Business Details
22 Years
experience
Performing Arts Training for All Ages in Pittsburgh
Paragon Studios, founded in 2004 by Deborah Loffredi Metzger, has established itself as one of Pittsburgh's most respected institutions for performing arts education. With over two decades of experience, we specialize in acting, musical theatre, and voice training for students aged 6 to adult. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate both technical skills and personal growth, preparing students for professional careers or lifelong enjoyment of the arts. Our instructors are industry professionals actively engaged in theatre, film, and music, ensuring our students receive current, practical training. We emphasize leadership, confidence-building, and collaborative creativity through structured classes and full-scale productions.Our alumni have successfully pursued higher education in performing arts and professional careers in entertainment. We maintain rigorous standards while fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered to take creative risks. Our facility, housed in a historic church purchased in 2025, provides a dedicated space for artistic development. We offer specialized workshops with guest artists from major theatre companies and maintain strong community partnerships. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted institution for performing arts education in the Pittsburgh region.
Services
Acting Classes
Musical Theatre Training
Voice Lessons
Performance Workshops
Directing Courses
Youth Programs
Adult Education
Theatre Productions
Summer Camps
Private Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of proven success in performing arts education
- Industry professionals as active instructors
- Specialized curriculum for ages 6 to adult
- Full-scale productions with professional standards
- Alumni accepted to top performing arts programs
What people say
Excellent training
Professional instructors
Confidence growth
Successful alumni
Supportive environment
Services
Acting Classes
Structured acting instruction from foundational techniques to advanced performance skills. Students develop character interpretation, script analysis, and stage presence through scene work and improvisation. Classes include audition preparation and on-camera techniques for serious performers seeking professional development.
Musical Theatre
Integrated training in acting, singing, and dance for musical theatre performance. Curriculum covers vocal technique, choreography, and ensemble work with preparation for both school productions and professional auditions. Includes specialty workshops with industry professionals.
Private Voice
Individualized vocal instruction focusing on technique, repertoire development, and performance preparation. Lessons available for all skill levels with emphasis on musical theatre and classical styles. Instructors hold advanced degrees in vocal performance.
Directing Courses
Specialized training for experienced actors transitioning to directing. Covers production planning, rehearsal management, and artistic vision development. Limited enrollment ensures personalized instruction from working theatre professionals with extensive directing credits.
Youth Programs
Age-appropriate classes introducing young students to acting fundamentals through games and scene work. Curriculum builds confidence and creativity while teaching basic performance skills. Includes family-friendly productions designed for young performers.
People
Deborah Metzger
Artistic Director
Founder of Paragon Studios with 20+ years experience. Holds BFA in Musical Theatre. Directs mainstage productions and advanced acting classes. Active performer and director in regional theatre.
Nicole Stefonek-Weiss
Level 3 Instructor
BFA graduate from St. Mary's University. Trained at Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. Specializes in musical theatre technique and vocal coaching for intermediate students.
Olivia Wohar
Vocal Instructor
BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Provides vocal training and accompaniment instruction. Works with students on audition repertoire and performance technique.
Thomas Mirth
Stage Combat
Professional actor with 40+ years experience. Teaches stage combat techniques and film acting methods. Brings industry expertise from decades of regional theatre performances.
Missy Moreno
Improvisation
Specializes in improvisation training. Studied at Second City Training Center. Develops students' spontaneous performance skills and comedic timing through structured workshops.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer classes for students aged 6 through adult, with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we produce multiple full-scale productions annually, including youth and adult castings.
Are private lessons available?
Private voice lessons and coaching sessions are available with scheduled appointments.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our instructors are active industry professionals with degrees and professional experience in performing arts.
Do you have summer programs?
We offer summer camps and workshops focusing on specific performance skills and production experience.
How to register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website with payment options for scheduled sessions.
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