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Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts
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Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts

Author: Leesa Csolak

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Makin’ It Happen; A Career in the Performing Arts Podcast gives you inside information on how to break into the professional performance arts industry; on stage including Broadway, in film, on television, commercials, print, voice over and more.

Host, Leesa Csolak features a line-up of professional performers, directors, musical directors, choreographers, casting directors, agents and managers as well as parents of professional minors; all here to help you understand their world, their journey and how you, too can be a part of it all.

For more information on how to create, curate and navigate a career in the performing arts, visit LBCTalent.com.
54 Episodes
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In this episode Leesa Csolak interviews singer-actress Solea Pfeiffer about her path from childhood violin and theater camps to studying musical theatre in college and breaking into professional work. They discuss college audition strategies (Unifieds, pre-college programs), preparation tips, managing setbacks like vocal surgery, finding representation, and responsibilities of leading a cast. Solea shares practical advice for young artists and parents and previews her upcoming projects.
Join Leesa Csolak and Broadway performer Jess LeProtto as they discuss Jess’s journey from childhood dance classes to multiple Broadway shows. They cover audition mindset, embracing your type, navigating school while working professionally, and the importance of persistence and teamwork in the performing arts. Listeners will get practical advice for young performers and parents about agents, workshops, competitions, and balancing training with schooling, plus insights on social media, networking, and staying true to your craft.
Veteran Broadway musician Bob 'BB' Beck (Robert J Beck) shares his life in music, from early gigs to Broadway and L.A., and how networking, persistence, and skill opened doors. He also explains how he integrates movement, martial arts, and mindfulness into teaching, and offers practical advice for parents and young performers on building careers in the performing arts.
Host Leesa Csolak interviews Sandra Valls — producer, actress, writer, comedian and Broadway star — about her long, nonlinear journey from a musical childhood in Laredo to stand‑up, writing Latina Christmas Special, surviving the pandemic and finally making her Broadway debut at 59 in Real Women Have Curves. They discuss family dynamics, training, the grind of comedy, developing roles with playwrights, and practical advice for parents and artists about persistence, authenticity and turning setbacks into opportunities.
Welcome to Making It Happen, A Career in the Performing Arts, where host Leesa Csolak talks with PACE graduate Madison Embrey - a dancer, singer, and actress known for arena shows. Madison shares her early training, the role of a supportive studio and parent, her BFA in commercial dance at PACE, and how relationships and soft skills shaped her touring career from a Jurassic Park stunt show to the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey tour. This episode offers practical advice for parents and performers on training, resilience, networking, and sustaining a long-term career in the performing arts.
Leesa Csolak interviews dancer, singer, actor, Brandon Burks about his journey from early dance training in San Diego to his Broadway debut in Audra-Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre plus roles in A Chorus Line and Gotta Dance. Brandon reflects on perseverance, audition technique, mentorship, and creating his own opportunities in New York. He offers practical tips for performers and parents—bet on yourself, stay versatile, seek reps, listen and learn, and use relationships and consistency to build a sustainable career in the performing arts.
Host Leesa Csolak shares her personal journey and decades of industry experience, explaining how she helped her sons and clients break into Broadway, film, and television. This episode offers practical advice on agents vs. managers, the importance of preparation, juggling auditions and training, and the stepping-stone approach to a sustainable performing career. Resources mentioned include online courses, the podcast with industry interviews, and the offer of a strategy call to map personalized next steps.
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where industry expert Leesa Csolak shares invaluable insights into navigating the performing arts world. In this episode, Leesa delves into crucial topics such as avoiding scams, understanding industry terminologies, and setting up self-tape auditions. She offers her wealth of experience to parents and young talents eager to break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of training and proper representation. Leesa also touches on the dynamics of self-tape auditions and how they are changing the landscape of auditions. With her extensive experience, Leesa provides guidance on local hire opportunities and the nuances of working with professional agents and managers. Tune in for practical advice aimed at helping your child or young talent excel in this competitive field. Subscribe to stay informed and inspired!
