Questionable Future of This BusinessGiven the unprofessional management, endless logistical disasters, and deteriorating facilities, I have to wonder if Deborah’s Stage Door is on the verge of collapse.Their handling of scheduling and communication is alarmingly poor.The mystery "new location" debacle suggests financial instability.Final Verdict: 1/5 – Save Your Money & Sanity
Feb 05, 2025 · Morgan El-Zeinab
Aweful. They shoved my daughter, changed performance dates without notifying us and are so disorganized. There are so many other options.
Jun 05, 2025 · J. Zamora
They are currently taking payments for classes but not having sessons until they finish construction. I feel they should have been transparent with new comers like myself who were excited to begin classes right away now it is a month later and they took my money and I got nothing in return. Now I have to file a dispute of fraud through my bank, after giving them multiple chances to refund me. September-October 2024
Oct 24, 2024 · Veronica Stomber
Signed up for fall classes, my deposit was charged. Left voicemails and emails about shoes and attire needed. No response. Showed up for an alleged open house date with my child and the whole place was cleaned out with dumpsters and door was locked. Looks like this place took my deposit and closed.
Sep 05, 2024 · Laura Iacona