Makin’ It Happen: A Career in the Performing Arts
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 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 https://lbctalent.com
Episodes
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...
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 t...
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 pare...
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 & Bail...
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, l...
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 ...
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 imp...
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...
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...
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 age...
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 insi...
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 perfo...
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 su...
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 aspiri...
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 invaluab...
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 star...
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 transi...
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 ...
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, ...
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