Deborah's Stage Door: A Premier Performing Arts Center in Rochester Hills, MI

Deborah's Stage Door Introduce

Located in the heart of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Deborah's Stage Door is a well-known performing arts school with a long history in the community. For over 40 years, the studio has been a place for aspiring artists of all ages to explore their creativity and passion for the stage. The mission of Deborah's Stage Door is to provide a positive, fun, and family-oriented atmosphere where students can grow in dance, voice, piano, guitar, acting, and more. The school prides itself on offering a wide variety of classes, catering to everyone from preschoolers taking their first steps in a ballet class to adults looking to stay active and reconnect with a love for dance. Their programs are designed to accommodate both recreational students and those with aspirations of a professional career in the performing arts.

Deborah's Stage Door has a reputation for being a comprehensive center for the performing arts, going beyond just dance instruction. The school's offerings in music and theatre are a major draw, providing students with a holistic education that prepares them for all aspects of a performance career. They have a history of successful students, with some having been awarded over $2.5 million in performing arts scholarships over the last 10 years. The studio also has a national-award-winning competition dance group and a strong presence in the community, with performances at local events like the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade and Detroit Piston half-time shows. Many former students have even returned to enroll their own children, a testament to the trust and confidence they have in the programs and the family-like atmosphere.

However, it is important to note that public feedback on the studio is varied. While some reviews praise the staff and the overall family atmosphere, others raise serious concerns. One highly critical review from a parent detailed a "deeply disappointing" experience with a theatre production, citing a lack of communication, poor organization, and low-quality production value. This parent's account also mentioned issues with facilities and management's response to concerns. These reviews suggest that while the school has a strong base of loyal customers and a long history of success, experiences may vary depending on the specific program and a family's individual expectations. It is always recommended for new families to research all available feedback and, if possible, visit the facility and speak with staff to get a personal sense of the studio's environment and approach.

Location and Accessibility

Deborah's Stage Door is located at 161 S Livernois Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA. The studio's location on a major road in Rochester Hills makes it easily accessible for families in the area and surrounding communities. For the convenience of all visitors, the facility has taken steps to ensure accessibility. It features a wheelchair-accessible car park, providing easy and safe parking for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, the building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which ensures that all students and their families, regardless of physical ability, can enter the studio with ease. The studio's commitment to accessibility is a positive step toward creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate in the performing arts. The central location in Rochester Hills also places it in a convenient spot for parents on the go, making it a practical choice for after-school activities and weekend classes.

Services Offered

Deborah's Stage Door offers a wide and comprehensive array of programs in dance, music, and theatre for all ages, from preschoolers to adults. Their curriculum is designed to cater to various interests and skill levels. Here is a look at the services and classes they provide:

Dance Classes: A wide range of dance instruction for all ages, including Children’s Dance Classes, Recreational Dance, and specialized classes like Tap Dance Class and Adult Tap.
Competitive Programs: For students who want a more intense and performance-focused experience, the studio offers Competitive Classes and a dedicated Competition Dance program.
Theatre Program: A full-scale program that includes acting, musical theatre, and stage dance. Students can participate in various plays and musicals throughout the year.
Music Education: The studio offers a full music program with private lessons for piano, guitar, and vocal lessons. They also host music recitals for students to showcase their skills.
Specialty Classes: A variety of unique offerings, such as Acrobatic classes, Master Classes taught by visiting professionals, and Technique Classes to improve core skills.
Camps: Engaging and educational Dance Camps, Musical Theatre Camps, and Themed Dance camps are available during the summer and school breaks.
Private and Individual Instruction: One-on-one lessons in dance, music, and acting for personalized coaching and accelerated learning.
Community and Performance Events: The studio provides opportunities for students to perform in a Dance Recital, a Christmas Spectacular, and various other Stage Shows and Community Events.
Birthday Parties: Themed birthday party packages that offer a fun and active way to celebrate.
Field Trips: Educational trips that provide students with real-world exposure to the performing arts.

Features / Highlights

Deborah's Stage Door has several key features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing presence and reputation in the Rochester Hills community.

Comprehensive Performing Arts Center: Unlike many studios that focus on a single art form, Deborah's Stage Door offers a diverse range of programs in dance, music, and theatre, providing a well-rounded education.
Long History and Experience: With over 40 years in the business, the studio has a rich history and a strong foundation in providing arts education to the community.
Accessibility: The studio is committed to inclusivity with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, making it accessible to a wide range of students and visitors.
Flexible Payment Options: For client convenience, the studio accepts both credit cards and debit cards for payments.
Good for Kids: The studio is noted as being a great place for children, with programs tailored to foster a love for the arts from a young age.
Alumni Loyalty: Many former students have returned to enroll their own children, which is a powerful testament to the positive impact the studio has had on their lives.
Award-Winning Programs: The studio has national-award-winning competition dance groups and a history of successful students who have gone on to receive significant scholarships.

