Interview with Elizabeth Burton Lyons - Founder of Broadway Beginnings

I had the pleasure of meeting with Elizabeth Burton Lyons who founded Broadway Beginnings in Lakeland Florida.

Elizabeth is a theater acting coach in Lakeland Florida!

… and … as you can tell, she was REALLY fun to photograph! Those deep green eyes, perfect skin, and SKILL as an actor shone through her entire acting headshot session.

She is an incredible actor, coach, and mentor, and I can’t wait to share with you a bit more about her! She comes highly recommended, if you or your child are curious about coaching and preparation for theater acting. And, now, on with the interview where you can learn more about her story, motivation, and heart for teaching young actors.

Tell me about Broadway Beginnings! What type of business is it, who is it for, and what do you hope to provide for your students?

Broadway Beginnings is a musical theater training program focused on the development of the whole artist-- mind, body and soul. We offer private lessons in singing and acting (in person & virtual), group classes, workshops, summer camps, and a Broadway intensive in New York City! The majority of our programming is held across central Florida, virtually, and in NYC. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned performer, Broadway Beginnings has a program for you. Our greatest hope is to provide a safe and supportive community for our young artists to grow in.

Tell me a bit of your story and what got you into musical theater!

When I was 10, my Mom took me to see the Broadway national tour of Beauty and the Beast and I was hooked! I’ve teared up during every overture since. I earned my BFA in Musical Theater from Florida State University, and lived the NYC hustling actor’s dream for 7 years post-grad. Musical theater is truly in my bones-- I can’t imagine a day without it. To me it is so much more than catchy songs and dazzling costumes – it is an expression of human existence unlike any other.

How has being a teacher impacted you?

My students make the biggest impact on me. I learn from their playfulness, their bravery, and at times, their brutal honesty. I am a more patient and loving version of myself because of them. My students have truly made my dream a reality.

What do you feel helps you differentiate from other acting and theater teachers in our area?

There are many wonderful teachers and training programs across central Florida and the greater US, but what differentiates Broadway Beginnings is our dedication and commitment to the mental health of our young artists. It is at the core of our mission to help our students develop tools that will serve them in life in and outside of the theater. Our Wellness Director, Sarah Claire Smith, LMHC, provides support and education that takes our programming to the next level. As a performer and mental health counselor, no one could guide these young people with a richer perspective than her. It is so much more than singing and dancing to us and we take pride in providing a rich and layered experience for our students.

Now a little about YOU! What was your favorite role you've ever played on stage? Why? And what would your dream role be (also why!)?

Oh my! One of my favorite roles I’ve ever played was Jenna in the Radio City Spring Spectacular. I had the privilege of understudying Laura Benanti, kicking with the Rockettes, and waltzing with Derek Hough--it doesn’t get much more exciting than that! One of my dream roles is Jenna in Waitress (I’m seeing a trend here haha). Not only am I an enormous fan of Sara Bareilles’s music, I am also in love with Jenna’s strength and authenticity. I would love to tell her story.

What does a day in the life of Elizabeth look like? Do you have routines? What do you do for fun?

One of my favorite routines is my morning almond milk latte. After that, I am either out the door to teach class at Harrison School for the Arts or Theatre Winter Haven before a full afternoon and evening of private lessons. One of my favorite daily routines is my post-dinner play time with Clyde, my frenchie.

What book are you reading right now?

Last week, Sarah Claire and I attended the Sara Barielles concert with the National Symphony Orchestra in DC. Sara shared that she is currently developing a new musical based on the book The Interestings and sang one of her new songs from the musical. I am now reading The Interestings🙂

Now finally, can we sneak in a few tips and tricks that actors may love to know?

What are some of your favorite techniques for learning lines and memorizing scripts?

Understanding your lines is key to memorizing them. What/who is your character responding to? How do they feel about it? How does their response help them get what they want? Over time you will develop your own system. Whether it be covering your lines with another sheet of paper and quizzing yourself solo, having a friend or family member help read them aloud, or recording your lines to listen back to, you will find what works best for you.

Do you have any advice on how to handle rejection?

It starts with taking care of your mental health. Investing in things that bring you joy outside of theatre. The more value you can share with all of the amazing things happening in your life, the less heavy each rejection will feel. Take the trip. See the concert. Invest in the things that bring you joy.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

First of all, welcome to the club! :) There is truly no greater feeling than when you are aligned with the things you love and I think it is pretty special to love the art of musical theater. Keep going. Things like rejection will get easier along the way, but always keep your love and heart for the art form at the center of it all. Support those around you because your community can make all the difference in your success, both as a person and an artist.

What is the best way someone can get in touch with you to get started as a student with Broadway Beginnings?

We would love to have you join us! Visit broadwaybeginnings.com and follow us on Instagram @broadway_beginnings.
Feel free to reach out anytime: admin@broadwaybeginnings.com or (863) 272-7714 with questions on our programming.
We can’t wait to meet you🖤