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where Leesa Csolak dives into the secrets of breaking into the entertainment industry. In this episode, she addresses the common questions parents and aspiring performers face when considering a career in the arts. From understanding the role of managers and agents to determining when a child is ready for professional work, Leesa provides invaluable insights drawn from her 40 years of experience. Join the conversation as Leesa discusses key topics such as age considerations, the importance of headshots and resumes, and the balance between training and opportunities. Whether it's Broadway, film, or voiceovers, discover how to navigate this competitive field with confidence. Perfect for parents seeking guidance or individuals at any age looking to embark on a performing arts journey. 
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we explore the intricate journey of breaking into the performing arts industry. In this episode, host Leesa Csolak chats with Katerine Moner about her daughter Isabela Merced's remarkable path from a talented child to Broadway performer (Evita) and Film (Superman 2025) & Television Star (The Last of Us). Together, they discuss the balance between supporting a child's dreams and maintaining a healthy family dynamic, offering insights into the world of professional representation and career growth in the arts. Discover heartfelt stories, valuable advice, and the challenges parents face in nurturing young talent while navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. Join us as we delve into the lessons learned and the rewarding experiences shared along the way.
Welcome to 'Making It Happen,' where we delve into the world of pursuing a career in the performing arts. In this episode, host Leesa Csolek chats with Maggie Devine, a mother who shares her personal journey of supporting her daughter Lucy's burgeoning career in the arts. Discover the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating the industry, from identifying talent at a young age to understanding the roles of managers and agents. Maggie offers insightful advice for parents embarking on this path, discussing the importance of professional training, creating quality self-tapes, and balancing family life with career aspirations. Whether your child has dreams of performing on stage or screen, this episode provides valuable perspectives and tips on nurturing their talents and preparing for the opportunities and hurdles in the performing arts industry.
In this captivating episode of 'Making It Happen,' Leesa Csolak sits down with the renowned choreographer AC Ciulla, as they delve into his extraordinary journey into the performing arts industry. Discover the moment a young, self-taught gymnast decided to pursue dance, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, which ultimately led to his successful career as a choreographer revered for his unique style and vision. Gain insights into how AC turned raw energy and passion into award-winning choreography, and learn valuable advice for performers and parents aiming to carve a niche in this competitive field. Whether you're passionate about dance, curious about Broadway, or simply love an inspiring story, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and encouragement.
Welcome to "Making It Happen," a podcast dedicated to guiding individuals in the performing arts industry. Join host Leesa Csolak as she interviews Mariah Reives, a Broadway performer known for her exceptional talent and inspiring journey. Mariah shares her story, from her early days as a shy child in North Carolina to gracing the Broadway stage. Discover the challenges she faced and how she navigated the competitive world of performing arts, including her debut in "Funny Girl" and her role in "The Great Gatsby" Mariah also introduces her program, The Performer Circle, aimed at helping aspiring artists hone their skills and succeed in the industry.
Welcome to this episode of Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts, where host Leesa Csolak engages in conversation with Broadway star and Tony nominee, Taylor Louderman. Taylor shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Missouri to the bright lights of Broadway, highlighting the significant milestones and challenges along the way. In this insightful discussion, Taylor opens up about the crucial role of familial support in pursuing a performing arts career and the importance of remaining grounded amidst the industry's rollercoaster ride. She also offers valuable advice to parents of budding performers on nurturing talent and navigating the challenges of the profession. Tune in to learn how Taylor embraced the ups and downs of her career, the lessons she garnered from iconic roles like Regina George in Mean Girls, and her thoughts on balancing personal life and career ambitions. This episode is packed with invaluable wisdom for performers at any stage of their journey.
Join host Leesa Csolak on Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts as she delves into the inspiring journey of Michael Kushner. Discover how childhood performances led to Broadway stages and gain invaluable insights on breaking into the performing arts industry. Explore the challenges, achievements, and the support systems that shape a successful career in the arts. Whether you're a parent of a young performer or an aspiring artist yourself, this episode offers a roadmap to navigating the complexities of a life dedicated to the theater.
