If you are looking for a theatre company to send your children to, you could do no better than Boxcar Stage Company. The creative team here is top-notch in their expertise of all things musical theatre. Your child will learn a lot working with this disciplined team. They will help foster the love of theater with your child. I say this with having had the privilege of my two daughters working with Stephen, Laura, Andrew, and Caitlin. There are several choices to enroll your child in theater. We have worked with several. None top what this team can accomplish with your child.
— Abe Cardoza, Parent

Want New-York-City-professional-level voice, movement, and acting coaching for your young aspiring stage performer??? Look no further! The Boxcar Stage Co. crew, Steven, Laura, and Andrew, are experienced actors and musicians dedicated to developing their craft in young people. They offer an array of options from private one-on-one lessons to full stage productions complete with full live orchestra. For several years now Boxcar has produced and directed the Milton High School productions and they are so good that Milton made the METG State HS festival FINAL two years straight. Our kids both earned significant college scholarships for music in part because of all they have learned at Milton High with Boxcar during the school year and over the summer.

— Paul Hays, Parent

Boxcar Stage Company is an incredible team of talented artists and educators. They are passionate about creating amazing musical theatre productions while centering students' growth, leadership, and voice. The Boxcar team works tirelessly to ensure that kids have a positive and inclusive experience with all their shows, and the shows themselves are amazing! My two teenagers have been able to sing, dance, act, play in the pit, and student direct with Boxcar as well as get support for their college auditions. As an educator myself, I so appreciate their student-centered and thoughtful creative approach - I highly recommend Boxcar Stage Company!

— Piel Hollingsworth-Hays, Parent

My son has been involved with Boxcar Stage Company for several years. He has learned a ton -being part of every production. He really enjoys spending time with his friends in such a creative, supportive, fun environment. Stephen, Laura, Andrew, and Caitlin are amazing with kids of all ages and great role models for youth who are into performing or tech for local performances.

— Nora Leary, Parent

As a parent with limited experience in the performing arts (wait...make that ZERO experience), the thought of college auditions for my eldest was overwhelming, to say the least. But as soon as he began working with Stephen and Laura it became painless - fun, even. They helped manage the entire process from soup to nuts: understanding my child's strengths and playing to them; challenging him with pieces that were unique and specific to him as an artist; and providing guidance on not only audition selections, but college program selections as well. They are a veritable wealth of knowledge and experience - and manage to both provide white glove service (on the parental side) while truly understanding and being adored by their clients (on the teen side). I cannot begin to tell you how valuable they are - it was the best experience for us all, as a family - and I will never be able to thank them enough
- Jennifer Palmer, Parent

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

My experience working with Stephen and Laura Markarian has been the most helpful, impactful, and confidence boosting experience in my 8 years of theatre. They have taught me to believe in my acting choices, to take risks, and to be ok with making mistakes when I’m on stage. Stephen and Laura are honest and passionate. They always tell us when we make mistakes and how to fix them. They are eager to push us out of our comfort zones in order to be the best performers we can be. They believe in their students so much and always encourage us too give 100% because they want us to be proud of what we get to put on stage. Whether it’s a voice recital, a dance showcase, or a musical production, you name it, every single person is giving their best because Stephen and Laura make them want to do their best

- Anna Radley, Student

Stephen and Laura have been my educators, mentors, and role models as long as I can remember. I share an immeasurable relationship with them, one in which they inspire me to be my most confident and sincere self. They are able to generate an environment that allows them to challenge their students to push past their boundaries while creating a warm and intimate space for them to do so. Stephen and Laura have not only shaped me into the performer I am, but more importantly taught me how to trust and believe in myself
- Payton Allen, Student

Stephen and Laura are not only the best people to work with, but also the best people to be around. They are incredibly professional and always give the best advice whether it’s in a voice lesson, or during a show. No matter the setting, they provide you with so much information, and are always there if you need anything
- Greta Cardoza, Student

Having worked with Stephen and Laura as a student for most of my childhood, I can honestly say that they have shaped me into the artist and person I am today. They are incredibly talented, creative, and gifted in what they do. But more importantly, they are kind, generous, and supportive teachers. I am so lucky to have had them
- Luke Palmer, Student

