Business Details
Discover Performing Arts Excellence in Tampa
Stagelights Performing Arts Center has been dedicated to nurturing artistic talent since our founding, providing comprehensive training in dance, voice, acting, piano, and theater. Our team of seasoned performers and educators, many with formal degrees in performing arts, creates a supportive environment where students of all skill levelsfrom beginners to advanced performersdevelop technical proficiency and creative confidence. Through structured classes, private lessons, summer camps, and full-scale musical productions, we prepare young artists for success in school, community, and professional settings.Our commitment to inclusivity ensures equal opportunities for all students, regardless of background or ability, while our competitive teams and audition-based programs offer specialized growth paths. With a proven track record of students advancing to prestigious college BFA programs and professional stages, we remain focused on empowering performers to achieve their full potential.
Services
Dance Classes
Voice Lessons
Acting Training
Musical Productions
Summer Camps
Private Piano
Competition Teams
College Auditions
Special Needs Classes
Birthday Parties
Highlights and features
- We hire seasoned performers with formal performing arts education as instructors
- Our graduates succeed in competitive BFA programs and professional theater
- We offer inclusive programs for students with special needs at no cost
- We provide performance opportunities in musicals and competitions annually
- We combine classic techniques with modern approaches to performing arts education
What people say
Nurturing environment
Seasoned instructors
Performance opportunities
Inclusive programs
College preparation success
Services
Dance Classes
Our dance program develops technical proficiency in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and acrobatics for ages 3+. Classes combine foundational skills with performance preparation through beginner combination classes and advanced single-discipline instruction. Specialized training prepares students for competition teams and musical theater roles.
Voice Lessons
Private voice instruction focuses on classical and musical theater techniques while building performance confidence. Students receive guidance on song selection, audition preparation, and vocal acting. Our program prepares singers for school choral programs and lead roles in community theater productions through technical development and stage experience.
Musical Productions
Annual musical theater productions provide practical stage experience for all skill levels. Students participate in fully staged performances at Tampa Bay venues, with junior productions offering accessible entry points. Our productions emphasize technical execution and artistic expression while developing ensemble collaboration and individual performance capabilities.
Summer Camps
Full and half-day summer programs maintain performing arts engagement through dance, acting, and musical theater training. Staffed by experienced instructors and teen volunteers, camps offer skill development in safe environments. Participants explore new genres while maintaining technical proficiency during school breaks.
College Auditions
Specialized college BFA audition preparation includes material selection, performance coaching, and prescreen recording assistance. Our instructors develop personalized strategies highlighting students' strengths for competitive performing arts programs. Services cover dance choreography, vocal coaching, and monologue development tailored to individual marketability.
People
Lisa Ferlita
Owner/Artistic Director
Founder Lisa Ferlita established Stagelights to share her lifelong passion for performing arts. With extensive experience in theater production and education, she builds programs that develop well-rounded performers while fostering inclusive learning environments that prioritize student growth and artistic excellence.
Laura Escalona Yez
Dance Instructor
Dance instructor Laura Escalona Yez brings professional performance experience to Stagelights' dance program. She specializes in technique development across multiple genres while maintaining the program's focus on fun and artistic expression for students of all skill levels.
Shane Patterson
Voice Instructor
Voice instructor Shane Patterson combines vocal technique training with performance coaching. His expertise in group voice instruction and piano accompaniment supports students' development in musical theater and solo performance contexts through personalized skill-building approaches.
Alexis Roberts
Theater Instructor
Theater instructor Alexis Roberts specializes in piano instruction and musical theater curriculum development. With active involvement in performing arts education, she contributes to creating comprehensive training programs that integrate technical skills with stage performance opportunities.
Johnny Stotlar
Dance Instructor
Dance instructor Johnny Stotlar delivers technical training across multiple dance styles. As part of Stagelights' experienced teaching team, he helps students develop physical coordination and artistic expression while maintaining the program's nurturing educational environment.
Questions
What performing arts disciplines do you teach?
We offer dance, voice, acting, piano, and theater training with specialized programs in musical theater and competition performance.
Do you offer classes for beginners?
Yes, we provide beginner combination classes introducing dance fundamentals and basic acting techniques for new students of all ages.
How do students showcase their training?
Students perform in annual musical productions, community events, and competition festivals throughout Central Florida with multiple performance opportunities yearly.
Can special needs students participate?
Yes, we offer a dedicated performing arts class for students with limited mobility through our partnership with Broadway Magic Foundation at no cost.
What payment options are available?
We offer monthly tuition with class packages, drop-in rates, and competitive team pricing. New student registration fees apply for first-time enrollment.
Do you prepare students for college programs?
Yes, our college audition preparation includes prescreen recording, material selection, and performance coaching for competitive BFA programs.
Reviews (5)
Sarah Pellenbarg
May 31, 2021
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Stagelights is a hidden gem in Northdale that offers dance, voice, and musical theater classes. Lisa Ferlita, the owner, clearly loves what she does, and the kids adore her. I am so grateful to have found Stagelights - our boy, who is normally quiet and shy, has come out of his shell and is thriving and happy. He has learned so much in such a short amount of time and most importantly, he is having so much fun! Thank you Lisa!
Jennifer DeMayo
May 08, 2021
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Stagelights is the BEST kept secret around! Lisa is a cut above, and all of the staff is incredibly talented and passionate about the performing arts. My daughter has been dancing, acting, and taking voice with Lisa for years. She has a knack for highlighting each students talent and turning them into a star! Take a chance on this hidden gem, you wont be disappointed.
Kathy Jensen
Mar 17, 2021
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Excellent instructor and very nice facility. Personal touches for each student. Fkr example their silhouettes are painted on the walls
Tami Daniels
Mar 06, 2021
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Lisa has been a delight to work with! She has done all of my daughters prescreen videos for her college musical theatre auditions. My child has never taken a dance lesson in her life outside of choreography for shows and she now loves dancing! Lisa made her feel comfortable and confident from their first lesson. Shes an amazing instructor, motivator and a super sweet lady!
Lisa Campbell
Jan 19, 2020
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I have had the privilege of watching Lisa perform several times, she is a true professional. Lisa has an energetic demeanor which is contagious. Anyone who takes her class will not be disappointed; she has met her true calling.
