FOUNDER

Elizabeth Burton Lyons is an educator, mentor, performer, and the founder of Broadway Beginnings. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Florida State University and has dedicated over 15 years to educating and mentoring young artists. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has led students in classrooms, studios, and performance settings, fostering an environment where every artist feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Her educational leadership includes serving as Director of Fine Arts at All Saints Academy and Artist in Residence at Harrison School for the Arts. Through Broadway Beginnings, Elizabeth has cultivated a training environment where artistic excellence and student well-being go hand in hand, encouraging students to pursue their goals while embracing authenticity, resilience, and kindness.

As a performer, Elizabeth's credits include the Radio City New York Spring Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, Derek Hough, and Laura Benanti (understudy for Laura Benanti); the pre-production of Beetlejuice (Lydia); the First National Tour of Elf (understudy for Jovie), performing at Madison Square Garden and The Kennedy Center; and the National Tour of The Wizard of Oz (understudy for Dorothy), where she also directed and mentored more than 400 students who joined the production as munchkins in over 40 cities nationwide.

Elizabeth believes the greatest measure of success is not simply the roles students book, but the people they become. Alongside the Broadway Beginnings faculty, she is committed to creating a supportive community where young artists prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while pursuing excellence. Watching students encourage one another, celebrate each other's successes, and grow into wholehearted, authentic individuals remains the most rewarding part of her work, and she considers it a privilege to guide them throughout their artistic journeys.

WELLNESS DIRECTOR

Sarah Claire Colling, LMHC-QS is thrilled to serve as the Wellness Director for Broadway Beginnings. She is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, a qualified supervisor, and a certified life coach with a deep passion for supporting young artists as whole people — not just performers.

Sarah Claire brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and lived artistic experience to her work. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Florida State University and has performed professionally regionally, in New York and on Broadway tours. Her background in the performing arts deeply informs her approach to wellness, creativity, and sustainable success in high-pressure artistic environments.

Now based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Sarah Claire is the founder and director of Bungalow Counseling, a group counseling practice rooted in trauma-informed, relational, and compassion-focused care. Alongside her clinical work, she continues to perform when she can and remains deeply connected to the artistic community.

Sarah Claire is especially passionate about helping young artists integrate wellness practices into their creative lives — supporting nervous system regulation, emotional health, identity development, community development and resilience — so they can thrive both on and off the stage. She hopes to impart these values to every artist and community she serves, fostering not only extraordinary performers, but grounded, connected, and healthy humans.

FACULTY

Paige holds a MFA in Acting from the University of Central Florida and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. She has deeply embraced both the Stanislavski System and Catherine Fitzmaurice voice techniques, shaping her dynamic and nuanced approach to performance.

Paige’s performance resume is rich and diverse. She’s toured with The Wizard of Oz, and brought compelling life to classic and contemporary roles across regional theater—from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Henry VI: Part 2 at Orlando Shakes, to musicals like Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, and Shrek: The Musical. She has honed her craft under respected mentors like Lexie Dorsett Sharp, Amy Murphy, and Catherine Fitzmaurice, gaining skill in singing, speech, dialects, dance, and even sewing and marketing—demonstrating her creativity on and off the stage.

FACULTY

Pedro Kaʻawaloa is an actor, musician, music director, teacher, and coach. As an actor, he has performed in national tours and at regional theaters, including: Alabama Shakes, Asolo Rep, The Fulton, Theatre Raleigh, and Orlando Shakes. As a music director, he has worked with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings as well as regional theaters, including: Creede Rep, Peterborough Players, and Theatre SilCo.

Pedro also has extensive experience as an educator, holding a BA in Music from Harvard University. He has worked at all levels of education, from elementary school to higher education, having taught students in acting, voice, and musical instruments. In addition, he has worked for many years as a private coach, developing his students' skills, tailoring his methods to their individual needs.