g the Stage
BY NICOLE TAFE
F
or 15 years, Paragon Studios—located in McCandless—
has offered performance opportunities and education to
those of all ages interested in theater and the stage.
Paragon Studios was founded in 2004 by Deborah
(Loffredi) Metzger. She graduated Point Park University with a
BFA in Acting, Musical Theatre emphasis, and has performed at
Pittsburgh Playhouse and as a parade dancer at Disney World’s
Magic Kingdom. “After college, I wasn’t interested in moving to
New York City,” says Metzger. “Pittsburgh seemed like a great
place to settle and I had loved directing, so I decided to give my
own studio a shot.”
Metzger is owner and artistic director of Paragon Studios,
where she teaches teens and adults, in addition to directing
the shows. The staff also includes Laura Karner, who teaches
voice lessons and some of the short-term classes, and Nicole
Stefonek, who teaches the youngest students as well as voice
lessons. Karner graduated from the Randolph Academy of
Performing Arts in Toronto and is active in the Pittsburgh theater
scene. Stefonek has a degree in Musical Theatre from St. Mary’s
University and has performed all over Pittsburgh, including
with the CLO.
“Additionally, we have brought in dozens of wonderful guest
artists from all over Pittsburgh and New York City,” says Metzger.
Paragon Studios offers year-round classes in Acting, Musical
Theatre and Voice for ages 6 to 18. Short-term classes are
offered for very young students—ages 3 to 5. The studio also
offers acting classes for adults who are both beginners and more
advanced. Unique classes, including Stage Combat, Acting for
the Camera, Dialects and more are offered on weekends and in
the summer.
“We’re currently working on our 26th full-length production,”
says Metzger. “We produce shows with our school-age students,
shows with adults, and also large productions with all ages. Some
of our favorites have been ‘Into the Woods,’ ‘The Addams Family,’
‘And Then There Were None,’ ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘The Crucible,’
‘Seussical’ and ‘Oklahoma.’”
Although located in McCandless, Paragon Studios
students come from all over northern Pittsburgh—anywhere
from North Allegheny and North Hills to Pine-Richland
and Sewickley. Adult students and actors come from all over
Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas.
“This year, we endeavored in something a little different with
our adult program and are presenting a series of Murder Mystery
Dinners—all of which have sold out so far,” adds Metzger. “It’s
something we’ve been wanting to do for awhile. Our first dinner
was in October and sold out almost immediately.”
Paragon Studio’s student production this year is “Snoopy!” “It’s
a super fun musical filled with all your favorite characters and big
Broadway-style musical numbers,” says Metzger. “The kids are
so excited!”
Paragon is one of the few studios in Pittsburgh that offers
professional-level training and show experience to both kids
and adults. Open auditions are held for the adult shows that
draw actors from all over the city. “If our high school students
are interested in studying the performing arts in college, we
have a great team to prepare them for auditions and a fabulous
track record for getting our students into the college program
of their choice,” says Metzger. “Paragon provides a wide variety
of entertainment for the community including new and classic
musicals, plays ranging from comedy to drama, and murder
mystery dinners.” ■
“Snoopy! The Musical” will be
presented at the Kean Theatre in
Gibsonia on May 3 & 4. Tickets go
on sale April 1.
Paragon Studios’ Summer
Camp will present “Alice
in Wonderland.” The camp
runs June 17-27, with a
performance at the Kean Theatre on June 27.
Registration is available online.
» For more information, visit ParagonStudios.org.
NORTH ALLEGHENY
❘
SPRING 2019
47