Stagedoor (2005)

65% of critics liked it
(17 reviews)
49% of users liked it
(284 ratings)

Pack your bags for a trip to a Catskills summer camp where the stars of tomorrow go to prepare for their shot at the big time as filmmaker Alexandra Shiva allows viewers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of Stagedoor Manor, the illustrious training ground for such notable Hollywood heavyweights as… More Pack your bags for a trip to a Catskills summer camp where the stars of tomorrow go to prepare for their shot at the big time as filmmaker Alexandra Shiva allows viewers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of Stagedoor Manor, the illustrious training ground for such notable Hollywood heavyweights as Robert Downey Jr., Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Natalie Portman. This is the story of five Broadway hopefuls willing to sacrifice their sun-soaked days of carefree fun in hopes of realizing their dreams of striking it big on-stage. Though grueling days of rehearsal and a constant struggle to earn their place in the spotlight would test the patience of even the most patient of stars, these determined teens are willing to do everything it takes to put on a show that would earn a standing ovation from even the most demanding of critics. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Alexandra Shiva
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest

In Theaters: May 24, 2006 Wide
On DVD: Aug 22, 2006
Studio: Gidalya Pictures

Critic Reviews

Shauna Lyon, New Yorker
... charming documentary ...
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Although Stagedoor has its enjoyable observational moments in its depiction of budding young entertainers stretching their wings, it also has an aimless quality.
Joe Leydon, Variety
Shiva's most impressive achievement here is her ability to communicate universal verities through specific details.
Jan Stuart, Newsday
Watching these pint-sized Lizas resuscitate a dying popular art in a ghost-town vacation resort, you don't know whether to laugh or cry for the loony resilience of the Broadway spirit.
Jorge Morales, Village Voice
Shiva has a sensitive eye for rarefied outcasts.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Performing is something [these kids] need to do. And Stagedoor shows them doing it -- blindly, bravely, determinedly.
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Totally appealing documentary on aspiring theatrical performers at summer camp.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Age and experience questions aside, you want to see more really breakthrough performances.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Fans of Todd Graff's endearing Camp will also enjoy Alexandra Shiva's documentary about Stagedoor Manor, the real-life Catskills summer workshop that inspired Graff's Camp Ovation.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
The documentary only scratches the surface of these lives, but it remains goodhearted and agreeable throughout.
Merle Bertrand, Film Threat
... bears an unfortunate resemblance to one of the ambitious three-week productions the Stagedoor Manor campers strive to put on.
Cherryl Dawson and Leigh Ann Palone, TheMovieChicks.com
Divas-in-training, overacting, pouting, and enough angst to fill a season of reality TV... but there are also some terrific performances by some extremely talented kids.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
If you're already a self-acknowledged Theater Geek, you'll find a lot to enjoy in Stagedoor. And if you're not, you'll probably have a good time anyway.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Sunil J

I LOVED this movie and I usually don't do documentaries. It's pretty misleading to list all of it's major alumni like they appear in this movie because they don't but I enjoyed it for the drama and tenderness. I have a major soft spot for movies about kids at… More
I LOVED this movie and I usually don't do documentaries. It's pretty misleading to list all of it's major alumni like they appear in this movie because they don't but I enjoyed it for the drama and tenderness. I have a major soft spot for movies about kids at summer camp. Maybe because I like the relationships between teens.

Stagedoor (2005)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Sunil J

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