About Us
A Broadway Kids Company offers children a vibrant and inclusive environment to explore and grow in the performing arts. Our programs provide opportunities to expand their skills in music, dance, acting, and theater. In addition to our core classes, we proudly offer private audition preparation, on-camera acting workshops, etiquette classes, private music lessons, Girl Scout badge programs, vacation day activities, birthday parties, and dynamic summer workshops.
At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that children learn best in a space where they feel free to express themselves. Our motto, “A place where everyone shines like a star!” reflects our commitment to fostering confidence, creativity, and joy in every student. If they aren’t having fun while learning—then we aren’t doing our job!
Meet Our Teachers
Jody Nichols
Founder, Owner, and Instructor
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Jody Nichols is the founder and driving force behind A Broadway Kids Company (ABC). She studied dance at both the University of Massachusetts and the Boston Conservatory, and has devoted the past 38 years to teaching dance and acting to students of all ages. Her choreography credits span major productions for local theater companies—including Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang—as well as high school musicals such as Grease and Anything Goes. She also contributed to the casting and choreography of a national commercial for Shiki Emoji wristbands. Many of her students have gone on to appear in regional and national commercials and film projects.
​Seventeen years ago, Jody launched the Broadway Kids program to introduce young performers to the fundamentals of singing, acting, dance, and improvisation, all while helping them build confidence on stage. Now in its thirteenth year, A Broadway Kids Company offers a variety of classes for children and adults, welcoming students with all levels of experience. ABC provides a nurturing, creative environment where students explore the performing arts through music, dance, and theater. The program also regularly invites guest instructors from across New England and New York, offering students the chance to learn directly from industry professionals.
​Jody expanded ABC in 2020 with the opening of a second location in Metro West, and in 2025, launched a third location in the Arlington/Belmont area, which will debut with a production of Willy Wonka Kids in Fall 2025. ABC North Andover also recently moved to a larger facility to accommodate more private music students and opened the Allen Phillip Schultz Family Theater, home to the ABC Players and their in-house performances. Recent productions under Jody's direction and choreography include Into the Woods Jr., Willy Wonka Jr., Shrek Jr., Frozen Jr., with our upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.
​Beyond ABC, Jody brings theater education into local school districts and has served as the lead dance instructor at Gym Momentum Gymnastics Camp, teaching dancers and gymnasts from around the world.
Under her leadership, A Broadway Kids Company has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Best of the Northshore (BONS) Award from Northshore Magazine for “Best Kids Program” in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
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Madi Kornbliet - ABC Metro West Director
Voice, Piano, Improv, Acting
ABC North Andover - Musical Director, Voice, Piano
Madi is in her sixth year as Director of A Broadway Kids Company ~ Metro West. She has been involved in the theater community since the age of four, developing a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Madi studied Childhood Education and Family Studies at High Point University, where she was also a member of the all-female a cappella group, Petal Points.
Her performance background includes training in acting, voice, and dance—specifically ballet, tap, and hip hop. As a choreographer, Madi has led numerous productions, including High School Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka Jr., Annie Jr., and Beauty and the Beast. She also directed her elementary school’s fifth-grade musicals and continues to bring her creative vision to ABC productions.
At A Broadway Kids Company, Madi has directed Willy Wonka Jr., Shrek Jr., and Frozen Jr., and is currently preparing for the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. She also served as Assistant Director for Into the Woods Jr. In addition to her directing and choreography work, Madi is ABC’s current set designer and costume designer, helping to bring each production to life with creativity and care. She also serves as the lead makeup and hair stylist for ABC’s annual Headshot Extravaganza.
Madi splits her time between ABC’s Metro West and North Andover locations, sharing her love of the arts with students across both communities. Her energy, warmth, and dedication to each child’s growth make her an invaluable part of the ABC family.
Olivia Allyn Nichols - ABC North Andover
Voice, Acting, Improv, On-Camera
Olivia holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Salem State University. She has been a part of A Broadway Kids Company for thirteen years and proudly calls it “the best job in the world.” Her journey in the performing arts includes appearances as an extra in major motion pictures, commercials, and local print campaigns.
Olivia has studied under some of the top vocal coaches in New York City—mentors who also work with Broadway stars and chart-topping artists such as Sara Bareilles. Her training includes guidance from Broadway musical directors and vocal coaches to some of the most celebrated performers in the industry, giving her a strong foundation in both performance and vocal technique.
In addition to her artistic work, Olivia recently completed her first internship at Walt Disney World, with a focus on leadership, management, and hospitality. She is now continuing her professional journey through her second internship with Disney, further developing her skills with one of the world’s leading entertainment organizations.
While ABC is a family business for Olivia, it is also so much more. She brings her soft, gentle heart to every class she teaches and every student she encounters—offering kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her warmth and passion for teaching make a lasting impact on everyone who has the joy of working with her.
Kay Abbs - ABC North Andover Director of Music
Voice, Piano, Guitar and Acting
Kay is delighted to be returning for her sixth year of teaching at A Broadway Kids Company. With expertise in piano, voice, and guitar, she enjoyed a fulfilling professional career in music before transitioning into private education. Specializing in jazz and musical theatre, Kay brings a rich and diverse background to her teaching. In addition to her musical accomplishments, she is also an experienced makeup and special effects artist, having worked alongside Gwen Stefani’s personal makeup artist and earned features in Vogue.
Kay creates a supportive and compassionate learning environment for students of all ages. Her instruction is grounded in classical vocal technique and music theory, enriched by a passion for performance and a deep love of learning. She also teaches improv and serves as co-director of ABC’s Teen Summer Programs, nurturing creativity and confidence in young performers. Kay’s private lessons consistently fill up quickly and often have a waiting list.
She is honored to continue inspiring students through her work at A Broadway Kids Company.