I’ve known Stephen and Laura since I was 10 years old. I’m 20 now, and in the ten years I’ve known them, I’ve never worked with people who are more committed to their work. They not only care for the job at task, but for their students as well. I’d argue even more than the job at task. Laura and Stephen push their students to try their best and know that they can do even more. I would not be the person or performer I am today if it had not been for them
- Ambar Cassidy, Student

As a voice student of Stephen’s, he helped me to find new techniques that worked for my voice and not just how to sing, but how to sing properly, in a healthy way, and to sing songs I never thought I’d be able to. He has truly allowed me to strengthen and be proud of my vocal performance skills
- Anna Radley, Student

As a student who was completely new to voice lessons, I was nervous going into this experience. But once I started working with Stephen, all of that anxiety and nervousness went away. Stephen was not only able to teach me the ins and outs of my own voice and how to use It, but also create an environment where I felt comfortable to experiment, try new things, and learn so much about myself. In working with Stephen, I was able to grow as a vocalist and a performer. I learned how to use my voice to its full potential and had fun doing it. With Stephen, it is not just about honing a skill, but learning how to make mistakes and grow from these mistakes. My lessons with Stephen were something I looked forward to every week and I cannot even put into words how valuable these lessons were for me
- Ben Pfiefer, Student

Stephen has completely changed my voice within one year. I learned how to use my belt and get out of old singing habits. He helped me gain a lot more confidence as a singer and get out of my comfort zone. His charisma and supportiveness motivates me to do better every lesson
- Priya Shaw, Student

Stephen is hands down the best vocal teacher I’ve worked with. After many years away from performing, I reached out to Stephen to help find my voice again. He is incredibly warm, patient and encouraging in our lessons together. Through Stephen’s support and guidance, I’ve built the confidence to audition and perform in musical theatre again. I recommend his lessons to people of any age who are looking to improve their knowledge and techniques of singing
- Katie Doyle, Student

Laura Markarian has been my private dance instructor for three years, focusing in ballet and jazz. Laura is a talented dancer and teacher who challenges her students while using kindness. Her coaching has strengthened my technique and stage presence and her supportive nature had increased my confidence as a dancer. She has guided me to becoming a better professional and inspired me to pursue a career in dance!
- Eowyn Young, Student

Laura was absolutely integral in my dance education experience. Having danced for a long time after not properly learning the basics, Laura had the hard job of helping me break my old bad habits and solidify proper technique. Her explanations and breakdowns aided my growth as a dancer tremendously! I cannot thank her enough, especially as someone who began taking private lessons in my mid-20s. She brings so much light and joy through movement - I can’t recommend her highly enough!
- Arienne Annati, Student

As an adult who has never taken a private ballet / technique class it was important to me that I have a teacher who was patient, was gentle in the way she spoke about bodies, and was willing to collaborate with my goals. Laura is a radiant human. She is able to explain one movement in a multitude of ways which helped aid in my ability to unlearn a lot of the bad habits I had picked up from my earlier years of dance. Laura is a ray of sunshine. Her passion for dance education shows in the way she works with her students. If you’re looking for a fun, safe, technique based dance education, Laura is the perfect teacher.
- Emily Hershlag, Student

At first, I was unsure about whether I wanted to audition for musical theatre schools, but with Stephen and Laura’s guidance and support I was able to gain the confidence to succeed. They were by my side for countless prescreen filmings and Zoom auditions. All the while, coaching me on all of my material to ensure that I was prepared. I will forever value the time I spent with Stephen and Laura throughout this process, because even at my lowest points, they always knew how to put a smile on my face — and they helped me to believe in myself.
- Ava DeLeo, Student

Acting a Song helped to boost my confidence as both a performer, and an individual. Thanks to Stephen and Laura’s support and encouragement I no longer get as nervous singing in front of audiences, and even my teachers have remarked that I raise my hand and participate more in class
- Kathryn Mary Gannon, Student