Musical Theater Camp Expanding To MetroWest This Summer

WAYLAND, MA — A popular North Shore musical theater camp is coming to MetroWest, an expansion that comes with the hope that the coronavirus pandemic is fading.

A Broadway Kids Company (ABC) was founded almost a decade ago in Middleton by dancer and choreographer Jody Nichols. The new west location will begin in July for young people between ages 6 and 14.

Nichols' niece, Framingham High School graduate Madison Kornbliet, will run the Wayland camp. The time is right to expand, Nichols said, as young people emerge from another school year disrupted by the pandemic.

Kornbliet, 24, said she wants the camp to instill "the drive to perform instead of being perfect." The camp will feature, dancing, arts and crafts and performances from musicals like "Annie," "Hamilton" and "The Greatest Showman."

The camp will be held over six weeks at the community arts center at Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Concord Road.

Last summer, ABC emerged from the coronavirus pandemic when Gov. Charlie Baker lifted restrictions in June. Baker on Tuesday said he would begin loosening restrictions in May, with activities like indoor singing allowed as soon as May 10.

Last summer's camp was of course different with masks, temperature checks and social distancing — but Nichols said it was important for young people after a difficult spring.

"I love teaching children and it's so important in this day and age that children have a place to go where they are happy," Nichols said. "We lead with love."