Contact Information

For more information about Deborah's Stage Door, their programs, or to enroll, you can contact them using the following information:

Address: 161 S Livernois Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA
Phone: (248) 852-8133

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a performing arts school is a significant decision, and Deborah's Stage Door offers a number of compelling reasons why it might be the right fit for families in the Rochester Hills area. The studio’s long history is a major draw. With over four decades of experience, it has proven its resilience and dedication to the local community. This longevity speaks to a well-established and trusted presence that has helped thousands of students over the years.

The breadth of the curriculum is another key factor. Most arts schools focus on a single discipline, but Deborah’s Stage Door provides a truly comprehensive performing arts education, offering dance, music, and theatre programs all under one roof. This allows students to explore multiple passions and develop a well-rounded skill set that is invaluable for any aspiring performer. The studio’s commitment to providing opportunities, from competitive programs and community performances to summer intensives, ensures that students have a clear pathway for growth and development, regardless of their goals.

However, as with any local business, it's essential to consider all feedback. While some families have had a very positive, family-like experience, as seen in the reviews about the supportive atmosphere and long-term loyalty, others have voiced strong concerns about management and organization. These contrasting views highlight that individual experiences can differ. For a family in Michigan considering this school, the best approach would be to take advantage of available resources like a free trial class or a studio tour, and to speak directly with staff and current students. This proactive step can help ensure that the studio's environment and practices align with your family's values and expectations. For those who connect with its mission and community, Deborah's Stage Door offers an enriching and comprehensive performing arts experience that has been a part of the Rochester Hills landscape for generations.

Deborah's Stage Door Services

Dance School
Adult Tap
Art Courses
Birthday Parties
Children’s Dance Classes
Community Events
Competition Dance
Competitive Classes
Dance Camps
Dance Instruction For Preschoolers
Dance Recital
Dance Theatre
Dance Training At
Field Trips
Guitar Lessons
Individual Instruction
Lines Dance
Master Classes
Music Education
Music Program
Music Recitals
Musical Theater
Musical Theatre Camps
Performing Arts Education
Performing Arts School
Piano Lessons
Private Lessons
Recreational Dance
Repertory Dance
Stage Dance
Stage Shows
Summer Dance Intensive
Tap Dance Class
Technique Classes
Theatre Program
Themed Dance
Vocal Lessons
Weekly Classes

Deborah's Stage Door Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Deborah's Stage Door Photos

No photos available at the moment.

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

An average rating of ★2.8 from 50 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

⭐☆☆☆☆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.
June 18 · 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
February 04 · Morgan El-Zeinab
My experience with this program has been consistently disappointing, and I feel compelled to share in hopes that other parents can make an informed decision.Just before my daughter’s recital at the end of May, I was told her costume—which I had already paid for—would not be released because I hadn’t yet paid for June tuition. This was extremely confusing, as it was still May and I was completely up to date on all payments. If paying June tuition in advance was a requirement for receiving a costume that had already been purchased separately, that was never communicated to me.To make matters worse, several other children also didn’t receive their costumes because they were apparently still being steamed, which made withholding my daughter’s costume even more questionable. After this happened, my husband took our daughter to the next class and asked again for the costume. When they refused, he listed the many ongoing issues we’ve had this year—none of which were ever addressed. Only after he said he would be filing a complaint with the Chamber of Commerce did they finally hand over the costume.This isn’t an isolated incident. The year started with a promised start date that was suddenly postponed just one day before, delaying the program by nearly a month. Once classes began, they were only 30 minutes long—despite being advertised (and paid for) as 45-minute sessions. We've also dealt with last-minute class cancellations, frequent instructor changes, and even a complete schedule overhaul after a teacher unexpectedly left.The costume from the Christmas concert was another low point. It cost $70 and turned out to be a basic long-sleeve shirt and pants I later saw at Walmart for $10. I emailed the company requesting a partial refund or credit and never received a response.While the recital costume did appear to match its price better (a proper leotard, tutu, tights, and accessories), it left me wondering why families are being charged the same amount for such drastically different items.After the costume issue was finally resolved, we did pay for June in full—only to find out later that there was just one class scheduled the entire month.Communication is inconsistent, policies are unclear, and the overall experience has been disorganized from the start. We will not be returning next season.
July 14 · Cynthia Carrillo
After five years of attending performances, this summer (2025) was extremely disappointing. The camps were very unorganized and too many camps going on at the same in one room. The counselors in charge seemed too young unorganized. This was music theatre and the girls didn’t even get to sing in their audition. They had one person lip sing the main song, and the kids didn’t even get to join in. The camps were not always like this only since they moved. For the money we pay this summer was not worth it.
July 17 · Kim Rawski
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
October 24 · Veronica Stomber