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we dive deep into the journey of breaking into the performing arts industry. In this episode, Leesa Csolak sits down with Broadway talent Dan Rosales to discuss the realities behind the scenes, the importance of resilience, and the value of relationships in the industry. Dan shares his experiences, from facing rejection to landing major roles, and offers invaluable advice for young performers and their parents. He emphasizes the importance of cross-training, mental preparation, and staying positive. Whether you're an aspiring performer or supporting a young talent, this episode provides crucial insights to help you navigate the performing arts world successfully. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that sheds light on what it truly takes to succeed in the performing arts.
Welcome to "Making It Happen, a Career in the Performing Arts," where we discuss how to break into the performing arts industry for yourself or your child, teen, or young adult. Join host Leesa Csolak as she chats with professionals passionate about helping talented individuals land professional representation and have successful careers in the arts. In this episode, Leesa interviews Dan Rosales, a talented performer currently starring in "The Great Gatsby" on Broadway. Dan shares his journey from his early days in afterschool drama programs and choir, to his collegiate training at the Boston Conservatory, and ultimately, to his Broadway debut. Learn about the importance of staying open to opportunities, the value of collegiate programs, and the significance of kindness and collaboration in the industry. Discover how Dan navigated his career path, the serendipitous events that led him to Broadway, and his advice for aspiring performers. Whether you're a parent of a talented child or an adult pursuing a career in the arts, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Don't miss this engaging conversation that sheds light on the dedication, hard work, and passion required to make it in the performing arts industry.
Join host Leesa Csolak in this exciting episode of "Making It Happen, A Career in the Performing Arts" as she chats with Kevin Csolak, now playing the role of Tulsa in the upcoming highly acclaimed Gypsy on Broadway and previous cast member of the Tony Award-winning show "The Outsiders." Recorded at the iconic Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in New York City, Kevin shares his experiences of returning to Broadway post-pandemic, his transition to film and TV, and the unique challenges performers face in maintaining their craft. Discover Kevin’s journey from his early days on Broadway to his recent work in TV series like "Animal Kingdom." He discusses the adaptations necessary for self-taping auditions during the pandemic, the differences between performing on stage and on screen, and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Kevin also provides valuable advice for aspiring performers on finding their niche, the importance of continuous learning, and the realities of sustaining a career in the performing arts. This episode is packed with insights for parents, young performers, and anyone interested in breaking into the industry. Don’t miss Kevin’s heartfelt stories and practical tips on navigating the performing arts industry. Tune in to get inspired and learn how to make your dreams a reality!
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where host Leesa Csolak, CEO and founder of Makin' It Happen, delves into strategies for breaking into the performing arts industry. This episode features a conversation with Anthony Meindl, renowned acting coach and founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop. Anthony shares his insights on the importance of passion, perseverance, and the evolving nature of acting. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adapting, whether you are a young performer or an adult entering the industry. Leesa and Anthony discuss the significance of letting children lead their journey in the arts and how parental support should foster rather than pressure. Discover how Anthony’s global schools operate and the core philosophy that guides his teaching. This episode is packed with valuable advice for parents, young actors, and adults looking to thrive in the performing arts. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of this dynamic field and find joy in the process. For more resources, visit lbctalent.com and connect with Anthony at anthonymeindle.com.
Welcome to "Making It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts," where we delve into the intricacies of breaking into the performing arts industry for yourself or your child, teen, or young adult. Join Leesa Csolak, CEO and founder of Making It Happen, as she converses with passionate professionals dedicated to helping talented individuals achieve successful careers in the arts. In this episode, Leesa sits down with Anthony Meindl, a renowned acting coach and founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop. Discover Anthony's unique journey and his philosophy on acting, teaching, and navigating the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. From the impact of technological advancements to the importance of staying versatile and connected, this episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring artists and their families. For more information about Leesa's courses, how-to videos, live webinars, in-person seminars, and free guides, visit lbctalent.com. To connect with Anthony and learn more about his actor workshop, visit anthonymeindel.com and follow him on social media at @anthonymeindelstudios. Tune in next Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern for part two of the interview with Anthony Meindl. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for notifications!
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