Wendy Kornbliet - All locations
Voice, Lead Teacher and Administrator
Wendy, a graduate of Simmons University, serves as a co-teacher at ABC-West in Metro West. A professional graphic designer, she has spent the past five years designing and implementing arts and crafts activities throughout the year, creating show playbills, and assisting with choreography and teaching.
Wendy was an integral part of the creation of A Broadway Kids Company and is known for keeping everyone organized behind the scenes. Her dance training began at an early age, with a focus on musical theater, tap, ballet, and hip hop. She has been actively involved in numerous theater productions, contributing her skills in choreography and scene development. Throughout her adulthood, Wendy has taught dance and creative movement, nurturing students of various ages and abilities.
She shares her love and passion for the arts with all the families who enter ABC, helping to foster a warm, welcoming, and creative community. Wendy treasures being part of the ABC family business and is grateful for the opportunity to help the ABC community to continue to grow and thrive.
Zoe Armstrong - ABC Metro West Music Director
ABC North Andover - Musical Director/Musicals only
Zoe has been a part of ABC West since its opening in 2020 and has served as Music Director since 2023. She served as Musical Director for the Spring 2025 production of Frozen Jr. and will continue in this role for the upcoming Fall production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.
Zoe began playing piano at the age of four and has studied voice, dance, acting, and music theory from an early age. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Clark University and is currently pursuing her Special Education license at Lesley University. During the academic year, she teaches in the Worcester Public Schools. Zoe is passionate about creating inclusive environments for students of all ages, and is committed to ensuring every individual feels accepted, supported, and celebrated just as they are.
Miss Sandi - ABC North Andover
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Miss Sandi has been with ABC since the early days, but before that, she was a dance teacher herself! She can now be seen greeting the families as they enter ABC, cleaning up, and being a warm and loving grandmother to all of the kiddos!
Marissa Scarpa - ABC North Andover
Voice and Performance Coach
Marissa Scarpa is a passionate voice teacher and performer with a degree in Interdisciplinary Music Studies from Berklee College of Music. She has been part of A Broadway Kids Company since 2013, beginning as a student and now serving as a dedicated member of the teaching staff. Marissa specializes in private voice instruction and performance coaching for students ages 3 to 18.
She combines a strong technical foundation with a nurturing, creative environment that empowers young singers to build confidence, develop their artistry, and refine their vocal skills. Marissa is deeply passionate about teaching and takes great joy in sharing her love of music with the next generation of performers.
Max Nichols - ABC North Andover
Teacher and Lead Assistant of Summer Programs
Max is a rising junior at UMass Dartmouth, where he is majoring in finance. He has been part of A Broadway Kids Company since the age of six, developing a strong passion for acting and improvisation. Over the years, Max has grown into a confident and skilled performer, known for his natural comedic timing and warm, approachable presence.
Beloved by students, Max’s gentle humor and kind spirit make him a favorite among children, who are naturally drawn to his playful energy—and he returns that admiration wholeheartedly. He has served as a lead teacher for the past two years and was a dedicated assistant for nine years prior to that, bringing over a decade of experience and enthusiasm to the ABC community.
For Max, ABC is more than just a family business—it’s a second home built on love, creativity, and connection. He is proud to be part of a program that fosters a true sense of belonging and joy for every student who walks through its doors.
Sydney Phillips - ABC North Andover
Assistant Director of Summer Programs
Sydney is a current Junior at Saint Joseph’s University where she studies clinical psychology. Outside of academics, she is also serves as President of her college acapella group, allowing her to carry on her passion for music throughout her college career. Having been actively involved in varying artistic capacities with singing and theater since the age of five, ABC has allowed Sydney to grow her love for both music and the theater. Sydney is entering her eighth year as an employee of ABC, and her fifth year as a lead assistant of summer workshops. She’s excited to assume her new role of Assistant Director this summer, as she feels like she has grown in and with ABC. Sydney’s grateful for the experience and joy ABC has brought her, and is especially thankful to Ms. Jody for the endless love, trust, and opportunities she has provided. Sydney’s passion for ABC drives her mission of making a positive impact on young singers, while she eagerly continues to support her students at ABC.
Ben McGee - ABC North Andover
Lead Assistant of Summer Programs
Ben is currently working towards a BFA in Theatre Education & Performance at Emerson College. He has been involved with theater since the age of seven and his love for the art has blossomed into his life devotion. Ben attended ABC as a camper when he was nine years old and has been spending every summer there for the past ten years. He is in his sixth year of working at ABC and is entering his 5th summer has a lead assistant and choreographer for the summer workshops. Ben has studied at ABC, taken classes as well as voice lessons. He is passionate about making sure that every student feels welcomed, supported, loved and a part of the ABC family.
Christopher T Parsons - ABC Arlington/Belmont
Artistic Director
Christopher T. Parsons is a seasoned theater educator and director with a passion for inspiring young performers. With over 20 years of experience in schools and theater programs both in the U.S. and abroad, he has dedicated his career to fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration in children through the performing arts.
Since 2014, Christopher has been teaching Theater Arts at Belmont Day School, where he creates a supportive and engaging environment for students to explore their creativity, take risks, and develop a love for performance. Before transitioning into theater education, Christopher spent seven years as a puppeteer at Disney World, where he developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and the magic of live performance. Internationally, he was the founder, director, and driving force behind one of Thailand’s largest community theater organizations, bringing together diverse artists to create vibrant productions that engaged and inspired audiences.
As a director, Christopher has led more than 100 children’s productions, always striving to help young actors build confidence and discover their artistic potential. Now, as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with “A Broadway Kids Company”, he is eager to bring his expertise and passion to a program designed specifically for young performers, fostering their growth in a supportive and imaginative theatrical environment.
