Stage Door Arts Academy was founded on the belief that the arts build not just talent, but character. We offer a safe, joyful, and challenging environment where students take risks, lean in, and shine — both on stage and in life.
Amy Toresco has been dancing for as long as she can remember, growing up on the competition circuit before continuing her passion at Bucknell University, where she danced with the Bucknell Dance Company and earned a minor in Dance. Her love for movement took her across the globe, performing with a local hip hop crew while studying abroad in New Zealand.
But what sets Amy apart isn’t just her experience as a dancer. It’s her ability to see the studio through three critical lenses: performer, parent, and entrepreneur. She has spent over a decade in the fitness industry as a certified instructor in Les Mills programs, kickboxing, and indoor cycling. She’s also a seasoned business operator, managing the financial, administrative, and operational side of Stage Door Arts Academy with the kind of discipline and vision that separates a fun idea from a thriving organization .
As a dance mom herself, Amy knows firsthand what families are really looking for and what they’re tired of settling for. That’s why she’s obsessed with building something different. Not just another studio, but a space where kids feel seen, parents feel supported, and creativity isn’t boxed in by tradition.
Amy believes every student has the power to dream big, and she’s committed to creating an environment where hard work, joy, and self-belief are at the heart of every class. With Stage Door Arts Academy, she isn’t just running a studio. She’s building a movement.
Jen has been a teacher for 24 years. For most of her career she has brought her love of theater arts to kids in both NY and SC. At the opening of Carolina Park almost 9 years ago she asked to bring a musical to the school. The next year she was asked to continue the tradition and become the theater teacher to all grades. With 8 years of amazing productions she is excited to share her knowledge and passion for the theater to the community. She is currently still teaching at CP and getting ready for her production of Frozen in the spring. She promises to make your child fall in love with stage and give them the confidence she needs in everyday life.
With over 13 years of experience teaching and choreographing, Laura brings a dynamic blend of artistry, versatility, and passion to her role as Artistic Director. Raised in a ballet studio, Laura developed a strong classical foundation before expanding her training in high school to embrace every style she could, from contemporary and jazz to hip-hop and improv.
Her choreography has earned top awards at competitions, and she worked as Talent Development Director for an international talent seeking agency. Her professional work includes projects for HBO, showcasing her ability to blend technical excellence with compelling storytelling. Known for her creative vision and ability to inspire dancers of all levels, Laura is dedicated to fostering a supportive yet challenging environment where students can grow as artists and performers.
Laura is thrilled to bring her expertise to the studio’s vocal, theater, and dance programs, working to create innovative productions and cultivate well-rounded performers who are confident on stage and in life.
