Sheli Stevens
Founder · Inspirational Coach · World-Class Performer
Sheli Stevens founded Stage Craft Coach in 2017, guided by a lifelong passion for teaching, mentoring, and empowering others through music and performance. As the heart and creative force behind the studio, Sheli provides comprehensive coaching in singing, movement, and stage presence, working with students of all ages—from curious beginners to seasoned performers.
Over the past seven years, Sheli has coached more than 350 students ranging from ages 5 to 95, helping each one build confidence, express their creativity, and find their authentic voice. Stage Craft Coach offers personalized one-on-one vocal training from Sheli’s studio in Laval, as well as after-school group programs in local schools. One of the studio’s signature moments, Stage Craft’s Got Talent Showcase, recently brought together 35 performers aged 5 to 65, celebrating courage, growth, and the joy of live performance.
At the core of Sheli’s mission is a simple but powerful belief: music should be accessible, meaningful, and transformative for everyone. Her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and deeply respectful of each student’s individuality—creating a safe space where confidence can grow naturally.
A World-Class Performer with a Global Journey
Originally from Oregon, Sheli Stevens is an internationally experienced vocalist whose career reflects both artistic excellence and adventurous spirit. She began singing at the age of three and immersed herself in performance throughout her youth. After excelling in a specialized performing arts high school, Sheli continued her studies in Finland, receiving classical training in voice, piano, flute, and drums.
In her early twenties, Sheli toured internationally with The Young American Song and Dance Company, followed by lead vocalist and headliner roles aboard Regency Cruise Ships, performing for audiences from Alaska to Aruba. From 2000 to 2022, she was widely recognized as the lead vocalist for 1945 The Band, captivating audiences with her presence, versatility, and vocal power.
Today, as an independent entrepreneur and sought-after performer, Sheli collaborates with top-tier musicians and delivers high-quality performances across a wide range of styles, including Pop, Top 40, R&B, Jazz, Swing, Classic Rock, Lounge, and her original compositions. Whether on stage or in the studio, her depth of experience ensures performances—and coaching—that are both technically refined and emotionally resonant.
Through Stage Craft Coach, Sheli Stevens continues to inspire students, schools, and audiences alike—helping people of all ages step into the spotlight with confidence, skill, and authenticity.
Maria Papadimitriou
Stagecraft Coach · Vocal & Performance Mentor
Maria Papadimitriou is a stagecraft coach and multi-instrumentalist with a lifelong connection to singing, performance, and creative expression. From the moment she stepped on stage as a child, music became more than a skill—it became a language for confidence, courage, and authenticity.
With over 10 years of musical experience and 3+ years working closely with children and teens, Maria brings a rare blend of artistic depth and educational sensitivity to her teaching. She is a lifelong singer and accomplished multi-instrumentalist (guitar, piano, bass, and drums), with extensive live performance experience as a singer, drummer, and bassist in a rock band performing both original music and covers. She also continues to write, compose, and produce her own music, keeping her creative practice vibrant and current.
Maria has worked with students aged 4 to 17 across multiple schools in the Laval area, including Hillcrest Academy, Twin Oaks Elementary, Crestview Elementary, and as a replacement instructor at Souvenir Elementary and Laval Senior Academy. In both classroom and performance settings, she is known for creating safe, encouraging environments where young people feel supported to explore their voices freely and confidently.
At the heart of Maria’s teaching philosophy is a powerful belief: every voice is unique and irreplaceable. Rather than pushing students to compare themselves to others or chase perfection, she guides them toward trusting their own sound, presence, and emotional truth. Her coaching helps students move through fear—whether stage fright, self-doubt, or social pressure—and reconnect with the joy and honesty of self-expression.
Working with children is deeply meaningful to Maria. Their imagination, openness, and emotional sincerity continually inspire her and shape her approach. She views teaching as a shared creative exchange—one rooted in trust, growth, and discovery—where confidence is built not only on stage, but within.
Through her work with Stage Craft Coach, Maria empowers young singers and performers to find their voice, claim their space, and step forward with confidence—skills that extend far beyond the stage and into everyday life.
