The Pillars of Paragon Studios

  • Wellbeing

    Paragon Studios incorporates emotional intelligence and physical balance into all aspects of our training, teaching creatives to work in a way that's emotionally healthy and physically safe. Mental health is a major priority to Paragon Studios.

  • Inclusion

    Paragon Studios is a place for everyone! We embrace creatives from all walks of life. At all ages and all experience levels, we strive to provide a safe space for all.

  • Accessibility

    Paragon Studios is a virtual studio. We are committed to creating a studio format that is flexible, convenient, and accessible for creatives from all over the world.

  • Excellence

    From our first vocal lesson to our college prep course, from the creative who’s never sang to the community theater living legend — Paragon Studios is here for you. We dedicate ourselves to cultivate a culture of excellence and acceptance.

Meet the Founder

Betty Kay - Founder of Paragon Studios

Having been in vocal lessons since she was 9 years old, Betty knows how impactful and formative vocal and acting mentors can be.

That’s why, after having been performing since childhood and finding inspiration from the amazing arts educators that taught her along the way, Betty started Paragon Studios.

As a teenager, Betty was an Assistant Director for several Missoula Children’s Theater Productions. She was also a founding member of West Union Area Community Theater, where she served as Artistic Director and Youth Coordinator for 3 years.

Through WUACT, Betty created a children’s summer theater program, where she organized, directed, designed, and managed a week long children’s theater camp.

Betty Kay as Suzy in “The Marvelous Wonderettes - Dream On!” (2021)

Betty received her Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater with honors from the Stephens College Conservatory for the Performing Arts. While at Stephens, Betty was involved in the Warehouse Theater Company, a student run theater organization. She also worked in the Box Office, in the on-campus Children’s School, and performed in main stage shows every season.

While at Stephens, Betty was selected to work with several industry heavy hitters like Sierra Boggess, Alex Brightman, Christy Altmore, John Bucchino, and Lisa Brescia. She was also awarded ‘Outstanding Vocalist’ by her theater faculty.

After returning to Sioux Falls, Betty began teaching with Breathe Bravely, a local non-profit in the area, through their sINgSPIRE Vocal Lesson Program in 2022. She has worked with the Dakota Academy of the Performing Arts, co-directing ‘Plays for A Living’ with DAPA Founder, Sara Crosby.

Betty has also performed in numerous productions in Sioux Falls, working with beloved companies like the Monstrous Little Theater Company, The Premiere Playhouse, and The Vaudies. Betty started Paragon Studios in 2024.