Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Stiles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always wanted to be a performer, from the time I was 8 years old. At 12, I joined a youth group and performed around town at local events, went to a Performing Arts High School (NESA), UT Austin as a music major, performed at Six Flags for 7 years then realized it was time to get a “real job”. I became a principal secretary at one of the elementary schools in town, but my passion was to be involved in music. I got a second job as vocal and dance instructor at a studio in Stone Oak where I worked for 11 years. I then opened All in One Productions in 2020, still working full time at the school district and all evening at the studio, but this is my passion. I feel that now is the time to expand our studio by becoming an “All Inclusive” studio. With an increase of children being diagnosed as “on the spectrum” (including my own), it is my calling to give to these individuals the same opportunities that I was given as a child.
Our Mission Statement – All in One Productions aims to be the premier provider of the Performing Arts. Our primary goal is to provide a fully inclusive, barrier-free environment where people with and without disabilities can sing, dance, act and share experiences together.
I apologize for my lengthy story, but I am so passionate about my project I don’t want to leave anything out.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our very first obstacle was Covid. We opened in Feb. 2020 and had to close 3 weeks later due to the shutdown. We reopened and closed 3 times before we felt it safe for our students to continue classes.
Our second obstacle was when two of our major instructors left. One to open her own studio and the other to be at a more competitive studio.
Our final obstacle was the Northeast Independent School District offering dance in most of their schools, including elementary. This has restricted us from advertising in the schools. They are also offering a district-wide musical theatre camp this summer which will hinder our summer camp enrollments.
These decisions by NEISD has put several dance studios out of business completely.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I became a live performer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas when I was 19 years old. After two years, I became the “show swing” which meant that I covered every female role in the show. I stayed at Six Flags for 7 years while also doing Community Theatre at the San Pedro Playhouse. I worked at LA Performing Arts for 11 years and a vocal and dance instructor. When LAPA closed, I knew this was my opportunity to open my own studio, which I did in Feb. 2020 as All in One Productions. Since my schedule is pretty tight, I only teach musical theatre, tap, vocals and our performance team at the current time. I’m a really good dancer/choreographer but I feel that I am a great vocal instructor. God gave the gift to sing and I am passing it forward to my students. I am so proud of many of our accomplishments over the past 6 years, but I am most proud of our competition teams. We are a recreational studio, not competitive, and for my teams to go out and compete and win, fills my heart with pride. We display our trophies proudly in the studio. Our parents have told us on numerous occasions that what sets us apart from other studios is that we are a family here. My mom in the studio manager and my husband takes care of all technical aspects of the studio. We truly love these kids and we want nothing but the best for them.
We are now opening the next chapter by becoming an All Inclusive studio. Our instructors will be trained in autism, ADHD, ADD, behavior management, CPR, etc. We are creating a Sensory/Calm room for individuals that become over stimulated, making sure we meet all ADA regulations, purchasing adaptive equipment, providing resource fairs for parents, etc. In our 5 year plan, we hope to sponsor a Dance Competition for Special Needs individuals.
It doesn’t get much better than this. I am truly living the dream.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Unfortunately, we are one of the few All Inclusive studios in San Antonio. I do, however, have several family members that work with special needs students in the school district that are helping in my endeavor.
As you know, every child is different, so what works for one student may not work for the others. I’m sure we will need to adapt every class with every student.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allinoneproductions.studio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/allinoneproductions2020
